AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
Seeing so many swimsuit brands on the market these days is exciting. It used to be that you only had the choice of a one-piece or a bikini in a basic, solid color, or a palm tree or stripes for more eclectic folks. The lack of options made wearing waterproof mascara a must before shopping, because frustrated tears were a guarantee.
Now when you shop for swimsuits, you can find varying levels of sexy, cute, conservative — whatever you want. Having so many options can be both a blessing and a curse, so to make shopping easier for you, we spoke to experts and scoured the internet for all the best swimsuit brands available.
Our top picks for the best swimsuit brands
Best luxury swimsuit brand: Villa Fresca
Villa Fresca
Influencer Gabi Gregg, aka Gabi Fresh, founded Villa Fresca with a focus on offering options at the intersection of intentional design and luxury travel. Villa Fresca features bold colors and prints in trendy styles while still being unique and affordable. Like the stunning Isla one-piece, Villa Fresca’s swimsuits tend to riff on classic styles by adding statement hardware and skin-baring cutout details. Each piece is designed to look great no matter your body type or whether you’re frolicking in the water or kicking back in the best beach chairs.
Specifications:
Price range: $45 - $130.
Size range: 4-30/32.
Shipping policy:
- Orders placed before 1 p.m. PST Monday-Friday ship the same business day. Orders placed after 1 p.m. PST Monday-Friday, ship next business day.
- Free standard shipping arrives in 3-7 business days.
- Free express 2-day shipping arrives in 2 business days.
- $45 Next Business Day ships FedEx standard overnight.
- International Shipping taxes and tariffs based on country of origin calculated during checkout.
Return policy:
- Domestic returns with refund: free within 15 days of delivery.
- Domestic returns for store credit: free within 30 days of delivery.
- Returns must be in original, unused condition with tags (15% restocking fee if not).
- No returns on sale items.
What we like:
- Well-constructed garments at every size.
- Inclusive sizes and marketing.
- Luxury quality at affordable prices.
What we don’t like:
- Limited selection.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
Villa Fresca’s fashion-forward options are just as good on camera as they are in water.
Get it here: Villa Fresca
Best swimsuit brand for large busts: Cuup
Cuup
Cuup is known for its bra and underwear selection, but the brand changed the game for busty folks when it launched a swim collection with mostly mix-and-match bikini tops and bottoms. Go for a more vintage style with The Balconette top and High-Waist bottoms, or show maximum skin with the String Bikini top and bottom. The same quality you find in Cuup’s undergarments is what you’ll find in its swimwear, meaning a safe harbor for your bust and your bum.
Specifications:
Price range: $80 - $200.
Size range:
- Cup size: A-H.
- Band size: 30-44.
- Bottom size: XS-XXXL.
Shipping policy:
- Standard Delivery: If ordered by 3 p.m. EST, items arrive within 5-7 business days of shipment. (Alaska, Hawaii, APO, FPO and U.S. territories ship USPS priority in about 20 business days).
- Express Delivery: If ordered by 3 p.m. EST, items arrive within 2-3 business days from shipment. Not available for Alaska, Hawaii, APO, FPO and U.S. territories.
- Super Fast Delivery: If ordered by 3 p.m. EST, items arrive within 1-2 business days of shipment. Not available for P.O. boxes, Alaska, Hawaii, FPO, APO and U.S. territories.
Return policy:
- Return unused, unworn, unwashed or defective items in-person at over 9,000 Happy Returns drop-off locations nationwide within 60 days of shipping.
- Returns are free when you choose the nonexpiring e-gift card refund option. Returns to the original payment method may come with fees.
- No returns or exchanges on final sale items.
What we like:
- Different cup styles, so you get the best bust support.
- Different bottom styles, so you choose your level of exposure.
- Simple, timeless styles.
What we don’t like:
- Band size stops at 44.
- Limited one-piece options.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
If your main concern is adequate bust support, shopping at Cuup is a great option even if you’re getting your bottoms elsewhere.
Get it here: Cuup
Best swimsuit brand for tummy control: Miraclesuit
Miraclesuit
The last thing anyone wants is to feel self-conscious in their swimwear, and Miraclesuit created a solution to a common confidence-buster. Leading the swimwear/shapewear hybrid revolution with their trademarked Miratex® fabric, Miraclesuit one-pieces have “three times the control of ordinary swimwear fabrics, without relying on inner linings and constrictive control panels to shape and trim,” per the brand. The chic Must Haves Oceanus One Piece features clever ruching and wrapping. If you just want tummy control, they have another option, too. Magicsuit options like this front-zip one-piece have about two-thirds the control of their Miraclesuits, but still produce a slimming effect.
