Shopping·10 min read

The Best Bathing Suits to Get You Ready for Summer

Best bathing suits for summer
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Monday Swimwear, Free People
April 24, 2025

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Now that spring is in full bloom, we’re thinking warm thoughts, and realizing our swimwear drawer is filled with faded, stretched-out styles we’ve been wearing for years. If your beachwear leaves something to be desired, too, pick up some of the bikinis, one-pieces, and cover-ups ahead before your summer plans are in full swing.

underwire-top
Free People

An underwire top with just the right amount of coverage…

If it’s up to us, we’re wearing an underwire top every time we’re at the beach. You can’t beat the support and the subtle lift it gives you. This one is a classic style that’ll keep you covered, even if you’re doing water activities. The textured fabric and bright colors are eye-catching, and it has adjustable straps for the perfect fit. Grab the matching bottom here. ($68, Free People)

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retro-bikini
Amanda Uprichard

A bikini top with a retro shape…

Between the poppy print and the pin-up girl vibes, we’re sold. It has thick straps that tie at your neck to make sure the bandeau never slips. There are so many options to go with it, including the minimal-coverage bottom, shorts, skirt, and cover-up shirt. Who doesn’t love a matching moment? ($95, Amanda Uprichard)

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maxi-dress
Quince

A chic maxi dress cover-up…

Made of organic cotton, this cover-up will be comfortable and breezy, whether you’re headed to lunch or poolside drinks. The high halter neck and low back are elegant and match any swimsuit with ease. It also comes in a mini version. ($49.90, Quince)

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fp-one-piece
Free People

A one-piece that comes in so many colors…

A comfy one-piece is a wardrobe staple, and this one has all the right details to make it your favorite. The high-cut leg will accentuate yours, the ruching allows you to move freely, and the square neck will keep you covered. It’s also double-lined, so you don’t have to worry about anything showing. ($168, Free People)

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keyhole-suit
Swimsuits For All

A floral one-piece with a keyhole cut-out…

With a keyhole cut-out and braided details along the sides and waist, this one-piece is a little sexier than most, while still offering good coverage. If you’re worried about tan lines, you can remove the strap and wear it as a bandeau. Choose from either a bright tropical print or a dark micro floral. ($50.60, Swimsuits For All)

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denim-top
Monday Swimwear

A sparkly underwire top we’re currently coveting…

The moment we spotted this shimmer top from one of our favorite swimwear brands, we knew it was our next buy. We have this underwire top in several colors, and we love that it offers support while still being sexy and fun. It works well for larger bust sizes, too. Grab the matching bottom to look like a vision straight out of Oz. ($106, Monday Swimwear)

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sporty-top
Free People

A sporty top you can wear out to dinner…

This full-coverage top is perfect for when you’re doing something active, like water sports, but will also be comfortable if you’re just lying on the beach. We love the sporty-chic neon colors and contrasting trim. We’ve also paired it with a mini skirt to head out for a casual dinner. Grab the matching bottom here. ($68, Free People)

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target-suit
Target

A showstopping, high-leg one-piece…

This one-piece will set you apart from the crowd. It has high-cut legs, a plunging neckline, and criss-cross straps in the back. The stud detailing is early-aughts coded in the best possible way. Plus, the straps are adjustable so you can ensure nothing’s popping out. ($25, Target)

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full-cup-top
Abercrombie & Fitch

An underwire top with fuller cups…

It’s rare to find a bikini top that keeps fuller busts from spilling out, but this Abercrombie top will do just that. The fabric is soft and comfortable, and the band doesn’t dig in on the sides. Plus, the cherry print is so cute. We love that it has a matching bottom that provides more coverage. ($55, Abercrombie & Fitch)

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beach-shirt
Quince

A linen beach shirt you’ll wear for years…

Throwing a linen shirt over your suit will never go out of style. This one is made of a lightweight, European flax that’ll keep you cool. We also love that you can wear it buttoned up to the office. It comes in striped and solid options, including this spring’s trending butter yellow. ($39.90, Quince)

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crochet-pants
Abercrombie & Fitch

A pair of crochet cover-up pants…

What’s a vacation without a little crochet? These are high-waisted with a stretchy waistband and flowy straight legs. They’ll look cute with any swimsuit bottom peeking through. You can also get the fabric in a dress. ($80, Abercrombie & Fitch)

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amazon-bikini
Amazon

A bikini one editor has in two colors…

If we’re buying multiple colors of this budget-friendly option, you know it’s worth it. It’s a classic string bikini style that comes in several colors and patterns and has more than 10,000 five-star ratings. The stretchy fabric will move with you, whether you’re swimming, sunning, or taking a walk on the beach. ($24.99+, Amazon)

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One piece
Free People

A one-piece with Baywatch energy… 

There’s a reason why this one is called The Pamela. This suit has high-cut legs, barely-there sides, and a low open back that’ll take you back to the ‘90s. Plus, it comes in an interesting textured fabric, five colors, and is made with responsibly sourced materials. ($148, Free People)

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Triangle bikini
Frankies Bikinis

A classic triangle bikini top… 

If skimpy swimsuits are your thing, this one from Frankies will become a go-to. We have lots of suits from this brand, but we love how many patterns this one comes in, from leopard print to blue gingham. It has several bottom options sold separately, including a cheeky one and a fun swim skirt. ($85, Frankies Bikinis)

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Crochet cover up
Frankies Bikinis

A cover-up you can also wear out…

Throw this on top of your swimsuit during the day and repurpose it for a night out. It has a ruched top with a bow and a smocked back, and it’s made with the brand’s super-soft fabric. Grab it in a couple of colors and make it your summer uniform. ($175, Frankies Bikinis)

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Bikini top and Bottom
Skims

A crowd-favorite bikini…

If you’re looking for a standard bikini set you can mix and match, this is the holy grail. It comes in five limited-edition colors and one classic shade, and fits exactly how you want it to thanks to the adjustable ties at the neck and bust. Pair it with either the string bottom or the slightly higher-coverage tanga option. ($44, Skims)

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