Hit the Waves in One of These Cute Summer Swimsuits

For those of us who live in regions that experience cold, snowy winters, summer can never come soon enough. And when it finally does arrive, we want to get outdoors and soak it all up before fall comes knocking on the door again and its brisk temperatures force us back inside. Whether summer means jet skiing, water skiing, surfing, swimming, or anything in between, we need swimwear that will help us make the most of the summer months. Thankfully, there are swimsuits, coverups, and other types of swimwear built to do just that. You just need to know where to look. Here’s our guide to finding cute summer swimsuits for hitting the waves.

Active Swimwear

Whether it’s a one-piece swimsuit, bikini, or tankini, you need to be sure it fits so well it would never dream of coming out of place. That will depend on whatever activity you’re doing, of course. If you’re just hanging around in the pool, there are countless options. But if you’re truly hitting the waves, you know how powerful they can be and how they have a way of working against you instead of with you. When searching for a swimsuit, try using terms like “active” in your online search, instead of simply “cute.” Active swimwear should provide ample support where you need it. Also, any straps should be thick enough to stay snugly in place without slipping down your shoulders or coming untied.

Swim Shorts

Whether boy shorts, board shorts, or anything in between, swimwear with shorts can be a great choice if you’re looking for full coverage when hitting the waves. Some shorts are actual swim bottoms, while others easily pull on over existing swimwear. Look for shorts with a comfortable and stretchy (but not too stretchy) waist. The fabric should also be quick-drying so you don’t have to sit around in soggy bottoms. Pockets are always a bonus, too!

Rash Guards

Rash guards are essentially long-sleeved or short-sleeved tops that you wear as a swimsuit coverup, although you can wear them both in and out of the water. Unlike a typical top, rash guards dry super quickly and don’t weigh you down. They also don’t make you any warmer than you would be if you were wearing just a bikini top. Look for one with UPF 50 sun protection. It will keep you protected both in and out of the water, and you won’t even need a change of clothes!

Buoyancy Swimwear

Made of neoprene, buoyancy swimwear helps you stay afloat by keeping your hips up toward the surface of the water when you’re swimming. As a result, your hips are at an ideal angle for pulling through on your swim stroke. Buoyancy swimwear is relatively new to the market, but it could be a major game-changer for anyone who does triathlons or swims in open water where the waves have a tendency to fight against you. It’s important to note, however, that this type of swimwear is not a substitute for a life jacket. It’s simply designed to help you get through the water more easily — not to keep you afloat.

Water Shoes

Water shoes will save the soles of your feet from getting burnt from hot sand and pavement or scraped on rocky beaches. The key to purchasing the best water shoes for your feet is to buy a size that is the same size as your foot (no need to buy a size down) but to make sure they fit snugly, and not so tight that they’re uncomfortable. If they’re so loose that you think they might fall off your feet while you’re in the water, then you can size down. Also, be sure to look for the following features: