Do you have a trusty swimsuit you wear every summer? For the past couple years, I’ve worn this one-piece — but I’m excited to mix things up with a fun print or silhouette. Here are nine lovely options…
What type of swimsuit do you wear? Also, how sexy is the back of this suit?
P.S. 12 more lovely swimsuits, and a genius honeymoon packing tip.
(Top photo and swimsuit by Mollusk.)
Sweet! I don’t know the maker (Martha Duerr) personally, but she grew up with my best friend’s family in Hawaii, and her parents are gems with the most amazing house above the local surf spot. Good people and rad suits.
Love my Pali Swim!
https://paliswim.com/
Fabulous on all body types and designed and made in California!
TL;DR lands end swim capris and swim shirt
I wear skirted swim capris or a swim skirt with a long sleeve swim shirt on top. My dad had melanoma so I don’t take chances with that but the main reason is…I wouldn’t go anywhere in public in anything remotely as revealing as a swimsuit if it weren’t a swimsuit, you know? My body just isn’t available for people to look at. Not out of modesty, I don’t think, I just DGAF about “looking cute” instead I just want to live my life but at the beach or pool or wherever.
lately I’ve been into the idea of wearing a “modest” swimsuit, with sleeves and a skirt. but not actually for modesty’s sake, but just to switch up the silhouette. And more for vanity than modesty. Does it look weird to wear a rashguard if I have no intention of learning to surf ?
I hope it doesn’t look weird! I’ve been looking for a good rashguard to wear just around the pool.
For a couple years now I’ve been wearing a solid black two piece with a Billabong rash guard over it. I don’t see the exact one I have online, but it’s something like this one: https://www.billabong.com/sweet-song-long-sleeve-rashguard-828570753832.html#cgid=women_surf_rashguards&start=20&hitcount=31
My grandmother was a redhead and I’ve inherited her skin tone, so I’m actually more comfortable with as much covered as possible. Especially since I don’t like sunscreen!
I snapped up one of those J.Crew 1989 scoopbacks and made a key realization as I did: they can be monogrammed. I have a minor obsession with monogramming stuff with acronyms instead of my initials, and there is now a black one-piece en route to me with TCB stitched in fire-engine red at the hip. Huzzah! (Other contenders included PYT, WTF, FYI, ODB, and OPP, but at the end of the day the ’70s Elvis reference won out.)
Question – I’m (very) small chested and am tired of the usual swimsuit padding that moves all over the place and which are obvious the minute the suit gets wet. That said, no padding at all results in nip city and unflattering shapes.
Any recommendations for bikini tops or one pieces for those of us who are challenged in the boob department? Thanks in advance!
Emilie, I like triangle bikini tops, or halter plunge, tie around the neck one pieces or tops, without padding, unless it’s sewn in. It’s a challenge for sure, and probably why I’m still mostly wearing a black triangle string bikini from 15 years ago.
emilie- hello! I have only one breast after a mastectomy and the other is an A at best- I’ve started wearing a coobie bra (foam inserts included) under a zip front one piece. It’s not perfect but it covers a host of sins- and I still look small with this bra on- my usual self… I’m not at the age where I want to wear a bikini anymore. I would love for all women to wear whatever swim costume they want- because even with body positivity there are so many who just don’t swim… due to the always it seems revealing outfits that are normative. I did see swim leggings this year on one website! Very cool.
I would love to see some posts specifically for us A-cups! Bras and swimsuits are SO hard to find. The A cup bras most shops sell doesn’t seem to be a true A at all. The cup is often quite huge. Which makes me feel even worse (cue sobs)!
Emilie
I wear a 34B on a VERY good day. The Santorini one piece from Boden is the best and most flattering swimsuit I own. It is perfect for small chests. In fact, I don’t see how it would be comfortable if I were any bigger. Not only are by boobs small, but the are low and shaped like two sad fried eggs. This suit gives them shape! And the leg hole cut hits at just the right spot where it looks modern but stays put and doesn’t make you self conscious about pulling your suit out of you butt all day. For years I have always worn a suit with shorts or a tankini with a skirt. Last year I bought this one piece and could not be happier.
Just a thought: Could you try a top with some decorations at the collar/chest? I don’t know what the correct terminology is, but for example, some kind of pleated Frill layered playfully over the chest? So that way you don’t need to wear pads (which also take forever to dry etc), and yet the area that you feel private about is loosely covered in a fashionable way and no one will be the wiser.
