Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers
It’s never too early to find the perfect (on-sale) swimsuit. Out of the hundreds of styles and cuts out there, we’ve searched for the best deals that work with different body types and offer varying levels of coverage. Below, you’ll find long-sleeved rash guards with UPF 50, tiny triangle bikinis, and one-pieces with daring cutouts. Every swimsuit is under $100 (we’ve added the cost of tops and bottoms when each piece is sold separately), so you can find the bathing suit (or two) that will take you from Memorial Day barbecue to Labor Day clambake — without spending a fortune.
Pack this neon monokini for your upcoming Caribbean vacation (and be sure to get lots of photos showing off the lace-up back).
You’ll win the prize for most original suit at the pool party with this athleisure-meets-swimwear longline tank that offers more support and coverage than the average triangle top.
Open-water swimmers will love the sleek design and inner-bust support of this sporty black-and-white one-piece.
Consider this combo of shorts and longline top for your next surf session.
Channel Grateful Dead vibes in this teensy tie-dye bikini while your waterproof speakers play Europe ’72 on repeat.
For an option with more coverage, try this nautical-inspired one-piece that, despite its under-$30 price tag, would look fitting on a million-dollar yacht.
This sweet two-piece from the first-ever collaboration between Billabong and Wrangler has extra-cheeky bottoms, so be sure to apply SPF.
If you can imagine sipping daiquiris on a chaise in this gingham suit with cut-out panels (front and back), this is your sign to book the trip.
Crochet whipstitching gives this fluttery swimsuit a handmade touch.
When your little one grows up, you can show them pictures of Mom enjoying her babymoon at the beach in this ruffled, zebra-print suit.
These high-cut bottoms pair with a modern ruched top to create a Baywatch-reminiscent look that’s not overly ’90s.
If you thought one-pieces were boring, the Murakami-esque print and sophisticated square neck on this one will convince you otherwise.
Not pictured: the elegant cross-back lacing that cinches this fuchsia-colored bathing suit.
If you’ve ever wished Proenza Schouler made rash guards, it’s your lucky day. The tie-dye palm printof this long-sleeved UPF 50 top looks very similar to the designer’s tropical-leaf print, and the stretchy, lightweight fabric will keep you cool.
This adorable lavender maillot proves that pleats aren’t just for skirts and tuxedo shirts.
Expect minimal tan lines from this simple but stylish bikini with a subtle sweetheart neck and pastel floral pattern.
Choose between turquoise leopard or a solid golden hue with this reversible two-piece that’s part of the Storm Reid collection for Pacsun.
For those who feel comfortable with a little more fabric, this strapless one-piece uses delicate ruching to create a glamorous look reminiscent of Old Hollywood screen sirens.
A bad shoulder sunburn is something you don’t forget. Luckily, with this short-sleeved rash guard top (with built-in shelf bra), your back will be protected from harmful rays.
Summer isn’t complete without eyelet, and this tie-front, high-waisted bikini will make you want to break the “no white before Memorial Day” rule.
Swimming laps can do a number on your swimwear, but this one-shoulder suit is constructed from chlorine-resistant material that won’t fade.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
FAQs
The end of summer is one of the best times to score big discounts on swimwear. From Aerie to Athleta, you can find your favorite brands for up to 60% off right now. Check out the best sale styles for last-minute summer plans or stock up for next season.
Why are bathing suits so expensive now? ›
Testing and standards add costs to the end product. A more onerous and thorough supply chain and process makes for a more expensive product. The same is true with swimwear. The fabrics used in high-end, high-quality swimsuits have staying power.
At what age should a woman stop wearing a two piece bathing suit? ›
There is no age-limit on what you wear or do, and I try to teach kids that their opinion of themselves is the most important. So as long as I feel comfortable and confident, I'm going to be wearing my bikini for many years to come – and so should all women! Embrace your body, no matter how it looks.
