15 bikinis that our editors love, from sporty two-pieces to supportive underwire tops
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Bydee, Dippin Daisies, Left On Friday
The bikini may have been a summertime staple for what feels like an eternity, but in truth, this iconic piece has only been around since the 1940s. Amidst a global textile shortage, fashion designers realized they could save on fabric by crafting midriff-baring styles — and the rest, as they say, is history. Nowadays, we wear bikinis for less pragmatic reasons: because we just love the way we feel — and look — in them. Which brings us to a very important point: Every body is a bikini body.
No matter your shape or size, the best bikinis hold up well through dips in the salty ocean and chlorinated swimming pools, hours of sun exposure, and repeated washes. Just as importantly, they make you feel confident, secure, and supported. (Ideally, they won't give you awkward tan lines, either, but that's where your diligent SPF application comes in.)
For other summer swim staples, see our articles on the best one-pieces, best swimsuits on Amazon, and best swimsuits for women overall.
Free People
I first bought this bikini in 2019 — and it's still in great shape, despite countless wears and washes. But that's not the only reason it's my top favorite. It's also reversible, and since you can mix and match which side you wear the top and bottom on, it's basically four different bikinis in one. This is super helpful when I'm trying to pack light for a vacation.
Did I mention how flattering this swimsuit is? The Coco Bikini Top offers plenty of coverage for my DD-cup bust, while the cross-front straps lend some subtle lift. The high-waisted bottom, meanwhile, boasts a thick waistband for some added shaping and support, and the back side is cut just cheeky enough without making me feel self-conscious.
Note that this bikini also comes in lots of other fun colors, like azalea pink and pear green.
Quince
When it comes to swimwear, you often get what you pay for. With this Quince bikini, though, you can stay within your budget without having to compromise on quality. You don't have to worry about sunscreen or chlorine damaging the fabric or its dye, because the materials it's made with are fade-, snag-, and pill-resistant. The materials — which are 78-90% recycled — also provide UPF 50 sun protection, and are free of toxic PFAs, also known as "forever chemicals."
Both the universally flattering top and bottom are compressive enough to offer some structure and support. Nipple coverage isn't an issue since the bikini top cups are fully lined with removable cups. High-leg bottoms like this are definitely in right now, and it's not hard to see why. They're worn high on the hips, visually elongating your legs while accentuating a smaller part of your waist.
Associate style editor Gabrielle Chase tried it out among the best bikinis for small busts, and this has been her favorite string bikini of the bunch. "It's one of the few that didn't give me awkward gaps, and the moveable triangles let you customize their spacing," she says. 'I also liked that removable pads weren't bulky or misshapen, and its gold accents are a pretty detail."
See our full Quince review for more of our favorite pieces from this budget-friendly brand.
Dippin Daisys
It doesn't get any more versatile than this bikini. The top can be worn three different ways: tied in the middle for a bandeau, criss-crossed in the front for a halter-esque look, or tied with the straps in the back for a classic scoop neck style.
One thing I appreciate about Dippin Daisy's — aside from the fact that it's a female-founded company — is that many of their bikini separates come in the same colors and patterns, so it's easy to mix and match the tops and bottoms. While there are a number of bottoms that pair well with the Amalfi top, my personal favorite is the mid-rise Nocturnal bottom — which features a flirty high-cut leg and flattering V-shape waistline.
CUUP
The best swimsuits for large busts tend to have underwire, which provides extra support and shape — not to mention peace of mind that you're less likely to have a peek-a-boob situation while splashing around in the waves. It's also a good idea to seek out bikini tops that come in bra sizes rather than the standard XS-XXL sizing to ensure adequate coverage.
This bikini from CUUP covers both bases, with a flexible yet sturdy underwire top that gently lifts and separates without any uncomfortable poking or prodding, and size options that range from 30A to 44H. Also worth mentioning? The ultra-comfortable straps are thick enough that they won't dig into your shoulders — and since they're adjustable, you're bound to get a flawless fit.
Like the top, the retro-inspired bottom is chlorine-, sunscreen- and salt water-resistant; and provides UPF 50 protection. Plus, it retains its fade-proof and retains its curve-flattering shape over time.
Paige DiFiore/Insider
"At one point, I forgot I even had this set on under my clothes and I received many compliments on the gorgeous Cherry color. Unlike most string tops, the weight of your chest is held up at your shoulders instead of your neck, so it feels like a cozy bra. It looked more like a sports bra and thus pushed my chest together in a similar fashion, which felt secure but didn't look particularly sexy. It gave some 'uni-boob' vibes, but it wasn't awful — just not like the bikini tops I'm used to.
"I'd wear this supportive, comfortable swimsuit for activities like visiting a water park, surfing, or attending a family function because it feels secure and sensible. But it's not the most exciting-looking set for lounging on the beach with friends or going on vacation with my boyfriend." —Paige DiFiore, lifestyle & entertainment freelance editor
Read our full review of Andie swimwear here to find out which other picks we tested and loved.
Amazon
It can take a little trial and error to find the best swimsuits on Amazon — but every once in a while you stumble across a winner like this one that's budget-friendly and won't go out of style.
The advantage to a triangle top like this is that you can adjust the width and distance of the cups to accommodate your unique bust shape and size. The low-rise bottom can also be tightened or loosened as necessary, which is helpful since this bikini only comes in XS-XXL sizing.
Perhaps the best part about this bikini set is that it comes in a whopping 42 different colors and prints — and given the super reasonable price tag, you just may want to snag more than one.