Specifications:
Price range: $120 - $190.
Size range: 8-24W.
Shipping policy:
- Standard ground costs $6.95 and arrives within 5-10 business days of shipping notification.
- Premium ground costs $9.95 and arrives within 3-5 business days of shipping notification.
- Standard air costs $19.95 and arrives within 2-3 business days of shipping notification.
- Expedited air costs $29.95 and arrives within 1-2 business days of shipping notification.
- International orders ship free with taxes, duties and other fees applied at checkout.
- International shipping exceptions: Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Israel and China.
Return policy:
- Domestic returns are free with no box or label needed. Start your return online, and refunds are initiated at drop-off.
- International customers must pay for return shipping.
- For a full refund minus shipping costs, refunds must be within 30 days in as-received condition. Returns after 45 days will be returned to the sender.
- No returns on final sale or last-call items.
What we like:
- Different shaping levels.
- Lots of stylish options with conservative coverage.
- Comfortable, adjustable straps.
What we don’t like:
- Options are limited for plus sizes.
- No bikini options.
- Significant investment.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
Miraclesuit shapes you in all the ways you want without sacrificing comfort.
Get it here: Miraclesuit
Best plus-size swimsuit brand: Eloquii
Eloquii
Eloquii has provided fashion-forward, trendy clothing to the plus-size community for years. Their swimwear collection boasts unique, asymmetrical shapes like their ruched bikini mini skirt and exciting patterns and other flourishes like the underwire detailing on a one-piece to accentuate every figure whether you’re at your home pool, the resort or pulling your best beach wagon to the sweet spot on the sand.
Specifications:
Price range: $75 - $175.
Size range: 14-32.
Shipping policy:
- Standard delivery: Shipments within the contiguous United States arrive within 5-7 business days of the shipping date if ordered by 3 p.m. EST. Deliveries to Alaska, Hawaii, APO, DPO and U.S. territories ship U.S. priority mail in 20 business days.
- Express delivery: Shipments within the contiguous United States arrive within 2-3 business days of the shipping date if ordered by 3 p.m. EST. Express deliveries to Alaska, Hawaii, APO, DPO and U.S. territories are not available.
- Super Fast Delivery: Shipments within the contiguous United States arrive within 1-2 business days of the shipping date, if ordered by 3 p.m. EST. Not available to P.O. Boxes, or in Alaska, Hawaii, FPO, APO and U.S. territories.
Return policy:
- Return unused, unworn, unwashed or defective items in-person at over 9,000 Happy Returns drop-off locations nationwide within 60 days of shipping.
- Returns are free when you choose the nonexpiring e-gift card refund option. Returns to the original payment method may come with fees.
- No returns or exchanges on final sale items. Sales become final after 60 days.
What we like:
- Fashion-forward swimwear.
- Tops have good support for busty people.
- Affordable options.
- Matching cover-ups available.
- Almost always running a sale.
What we don’t like:
- Limited selection.
- Certain sizes sell out quickly.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
Eloquii gives other brands a run for their swimwear money with these sexy, high-fashion plus-size options.
Get it here: Eloquii
Best swimsuit brand for one-pieces: Kitty and Vibe
Kitty and Vibe
If “girls just wanna have fun” was a brand, it’d be Kitty and Vibe. Beyond the fun prints featured — like this paloma print top — and cute cuts, their commitment to sustainability and inclusivity is untouchable. From creating swimsuits from sustainable materials to photographing every product on a real person, Kitty and Vibe is, well, a vibe. Pack one of our best backpack coolers and prepare to slay all day.
Specifications:
Price range: $50 - $125.
Size range: S-5X.
Shipping policy:
- Ground shipping arrives 5-7 business days from the shipping date.
- Expedited shipping arrives 3-5 business days from the shipping date.
- 2-day ships with Fedex and arrives two business days from the shipping date.
- Overnight shipping arrives next business day by 5 p.m. for businesses and 8 p.m. for residential customers.
- Orders over $75 ship free in the United States.
- International orders ship for $75 except Canada. Orders to Canada ship for $10.95.
- Customers cover all international duties, taxes and fees.
Return policy:
- Returning full-priced items in the U.S. is free within 30 days.
- Returns with less than three items have a $6 restocking fee. For every additional item up to six items, add $2. For seven or more items, returns have a $20 restocking fee.
- International returns must be within 60 days and the customer covers the cost.
What we like:
- Cute prints in various styles and sizes.