What is the trend in swimsuits in 2024? ›
You can expect to see fresh takes on popular swimsuit styles like triangle bikinis, one-piece swimsuits, and adorable cover-ups, but you'll also see some more elevated silhouettes from new swimsuit brands, like cut-out sculpted monokinis, crochet bandeau tops, and high-cut tankinis.
Which swimsuits last the longest? ›
Materials. Since our experts noted in our interviews that swimsuits made from nylon, polyester, and spandex tend to last the longest, most of the brands above offer swimsuits made with these materials or a combination of these materials.
What month is the swimsuit issue? ›
When does Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue come out for 2024? The 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue will be released in May for the 60th anniversary of the magazine.
How much should a good swimsuit cost? ›
So how much should you expect to give for a swimsuit? When choosing a swimsuit, price is not always the most important factor. Generally, you can expect to invest anywhere from $20 to $200 for a swimsuit. Certainly, there are always exceptions to this rule, with some suits costing more and some cost less.
Where do celebrities get their bathing suits? ›
- Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian and Hailey Bieber have all posed in Skims swimwear. ...
- Stars like J.Lo and Gabrielle Union are obsessed with Vix swimsuits. ...
- Emily Ratajkowski's designs are a hit with SZA and Hailey Bieber. ...
- Inamorata.
- Taylor Hill and Kylie and Kendall Jenner own trendy two-pieces from Sommer Swim. ...
- Sommer Swim.
The most expensive swimsuit in the world is a $30 million bikini made with more than 150 carats of flawless Steinmetz diamonds set in platinum.
What is considered inappropriate swimwear? ›
Cotton t-shirts, tank tops, and shorts can weigh you down in the water and create a dangerous situation. These articles are not appropriate for swimming. Transparent swimsuits or articles of clothing are not appropriate for swimming.
While no magic number fits everyone, a general guideline can help you decide, especially when swimming is involved: For Regular Swimmers: Aim for 3 to 5 swimsuits to rotate, allowing each piece to dry properly between uses. For Occasional Swimmers: 2 to 3 swimsuits are usually sufficient to cover your needs.
How many times should you wear a swimsuit before washing? ›
"Most bathing suit designers and manufacturers recommend letting the bathing suit air dry and washing only every three to five wears." To prolong the life of your swimsuit (and keep your bits healthy and happy) Dr. Sekhon recommends using your usual detergent to hand wash your swimsuits.
How many years does a swimsuit last? ›
The life of a swimsuit varies depending on the quality of the garment and how it's taken care of. Generally, a swimsuit should last three months to a year, but if it's well-maintained, it can last for a few seasons.
Are tankinis back in style? ›
Tankinis are back on trend, and whether you love them or hate them, we're going to talk about them. TikTok is divided over this trend, with comments like, “Proud tankini hater,” and “I didn't spend hundreds of dollars on bikinis for tankinis to be a trend, sorry, bye,” flooding the social feeds.
What is the beach trend in 2024? ›
Expect to see splashes of candy-colored florals and soft pastels when heading to the beach in 2024. To keep it interesting, this soft color palette is juxtaposing bold, modern cuts this year: From ruffled tops to string bikinis, there's lots of versatility to this light and playful trend.
Are swimsuits cheaper in the winter? ›
Winter is a good time to jump on swimsuit sales, and the months before might prove to be even more fruitful. Companies and clothes stores will be rushing to clear their summer stock to prepare for the new fall clothes, meaning you will likely find big sales that will save you big money.
Are swimsuits seasonal? ›
Swimwear has long been seen as a seasonal item, released by brands specifically for the summer months. This traditional approach to swimwear collections aligns with the notion that swimwear is primarily used for holidays and beach outings during the warmer seasons.
Are expensive swimsuits worth it? ›
There is ultimately no right answer because everyone has different tastes in swimwear. Even though bathing suits can be pricey, that doesn't guarantee that they will hold up over time. However, if you locate a bathing suit that is well-made and long-lasting, the cost might be justified.