JMP The Label
"When you first look at this swimsuit, it's easy to think that it's made of yarn. But the material is actually super stretchy. And it's fantastic. Because of the stretch, the fabric gives your bust a subtle lift when you pull it tight. It's a showstopper on, but this suit isn't for the faint of heart.
"The bottoms don't provide a ton of coverage, and even in a large, the top was a little small for my DD bust. Would I wear it to a family event? Absolutely not. But for a romantic getaway or a bachelorette party? It would be incredible." —Samantha Crozier, style editor.
Left On Friday
It's a no-brainer to call this the best high-waisted bikini: it's fade- and snag-resistant, machine washable, and quick-drying; comes in 28 color options; and accommodates all body types. That helps to explain why both the top and bottom are best sellers and have garnered hundreds of five-star reviews.
The scoop front top is snug and compressive while still feeling like a comfy bralette, and the bottoms give ample bum coverage while still letting you show off a hint of cheek.
Something to note: If you're concerned about your headlights showing, consider popping on a pair of nipple covers since the lightweight top doesn't have any padding or removable cups.
Gigi C
"I love this textured set from Gigi C. The melon green color is beautiful in person and I've paired it with the Maya Dress for a truly showstopping poolside outfit.
"As someone with a larger bust, I appreciate the underwire in the top. The bottom is also a great high-waisted piece, and I'm looking forward to pairing it with other swim tops for a mix-and-match effect.
"This brand is super trendy right now, and I really love the textured materials that they use. It makes the suits stand out in a sea of smooth lycra." —Samantha Crozier, style editor.
SKIMS
Insider style editors agree that SKIMS remains one of the best swimsuit brands for women if you're looking for basics with a sexy edge. Case in point: this sporty swim top has a cleavage-accentuating deep plunging neckline, while the mid-rise bottom features high-cut sides to show off your legs. The bikini has practical features, too, like a supportive underband and adjustable straps.
Another thing to love about SKIMS is that the line is size-inclusive — and this bikini is no exception: it's available in sizes XXS-4X. To boot, it's made with 76% recycled nylon.
For other great size-inclusive picks, see our piece on the best plus-size swimwear.
Vineyard Vines
What I love about this bikini top is that it fits like my best bra — lifting and shaping in all the right places. I even did a jump test and found that my bust felt surprisingly secure — which is impressive given that I'm a DD cup. Fellow full-busted gals will also appreciate that the straps and band are adjustable. I really appreciate the attention to detail here, too: subtle ruching on the cups, eye-catching gold accent beads and hardware, and an adjustable drawstring so I can customize the coverage. I even found that I can untie the bow in the front and wrap the ties around my neck for a totally different look.
The high-rise bikini bottom is ideal if you like a bit more coverage around the hips, bum, and stomach — and like the top, it offers UPF 50 sun protection.
If you're looking for more suits like this, see our piece on the best underwire swimsuits.
Target
Bandeau bikinis don't exactly have a reputation for being supportive — but this one stands out due to the molded cups with removable padding, underwired cups, side boning, and adjustable band. It also comes in bra sizes, which is helpful for achieving a better fit, particularly if you have a small band size and large cup size or vice versa. And since it comes with removable straps, you don't even have to wear this as a bandeau if you're looking for a little extra lift. Of course, the cute knot detailing and luxe gold clasp don't hurt, either.
In case you hadn't noticed, '90s trends are back with a vengeance — including low-rise bikini bottoms. This bottom fits the bill, and boasts the same thick, opaque material as the top for maximum coverage.
The highlight, though, may be the unique ribbed texture, which adds some visual interest to an otherwise simple, solid set.
Lulus
This bikini combines two current swimwear trends: '90s minimalism and bold contrast binding. Plus, thanks to the neutral color palette, it's versatile enough to mix and match with any other black and white tops and bottoms you have.
Aside from the head-turning colorblock effect of this top, other notable features are the supportive underwire cups with removable padding and adjustable straps. The tie-back band also allows you to customize the fit to your needs — which is pretty important given that the band provides the vast majority of the support in any swim top.
As for the bottom, the high-cut silhouette and cheeky coverage flatters any and every figure.
Note that the top runs a tad small — so choose based on your cup size and if you're in between sizes, opt for the size up.
Bydee
Bydee is a female-founded, sustainability-minded brand that produces its swimwear from regenerated and recycled materials, and has partnered with ethical manufacturers to receive all shipments plastic-free. All orders are shipped in 100% biodegradable and compostable bags.
This particular bikini is constructed with Italian double-lined fabric, and features a stunning ocean-toned print inspired by the founder's Greek heritage. What makes the top well worth the investment are a number of thoughtful features, like contrast binding, delicate cotton ruffle trim, adjustable straps that can be converted to a cross back, an adjustable hook-and-eye back closure, and a thick underbust band. And the flirty, skin-baring bottom can be pulled narrower or wider depending on your coverage preferences.
But what makes this set really special is that no two pieces are the same, given the nature of the brand's unique prints.
Anthropologie
You can enjoy the body of water you're swimming in more when you're in a bikini made with eco-conscious materials. The Eco Repreve material is not only remarkably soft and stretchy, but it's partially crafted from recycled water bottles, recycled nylon, and recycled polyester.
I'm a 34B and the size small top was slightly constricting, so I recommend sizing up in L*Space swimwear. However, I love the Marlee's sweetheart neckline and wide, comfortable straps that don't dig into my skin. Meanwhile, the slightly cheeky bottoms have a stretchy high-rise waistband and a V-shaped front. Together, the ruching details and ribbed texture make this a standout bikini. I recommend the cream colorway as a gift for any brides-to-be in your circle. — Gabrielle Chase, associate style editor