Bikinis quick picks
High-waisted bikini: Skims High-Waisted Full Brief
String bikini: Monday Swimwear Hanalei Top and Bottom
Full-coverage bikini: Cuup The Highwaist Bottom
Plus-size bikini: Nomads Playa Top II
High-cut bikini: Mooslover One-Shoulder High-Waisted Bikini
Balconette bikini: Monday Swimwear Cala Roja Top
Shopping for the best bikini for your needs is all fun and games until you realize the fit is off (there’s nothing worse than a mid-swim mishap), the material is weirdly see-through and the silhouette is just plain out-of-date. From high-waisted to high-leg bikinis, there are so many on-trend options out there that make stocking your swimsuit wardrobe feel a little intimidating. No two bodies are alike, which can make the process even more frustrating, but we’re here to help make it more manageable — and fun!
Below, we tapped celebrity stylists and body-positive fashion experts on how to make shopping for bikinis less of a hassle.
How to choose a bikini based on your body type
When it comes to slipping on a suit for a day at the beach, experts agree it’s all about what you feel best in. “It’s most important to think about what style will make you feel most confident and accentuate your best feature(s),” says Los Angeles-based celebrity stylist Sarah Nearis. “Getting into swimsuits can make the most confident person feel a little vulnerable, so truly think about what features you want to flaunt or which areas you want to accentuate and go from there!”
Shopping for any type of women’s clothing is never a one-size-fits-all scenario, so if you look for one feature in a suit, it should be customization. “Adjustable features are a game changer in making your bikini shopping less stressful,” says Michaela Leitz-Aslaksen, a size-inclusive fashion expert and the founder of Confidence & Style. “Adjustable straps on both the top and bottom allow you to customize the fit to your body, providing comfort and confidence. Additionally, options like removable padding or mix-and-match separates give you the flexibility to find what works best for you.”
When it comes down to it, it’s helpful to know what styles are most flattering for your body type and cater to your needs. For example, Leitz-Aslaksen recommends bikinis with underwire or wider straps for those who are busty. Sophie Lopez, Los Angeles-based celebrity stylist and Marshalls’ and TJ Maxx’s fashion style expert, adds that “for those with fuller busts, shopping halter and [balconette] bra styles are great for support; plus, halter styles lengthen the body,” she says.
If you have a longer torso, Leitz-Aslaksen suggests a higher-cut bikini bottom to balance your proportions and elongate your legs. And if you want to accentuate your waist or define your curves, Lopez says she loves “opting for super-high-waist briefs like these on-trend, leopard- or zebra-print high-waist bottoms that can easily be paired with a solid color bikini top for some balance.”
If you want something trendy, this year, it’s all about texture, says Leitz-Aslaksen. Think: crochet, embroidery and fringe, to name a few. “Whether you opt for delicate lacelike patterns or bold, chunky knits, incorporating some texture into your bikini collection will definitely keep you on-trend this season,” she says. Lopez adds that she’s seeing more hyperfeminine designs “that spin off the girlhood-nostalgic trends that have continued to gain traction over the last year,” she says. “I’m seeing this trend come to life with playful patterns like dainty florals, silhouettes like balconette tops, details like romantic ruffles and more.”
Ahead, celebrity stylists and fashion experts break down the best bikinis to shop this year — including some Amazon swimsuits and a range of other flattering options from an array of swimsuit brands — for every body type. Once you’ve picked out your new bikini for the season, grab your bikini trimmer and you’ll be set for the beach!
High-waisted bikinis
“A high-waisted bikini is flattering on so many body types,” Nearis says. “A great high-waisted bottom will hit right at the smallest part of your torso and accentuate your natural curves.” This set comes in so many bright colors that you can also mix and match.
Nearis says classic bikini styles will remain a staple, but she’s seeing more playful, bold colors recently. “Even for me, who usually tends to wear all black, I’ve been tempted to buy some different shades of greens and blues because, especially with a tan, [it] can look really stunning!”
Get the comfort of your favorite undergarments with a set from Skims, which is one of Nearis’ top picks.
Leitz-Aslaksen loves these curve-hugging, size-inclusive swim shorts that come in sizes XXS through 5XL. “These shorts are a game changer, ensuring you feel confident and fabulous,” she says.
“My current fave is the Curve line from Abercrombie,” says Taya Christian, a content creator, self-love advocate and medical school student. “It’s specifically designed for curvy types, so it alleviates a lot of trial and error when trying on swimwear because I know it’s going to fit me. I brought two Abercrombie Curve suits on my trip to the Bahamas and wore them nonstop. I also just ordered three more.”
“My favorite swimsuit ever is from Youswim,” says Taylor Krause, a digital content creator for midsize fashion. “It’s one-size-fits-all in the most flattering way. I don’t know how they made such stretchy fabric so perfectly fitting in every shape and size, but somehow they did, and it always gives me so much confidence wearing their pieces. The colors are also super fun, and I love the different body types they showcase on their website.”