- Product photography is on people of many sizes, not sample-size models.
- Great sustainability commitment.
What we don’t like:
- Returning items have a restocking fee.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
Kitty and Vibe is the perfect option for people who want to shop fun patterns on quality items from a brand committed to sustainability.
Get it here: Kitty and Vibe
Best swimsuit brand on Amazon: Cupshe
Cupshe
Cupshe is a beachwear brand with options for every type of beachgoer. Their bikinis and one-pieces come in various colors, patterns and cuts that make it easy to extend your personal style to your swimwear collection. This chevron bikini is calling out for bohemian lovers, while this Jacquard cutout one-piece screams old money. The brand also offers several other summery options like dresses, cover-ups, rompers and more.
Specifications:
Price range: $10 - $50.
Size range: XS-4XL.
Shipping policy:
- Expedited shipping: For orders over $59 from the U.S., expedited shipping is free and arrives 5-7 business days from the shipping date. Orders less than $59 cost $5.99 for expedited shipping.
- Express shipping: For orders over $199 from the U.S., express shipping is free and arrives 3-5 business days from the shipping date. Orders $99 - $199 cost $10.99 for express shipping, and orders less than $99 cost $13.99.
- Shipping rates vary for all other shipping conditions including U.S. outlying territories.
Return policy:
- Cupshe accepts returns of unworn, unwashed products in their original condition with tags and hygiene liners attached within 30 days. Returns after the 30-day window may be sent back with a shipping charge.
- Returning one to two items costs $7.99, 3-5 items costs $11.99, and six or more items costs $15.99. For first-time customers, one to two items cost $5.69, three to five items cost $10.69, and six or more items cost $14.69.
- Expect refunds for credit card payments in up to 10 business days and 1-3 business days for PayPal payments.
What we like:
- Variety of patterns, cuts and colors.
- Brand also offers accessories like beach cover-ups.
- Offers some shaping swimwear options.
What we don’t like:
- Limited options over XL sizing.
- Have to pay for all returns.
- Varying body shapes not represented in imagery.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
If you didn’t choose the beach life but the beach life chose you, shop Cupshe to maximize your budget while keeping the variety.
Get it here: Cupshe
Swimsuit brand with the best selection: Dippin Daisys
Dippin Daisys
Dippin Daisys serves up minimalist feminine bathing suits for swimmers who like to keep it cute with a bit of sexy. Think ruffle detailing and soft, flirty colorways like the Primrose top in Bella Lace. Pick from mix-and-match prints and cuts to create the bikini of your dreams, or dive into one of the many one-piece styles for a Pinterest-worthy swim look.
Specifications:
Price range: $40 - $80.
Size range: XS-3X.
Shipping policy:
- Free standard shipping for order subtotals $100 or more in the U.S. and Canada or $200 or more for international orders.
- International shipping, tariffs, duties and other fees are covered by the customer.
- Route package protection available for an additional fee.
Return policy:
- No returns on items discounted more than 20% and final sale.
- Online orders must be returned in unwashed, unworn conditions with tags attached within 15 days of delivery for refund.
- International customers cover all return costs.
- Only one exchange per order (you can send multiple items in one refund, but not multiple returns for items you bought together).
- No returns on exchanged items.
- Refunds take about 10 days to process.
What we like:
- Sustainable production while still creating cute items.
- Recycled material is just as soft as other materials.
- The ideal blend of modest and sexy.
What we don’t like:
- Stitching on the straps can be uncomfortable.
- Not a ton of bust support and coverage.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
You’re one Dippin Daisy's swimsuit away from the fun and flirty summer of your dreams.
Get it here: Dippin Daisys
Best swimsuit brand for showing skin: Skims
Skims
Skims offers some of the best shapewear on the market, so it’s no wonder the brand’s swimwear is just as good. With all the sex appeal we’ve come to expect from Kim Kardashian, Skims swim options feature modern shapes like halter monokinis, teeny string bikinis and sleeved crop tops.
Specifications:
Price Range: $30 - $130
Size Range: XXS-5X
Shipping policy
- All U.S. orders over $75 ship free.
- Economy arrives 4-7 business days via UPS or USPS.
- Standard delivery arrives 3-5 business days after shipping notifications.
Return Policy
- Domestic returns within 30 days of order submission receive a full refund or store credit. Items must be unworn, unwashed, in original condition with tags and liners intact.
- A $6 charge will be deducted from the refund amount for shipping for domestic returns.
- International return fees covered by the customer.
What we like:
- Material is super stretchy.
- Lots of skin-showing potential.
- Still includes some more conservative options.