I was thrilled to fall down the Land of Women rabbit hole thanks to a photo of their stunning Neva cross back one piece swimsuit (beautifully photographed from behind) featured on Cup of Jo a few years ago. I am 5’8″ tall, pear shaped, size 10 bottomed gal with a loooooong torso and small breasts. When its time to swim I swear by Land of Women’s Serena V neck, size large in black. Such a handsome suit. Looks so chic worn as a body suit with a linen skirt thrown over top. Unfortunately, Land of Women do not offer extended sizes beyond what they call Large + (size 12 is my guess). The quality is fantastic, the bum cheek coverage is MODEST but still chic as hell. I love that suit. Breastfeeding friendly! Here is the link: https://landofwomen.com/collections/swimwear
They are having a fantastic sale right now!
As a Canadian, I love to support local brands and I LOVE Minnow Bathers. Their suits are edgy and fresh. I wear the high waisted Oleander bottoms in Snake print and the Shell top in red. Dig the mix ‘n match! Check them out: https://www.minnowbathers.com
Also – I just wanted to leave a pro tip for any pregnant and busty women shopping for swimsuits. I had THE most challenging time looking last summer and discovered this hack: I bought a solid color maternity bottom and purchased a floral plus-size top because my bust had grown so much. None of the regular maternity tops were giving me the coverage or support I wanted! I was a DD pre-pregnancy and now I’m a DDD and still nursing! Good luck ladies! And remember that everybody has a beach body.
I’m here for the comments. I just knew the COJ community was going to come through with some recs for some flattering suits for us curvier ladies and you all did NOT disappoint.
For suits with more coverage, I love a little boutique called DM fashion. They are super flattering and having amazing support for chest/belly. I feel cute and everything stays in place. Also, they’re high-quality material so they keep their shape and last forever. It’s so nice to have a suit where I can feel cute, move, and not feel anxious. https://dmfashion.com/collections/all-swimwear
Those are the cutest suits I’ve seen!! Thank you for sharing.
These are all very cute – but did you realize that the options you posted, for the most part, don’t extend past a size Large? Not that I expect you guys to be the arbiter of size awareness – but you are usually more aware.
I have plenty of swimsuits but the leopard and the halter are adorable!
I love these- they are all so cute! I usually go primarily for function, since I swim laps. Speedo or TYR. But this year, if it is ever even safe to go swimming, I may check out Andie Swim or Summersalt.
I do love Boden though….so many choices….!
I’m a size 14/16 with a G cup… making bathing suit shopping not easy. I swear by JCrew’s Ruched Bandeau one piece. It’s SO well made and I’m always comfortable and supported (and cute!). When they’re on sale (which they are right now) I buy one whether I need it or not.
Hi Twyla,
Have you heard of Wild Isles? The specialize in suits for D cup and up :)
https://shop.wildislesswim.com/
I also have the 1989 scoopback suit and I LOVE it! But I recently refreshed my swim wardrobe with two new swimsuits from J crew — two pieces, one floral print with ties at the shoulder and a high waisted bottom, and one in a beautiful cerulean blue. So excited to wear them this summer (I hope!)
I love the GabiFresh collection at swimsuitsforall.com. Cute and trendy, well-made, and sized 10-26
i also have a long torso and have not been able to find a one piece. would also love recommendations if anyone has any!
See the comment thread below about this — so many great recs! Xoxo
JCrew has long torso one pieces. Not a cheap option, but if you catch them on sale you can get them for half price. They’re excellent quality too!
Liz, I haven’t tried them, but Old Navy has some one-piece suits in Tall sizes! I have one in my cart and just haven’t purchased it yet. I would love to wear a one-piece that actually FITS.
Andie Swim offers a long torso option. I don’t have a long torso myself, but noticed that this was an option for the Tulum one piece that I ordered! They’ve got a fun quiz and cute style options for one piece suits. It might be a good place to try! Happy swimming :)
I feel your pain!!
Try Summersalt! They have a long torso Sidestroke (that’s what I have) – and a few other options.
I also like Tankinis from Limericki. They have modern, non-frumpy but nice coverage options.
I love it. I have no use for a swimsuit this year. I can’t say no to a good swimsuit!
Love the wrap and halter top versions! I was wondering if it would be possible, in the future, to note which items in these type of posts are from B-Corporations. Would be super helpful and appreciated!
Oh man, as if I’m going swimming this summer! No water anywhere near and too many people. Nice to dream though…
Last summer for the first time in my 32 years I wore a bikini all summer long. I was pregnant and massive and I absolutely loved it. I went to the public pool, I went on holiday in Portugal (where everyone is tan and gorgeous) and swam every day. At nine months when my baby was late smack in the middle of October I kept going with my bikini trying to relieve the pressure of my big belly. I felt glorious and perhaps even a bit sexy. No fabric across my belly! Essentially in my bra and knickers in the pool! What a feeling!
