Best Swimsuits to Buy for the Beach
A day at the beach. It’s a near-universal symbol for fun in the sun and a relaxing good time. But getting ready for that day — say, by searching for a great swimsuit to wear while you soak up the sun — can make preparing for your vacation a little more stressful.
But it doesn’t have to. The key to finding the best beach swimsuit for you is more straightforward than you think. All you have to do is define the job you want your bathing suit to do, and find a suit that does that job well. Before you know it, you’ll be on your way to finding your perfect swimsuit option for you.
Swimsuits That Flatter Your Shape
There are plenty of things to consider when you’re choosing between bathing suits, but if you’re like most women, the first goal is to find the swimwear that makes you look and feel fabulous. And there are a few tips for choosing beach swimsuits that do just that. Start with the style: you have three basic options: a classic one-piece and two two-piece options, the tankini and the bikini. One-piece suits provide good coverage and excellent stay-put power for active days on the sand. Tankinis provide the coverage of a one-piece, with more flexibility in terms of sizing and style (you can mix-and-match pieces for the optimal fit for your body or look you love) and the line of the suit. And then there’s the classic bikini—a two-piece suit that exposes the midriff.
As you shop, however, don’t only think about hiding flaws. Think about highlighting your favorite part. For example, a bikini will emphasize the narrow waist of an hourglass shape; suits with brightly colored or bold prints on the top can draw the eye to your bust and high-cut legs can make long legs look endless.
Swimsuits That Showcase Your Style
Once you’ve picked the type of swimsuit you’d like, your next decision is all about your style. Do you want bold and sporty prints for a high-energy look, blingy accents that give a suit a luxurious vibe, or dainty ruffles for a feminine style?
Looking for pretty ways to create more than one look? The mix-and-match pieces of a tankini can be a terrific way to do just that. You can pair a pretty blouse on top with a sleek bottom, match a sporty tank top with a delicate swim dress, or switch from animal prints to perky polka patterns on top with the same simple bottom for a totally new mood.
Of course, when it comes to a day at the beach, the swimsuit is only part of the style equation. You can make a big splash with a coverup in a bright floral print, a sporty sweatshirt style, or with delicate lace accents.
Swimsuits That Let You Move Freely
When you’re hitting the beach for a day of adventure in the sun, a swimsuit that stays comfortable when you’re working up a sweat isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential. That means choosing a one-piece that’s less likely to slip when you’re moving or finding one that gives you the support that you need to stay comfortable, such as a beach swimsuit with an underwire.
Where should you look when you’re shopping for a suit for active days at the beach? Check the shoulders — you’ll want straps that’ll stay up without sliding off or digging in too tightly. Make sure the bust area is adequately covered and supported. Ensure that the leg openings will grip without riding up. If you plan to do a lot of walking or paddling, make sure you’ll have enough coverage to keep from chafing at the arms or thighs rash guards and swim shorts can be terrific choices for swimsuits that are comfortable while you make repetitive motions).
Beach Swimsuits That Give Extra Coverage
A day at the beach is a day in the sun. So if you know you’ll get a lot of exposure, consider sun protection swimwear, a smart choice that’s also pretty and stylish.
Rash guards, swim shorts, and swim skirts give you extra protection from the sun but won’t weigh you down when you hit the water. Wearing them, along with sunscreen, is a good way to prevent sunburns and the aging impact of the sun.
And if you’d like a more modest look, try swim dresses, swim skorts, and swim skirts with attached leggings as other pretty ways to keep covered while you enjoy the sun.
When you know what you’re looking for in swimwear, the search for a suit that’ll make a big splash isn’t just easy—it’s fun.