“Ever since I discovered Kitty and Vibe during the pandemic, I wondered how we ever shopped for bathing suits before this ingenious brand was born. Kitty and Vibe’s main selling point is that the size-inclusive brand offers suits for your booty size (seriously!),” says Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor here at CNN Underscored. “In addition to choosing a size from small to 6X, you'll then also pick whether you’re a size 1 (smaller booty) or size 2 (larger booty). So many of us are not the same size on the top as we are the bottom or our waist is not the same size as our bottom, so this solves a problem that’s needed a solution for years. I feel like my suit was almost custom-made for me because it fits so perfectly. I get so many compliments on my suit when I wear it too!”
String bikinis
According to Nearis, string bikinis are “a tried-and-true classic and always in style.”
“I am a firm believer in a triangle bikini/string bikini always being on trend,” says JAG model Diana Veras. This one from Latina-owned and size-inclusive brand Alpine Butterfly Swim is one of her favorites. The brand offers sizes XS through 6X.
Leitz-Aslaksen loves the unique crinkle crochet look of this swimsuit, which has a super-cheeky bottom that is fully lined and tailored for a comfortable fit that’ll make you feel confident too. “It’s perfect for those who want to add a textured twist to their swimwear collection,” she says.
“I love this set as it radiates such a cute flower-power mood,” Leitz-Aslaksen says. “It’s vibrant, playful and perfect for making a splash this summer.” Plus, tie backs offer a comfier fit.
“If you’re looking for more of a cheeky look, this blue set from Marshalls is flirty and fun, with a crisscross strap detail that adds a little something extra,” Lopez says. Triangle bikinis are easy to mix and match, she adds, so you get more options without having to buy a new set.
You can’t go wrong with this classic ’70s-inspired bikini bottom, which is one of Nearis’ picks.
Full-coverage bikinis
You don’t have to sacrifice style for swimwear with more coverage, according to Nearis. This flirty waffle-textured suit is proof of that.
This supportive suit gets both Nearis’ and Veras’ approval. It comes in sizes XS through XXL and an array of stylish colors, and it’s made with chlorine- , salt water- , sunscreen- and fade-resistant material with UPF 50 protection. Most importantly, it’s made to stay in place.
“This black-and-white suit is a great option, as it provides coverage on both the top and bottom and has a chic color scheme to make it your go-to this summer,” Lopez says.
“Adore Me is super reliable and affordable and goes up to size 4X,” Christian says. “[Its] suits are all large-bust-friendly, and [it has] different options for bottoms depending on how cheeky you want to be at the beach.”
“I initially wanted something that was showy enough to feel the summer breeze while being modest enough to wear around family members. In the seven years I’ve owned this suit, I find myself reaching for it constantly,” says Marissa Miller, a contributing editor at Underscored. “It’s also supportive enough for everything from a power walk on the sand to a competitive game of water polo.”
Plus-size bikinis
Nearis recommends this chic wrap-style bikini that provides maximum customization.
Animal prints are another trend this season, according to Leitz-Aslaksen. This surprising take on a traditional snake pattern is super chic, as are the other patterns. “Plus, its size inclusivity up to 5X means everyone can look and feel their best in it,” she adds.
“I want to highlight Alpine Butterfly Swim — it is Latina owned and [it carries] all sizes but exclusively market to plus-size women, which is super cool,” Veras says. These ruffled bottoms are extra playful and will make a statement at the pool.
High-cut bikinis
This is one of Miller’s favorite bikinis. “Not only does the bandeau top (complete with ever-necessary removable pads) ensure I’m free of weird tan lines, but the high-leg bikini bottom gives my short frame a bit of extra length,” she says. “The lemon pattern brings so much joy that I find myself looking for any excuse to wear it, and the fabric is infused with UPF 30 sun protection.”
High-cut bikinis are “the perfect cut for those girls who want to show off some legs this summer,” Nearis says. This pair features a knot detail and can be worn as a low-rise if you want to switch things up.
Our associate fashion and beauty editor is a big fan of this high-cut bikini for its on-trend asymmetrical strap, its double-lined material for extra coverage and its delightful tie detail at the hip.
These minimalistic bottoms recommended by Nearis have a seamless design for optimal comfort for those long beach days.
Create the illusion of a mile-high leg with these bottoms that come in your choice of smooth or ribbed fabric. Pair it with the Maui Top for extra coverage or the Valencia Top for a low-cut look.
Balconette bikinis
“Being by bodies of water is a privilege and a ritual; take up space whenever you get the chance to. Your body belongs there!” Veras says. “I understand that there are different needs for different bodies, so for a fuller cup, I usually recommend something with padding like a balconette top or something with thicker straps.”
“A balconette is my personal favorite bikini top style,” Nearis says. “It offers the perfect amount of lift and support, but [it’s] still sexy.” This one from Monday comes in a bunch of flirty patterns and comes in unique sizes, including Voluptuous, Very Voluptuous and Very, Very Voluptuous.
This supportive balconette style comes in sizes up to XXL and features adjustable straps and a back hook-and-eye closure for a more comfortable fit.