After having my daughter and a c – section, my belly was all over the place! I found an amazing one piece swim suit at marks and spencer. I’d never shopped from there before but the quality and design was amazing and it was so flattering. Also, my boobs were bigger and the support was fantastic. I wore it for 3 straight years.
Some time ago I saw an article (blog post?) from woman searching for bathing suit after becoming mum. The bathing suits that she linked were sooo good. Was the article linked here (I am quite sure it was)? Does anyone remember it? I would like to read it again. thank you.
yes, yes, yes! Thank you so much!
I’m 6’1” and sadly have never found a one piece that doesn’t expose one end or the other or both at once :/ I’ll take any recommendations!!
Hi! for any other ladies out there who need support AND sun protection (I live in san diego with nipples down to my belly button) I have a “bathing suit bra” that I use under my one piece or two piece rash guard bathing suits. It’s just one of my usual favorite bras but I only wear it under my bathing suits and I feel so good and supported. I have to replace it each summer because the salt water and constant washing wears away at it but it is money worth spent for me.
I have other bathing suits from panache and bravissimo and other brands that size by the cup (I am a heavy 34I) but endless days at the beach mean I need proper sun coverage and the long sleeve bathing suits are my best options but they don’t offer any support. So I just put a bra under it.
This describes me as well…need support and sunprotection.
In addition to this bra wearing strategy I found adorable Athleta tennis skort made from swimsuit material I could wear while paddleboarding or even swimming. My piece of advice: if you find a suit/top/skort/bra you love, then buy another (or two) and save in reserve. I swim for exercise in chlorinated pool. and even with rinsing chlorine and drying indoors the elastic of suits tend to fail after one year. I hate the angst of suit shopping, so knowing I have a trusted model to step in as the understory helps. You must buy in the same season, as I have learned the hard way it is hard to find identical model a few years later. I also need to plug Speedo, I find if you are an athletic swimmer their suits always perform.
I just discovered Londre swimwear and WOW am I impressed!
I am someone who loathes every form of clothes shopping and find online shopping daunting.
I am happy to report that the Londre site was SUPER simple, the representation of NORMAL bodies was so refreshing great and the quality of the product is top notch! Plus, the packaging was nice but VERY MINIMAL. They are made local (to me, in Vancouver, BC) but ship everywhere.
Truly cannot recommend them enough!
I have the j crew one you posted at the end with a sexy back in a few colors. Love it. Great comfy but still sexy fit. Makes me feel like princess Di in the 90s. Just got a monogrammed one and I love it even more.
Anybody know of a suit or brand that’s supportive for those with a larger cup size? I love being active, but hate feeling so unsupported, and want something cuter than what you’d swim laps in. Ideas?
barenecessities.com has amazing options for larger cup sizes. Before my breast reduction I was a 38F and that was my go to. Still is at 36DD! I particularly like Freya brand, but if they don’t go large enough for you there are other brands, and you can filter/shop by size.
GabiFresh (and other collections on the site, I’m sure) on swimsuitsforall.com tops are bra-sized and go up to G/H.
Gottex has underwire in their one-pieces and I think they have a special “large bust” line.
For Bikinis, I swear by this bodyglove top: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Glove-Smoothies-Underwire-Swimsuit/dp/B07GV57PDJ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=body+glove+bikini+top&qid=1590591215&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyVFpXVktQT1FDMERDJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODc3MTcxV1dDOTVHRTk2VjUwJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA5NTA4NDdZRDkwWTROSE1FTlomd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
Highly reviewed by busty women and I find it to be more supportive and comfortable than my favorite bra. It comes in a bunch of colors but I got black so I can match it with black bottoms I already love.
Bravissimo has good options by cup size.
Joanna and team, any recommendations for eco-friendly and fair trade swimwear?
hackwith design house or esby apparel!
I wear bikini’s from KaiKini bikini’s. They are a local company based in Kauai. Although I live in Arlington, VA. They are amazing. You feel confident and sexy in their bikini’s and 1 pieces. If you have any questions about sizing or anything, just contact them. They are a fabulous group of ladies.
These look amazing – thank you!
Luv Martha is a great small brand making totally custom bathing suits!
I learned about the J CREW high waisted ruched bikini bottoms in the comments here last summer and they are now my holy grail. So comfy and flattering whether you’re feeling good/on your period/overate a ton of vacation food. xx
Anyone have a recommendation for a one-piece good for someone with a long torso?
Try KaiKini bikini’s. I just posted about how my suits are from them. They custom order based on your size. They use real Kauai women to model and one of them has a long torso.
J Crew has long torso swimsuits. I used to have their ruched bandeau one piece for long torso (I bought at an outlet and realized later I needed the D cup not long torso. But they made them in the past. You may check again.)