What we don’t like:
- Swimsuits don’t come with adequate nipple coverage.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
If you live to show skin during the summer, Kim K has all the sexiest options — minimal tan lines guaranteed!
Get it here: Skims
Best swimsuit brand for bikinis: Good American
Good American
Kim’s not the only Kardashian making a splash with swimwear. Khloe Kardashian’s Good American brand is well-loved for its inclusivity and style, and thankfully the swimwear got the same treatment. The line has sexy styles like their Tiny Ties bottoms that are equally as cute as they are comfortable.
Specifications:
Price range: $40 - $160.
Size range: XXS-5XL.
Shipping policy:
- Standard, ground and 2-day shipping are available.
- P.O. boxes are ineligible for ground and 2-day shipping.
- Orders take 24-48 hours for orders to process and ship.
- Orders do ship internationally.
Return policy:
- Return requests must be received within 21 days of the original shipping date.
- Returns and exchanges receive a restocking fee.
What we like:
- You can choose a straight size or plus-size model when viewing products.
- Sexy, but with coverage!
- Stretchy and comfortable material.
What we don’t like:
- Minimal pattern options.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
Good American makes seriously flattering, comfortable, size-inclusive swimwear you’ll never want to take off.
Get it here: Good American
Best swimsuit brand for moms: BloomChic
BloomChic
BloomChic is here for the mid- and plus-size shoppers with a completely reimagined experience for swimwear shopping. Their wide variety of styles — like swim dresses — make it easy to find a swimsuit that truly reflects your style and personality. Just don’t forget to pick a pair of the best water shoes to complement the look.
Specifications:
Price range: $20 - $75.
Size range: M-6X.
Shipping policy:
- Standard shipping free for orders over $69.
- Standard shipping is $6.99 for orders $68 and below.
- Express shipping is $16.90.
- Check the BloomChic website for shipping times, as they vary from country to country.
- International shipments will deliver with duty and tax unpaid. The customer will be responsible for the cost.
Return policy:
- Returns must be postmarked within 30 days of your package’s arrival date. Returns after 30 days are not accepted.
- Return shipping is free for the first item you return from an order. If you need to return an item from the same order, a $6 charge will be deducted from your refund.
- Return items must be unwashed, unworn and in original condition. Hygiene liners must still be attached for swimwear returns.
- Refunds are processed within 5 days of your return arriving at BloomChic.
- Some items are non-returnable.
What we like:
- Lots of variety in the more conservative styles.
- Sexy without showing a lot of skin.
- They carry swim dresses!
What we don’t like:
- No true bikinis.
- Some quality issues with the color bleeding.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
BloomChic is bringing all the options to mid-size and plus-size swimwear shoppers! We wish they had bikinis, though.
Get it here: BloomChic
How we selected the best swimsuit brands
As an avid shopper and former fashion editor, I am fully aware of how grueling the process of finding a great swimsuit is, especially for plus-size folks. When selecting brands, I first considered the size range offered, prioritizing brands with wider ranges. There are a few brands with limited sizing, but that’s wholly reflective of the fashion industry.
Swimwear is often seen as an investment, but I tried to find the most affordable options because we’re all budgeting right now. Finally, expert advice always colors my decisions on what to include because they have insights into brands that others may not have access to.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What swimwear is most flattering?
The most flattering swimwear is “whatever swimwear you feel the most comfortable in!” says fashion brand and marketing consultant LaNita Humphrey. “Right now I’m a fan of one-pieces with sexy details like lower backs or high cuts.”
Stylist Gianni Catalina agrees, adding, “I always find it’s important to invest in good-quality swimsuits with thicker fabrics. They always tend to hold you in all the right places, especially if you’re worried about your lower belly fat or thigh/hip area.”
Which swimsuits last the longest?
Stylist and wardrobe consultant Afi Maita recommends investing in quality. “Good quality swimsuits, which are, granted, higher priced, are good investment pieces that can last for many years to come,” she explains.
If you’re looking for practical signs your swimsuit will last a long while, “the swimsuits I have had for years are my non-fashion sports styles that have built-in SPF protection,” adds Humphrey.
How do you hide lower belly fat in a swimsuit?
Our experts agree you should look for these features to hide lower belly fat (if you want to):
- High-waisted bottoms.
- Ruching details.
- Peplum detailing.
- Swim dresses.
Should you size up or down in swimsuits?
Catalina’s advice for finding the best fit is to size up, especially if you’re between sizes. “It’s always best not to have anything that can cut into your shape and make you feel uncomfortable,” she says.
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AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.