I’ve had good luck with Land’s End Women’s Tall styles! It depends on how low cut they are of course, but they usually have a decent selection from season to season! (I’m 5’9.5″ with a very long torso :))
***Lands’
Me!! Land’s End makes “long” bathing suits. Lots of choices!! I love them, as I’m tall and there’s no way I can fit a regular-length one piece.
I have a super long torso and I find that Aerie is great. They make a long size, the price is right, and a lot of the styles are not just for the youths!
Yes! So hard to find unfortunately. I have a great one from Jcrew, purchased several years ago, and it’s actually a long torso size. Though this year the options at JC are almost non existent. Old navy also carries LT sizes, but fair warning the one pieces are better than most brands, but some are still not super long! Would love to hear other recommendations!
I have a 12” rise and I have had good luck with Boden suits! Also J Crew and Aerie sometimes do long/tall sizes on select suits.
I’ve had good luck with Aerie…cute styles and the most affordable I’ve found. J Crew and Lands End carry a few (very limited) styles, but they are pricier. A trick is to wear a high waisted bottom with a tankini top in the same color, which gives a similar look but doesn’t help much if you need a suit for swimming laps or diving. I also saw this year that target.com has a few styles available in long that I want to check out!
I have a freaky long torso and am very pear shaped and never ever ever EVER thought I would find a one piece until a 23 year old coworker recommended… American Eagle. Yes, the fast fashion brand for teenagers. They have tons of “long torso” styles and are surprisingly well made. I have the strappy back one piece in 2 colors and have the wrap front one peace on order (in tiger print!). Good luck, my long-torso’d friend.
Lands End specializes in long torso
I’ve seen aerie has “long” as an option but I haven’t tried their suits yet. Waiting for one to come soon in the mail.
I just ordered some Andie swim suits JUST for this same reason – long torso one piece. I’m hopeful!
JCrew sells long torso one pieces! I love the femme ruched one piece!
I’m a mom in my thirties with a ridiculously long torso, and I have surprisingly found American Eagle bathing suits are great! Almost all of them come in tall lengths and they are the only one pieces I have ever found that I don’t have to decide whether my boobs are coming out the top or the bottom is wedged as high as possible up my butt.
My torso is very, very long and I absolutely ADORE the tugless tank from Land’s End in the long torso length!!! It’s just a simple one piece but it’s surprisingly flattering and very comfortable!
Speedo makes very comfy long torso one piece suits, if you’re okay with the sporty basic black style. I’d love to find a good long torso suit with some more pizzaz, but for now I’ll settle for being able to jump in the water without my boobs popping out :-)
I have the last one listed here (the halter one from Boden). It comes in tall sizes (I’m very tall), and is so flattering!
I couldn’t believe it, but Old Navy is one of the only places I’ve seen one-piece suits in Tall. I stocked up last summer and love them!
The scalloped one is so cute! I have a Marie swimdress from Jessica Rey, and it is so well made. I’ve worn it consistently for five years, and it’s still in great shape.
That Boden suit (last image) is a wonder. It’s got good structure and thick fabric to really hold it all in. I’ve never felt more confident wearing a swimsuit.
Carve Designs suits are by far the best. They are flattering (and I’m no supermodel) and stay put in all the right places.
Carve Designs saved my life last year! I’m a field scientist and got tapped for a water-based field expedition, which is a dream come true for me, but also a new experience, so I had zero clothes for it. I went to my local REI and got two tops and two bottoms from Carve Designs. They look cute without being too much to wear in front of work colleagues, and they survived the field season still looking like new. (No small feat.)
I also have a Patagonia one piece that’s great for both technical and casual stuff, but it has a deep v neck so it’s just for fun, not for work. (Hashtag field scientist problems?) I feel great in all of these suits, and it’s a nice bonus that my partner is a big fan of all of them, too.
what a pretty collection dear! Since I moved to Barcelona I can’t say no to a good swimsuit!
Lots of love, MeetMiri
The scalloped bathing suit is adorable… probably my first choice. I also love the look of the halter top, but I‘Ve learned that I can’t wear bathing Suits Or dresses with a tie-up in the neck. They are so uncomfortable for me, which is too bad because I love the look!
They are all super cute! I like bikinis (I love the feeling of the sun on my belly!) but I need to get different sizes for the top and the bottom and I used to get them split up. To have a more polished look, do you know any cute brand that let you select different sizes for the two pieces?
Thank you!!
Boden makes the best suits!
I have no use for a swimsuit this year, but that rash guard is really stinkin’ cute. Could also totally pass as a bodysuit.
I LOVE that rash guard too – hoping to slip into the water somehow, somewhere this year.
Bows are everything everywhere all at once.
It's hard to believe I'm saying this...
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