We Combed the Internet for the Most Head-Turning One-Pieces, Bikinis, and Cut-Out Options. Here Are the 10 Best Swimsuits We Recommend

One-piece swimsuits typically stay in place better than bikinis if you plan to be more active rather than lounge, McAllister says. Andie Swim’s The Amalfi One Piece can support you as you chase your kids around in the sand and also has an elevated, chic design. The brand takes a universally flattering, classic scoop neck cut with medium leg and bum coverage and makes it even better with eco-friendly, compressive fabric that sculpts the body. Tight-fitting suits are also better for sporty activities as they reduce drag in the water, Hislop says. The suit also has an elastic underband under the bust for extra lift. It comes in a variety of both classic and fun colors and patterns – like cherry red, bright white, and leopard print — so you can snag a suit that flatters your skin tone.

Users overwhelmingly describe the suit as modest but very flattering and sexy. Because it offers medium coverage, you can feel good about showing off some of your curves without flashing too much to family members or worrying about it slipping off as you splash around in the waves. Just keep in mind that it’s not as compressive and shaping as some competitors. Also, the straps are on the thinner side, and wider straps better distribute weight over the shoulders, McAllister says.

If you’re on the hunt for a sexy bikini to wear while splashing around in the pool, look no further than Monday Swimwear’s gorgeous pieces. The Cala Roja Top and Seychelles Bottom in particular give all the beach babe vibes while being well-constructed, well-designed, and made to stay put. We love the underwire top that lifts the breasts with a U-wire detail between them for extra flair. Wide shoulder straps and a ribbon-like tie in the back add comfort, style, and extra feminine details. Plus, as McAllister previously explained, wide shoulder straps help distribute weight evenly across the upper body. Meanwhile, the bottoms are medium coverage and show just a bit of cheek. The bottoms can be worn in a medium rise or lifted to a high rise, giving your legs extra visual length. And the suit comes in fun colors like bright orange, green, and red. Just keep in mind that the suit is on the more revealing side, and an underwire top could feel constricting to some.

Note: Top and bottoms are sold separately. 

If you’re looking for a one-piece suit that has a little more to it than many competitors, this cute cut-out piece with elegant starfish metal details should be on your shopping list. It strikes the perfect balance of showing skin while covering up potential trouble areas, namely the belly, and has a high cut that lengthens the legs. The suit also features medium to full coverage in the back — while it doesn’t bare any cheek, it also doesn’t look overly matronly. The metal starfish details across the front add visual appeal and look classy despite the suit’s very affordable $35 price tag. All of that said, given the cost, it is questionable whether or not this suit will hold up over time and whether or not the starfish will tarnish with exposure to water. The thin straps could potentially also dig into the skin, McAllister warns, so the suit may not be the best pick for aquatic sports.

We love that both pieces are made from colorfast, UPF 50 fabric that’s designed to move with your body without stretching out — stretch-resistant fabric is ideal in a suit designed for athletic activities, McAllister says. We also love the criss-cross straps in the back — this style is highly supportive and allows for dynamic upper body movements, McAllister says. What’s more, the bottoms have both an elastic waist and a neat internal drawcord to keep them snug and secure on your most active days. In our research, we found that customers loved how the suit stayed put during activities like jet skiing, cliff jumping, or chasing kids around. However, some noted that the pads shifted around annoyingly. Others found the top complicated to get on and off.

Note: Top and bottoms are sold separately.

If you prefer a low coverage bikini, Aerie’s Sunbun Bikini Bottom and Sun-Lover Bikini Top are stunning. The bottoms are Aerie’s cheekiest option and give minimal back coverage without being a thong. It also features a flattering low-rise front. The top is a classic triangle string bikini that gives moderate coverage and includes removable pads. Both the top and bottom feature ties to make them adjustable and get the perfect fit. Rings also add a bit of style and flair, while a color selection of leopard, brown, aqua, and more gives you options. In our research, users report that the bikini is flattering and comfy despite being on the smaller side. If you’re looking for a supportive suit for activities like body surfing or swimming, you’ll want something with more coverage and wider straps to avoid putting stress on your upper body muscles, according to McAllister and Hislop.

Note: Top and bottoms are sold separately. 

If you’re most comfortable wearing a swimsuit with fuller coverage, Cupshe’s Super Bloom Ruffled Bikini Top and Slim Sculpt Bottoms Set could be your perfect fit. While being a two-piece, the high-rise bottoms with low-cut legs give ample coverage and create a flattering shape. We also love the full coverage in the back, so you never have to worry about flashing any cheek as you walk the beach. The halter top style can keep large breasts snug and contained, while ruffle details give the suit personality and style. Overall, it’s a very flattering, feminine, and sexy suit that will work well for all body types. Note that the suit comes in a beautiful shade of red, but unfortunately, no others. Also, the extra fabric from the ruffles could weigh you down in the water — so it could slow you down if swimming laps or even be dangerous if you’re swimming in the ocean, said Hislop.

Small-chested ladies, Boden’s Porto Bikini may just be your perfect match. This extremely vibrant, bohemian, well-crafted bikini is well-loved by women with smaller busts. The top features a deep V-neck, wide straps that distribute weight evenly over the shoulders, and light padding that lifts the chest, while the matching bottoms provide the perfect amount of medium coverage. In our research, we found that women with smaller breasts (think A or B cups) in particular found the suit to be very flattering. They also loved how well-constructed it is and said it’s extremely comfortable. The bikini comes in gorgeous, detailed, multi-colored, mosaic, and flower patterns that give it a high-end look. Do note that some women with larger breasts didn’t feel contained when wearing the suit. The suit also isn’t adjustable, so keep that in mind.

Note: Top and bottoms are sold separately. 

The STYLEST DreamSculpt Square Neck One-Piece Swimsuit can accentuate your already beautiful body and is flattering to a variety of shapes. The garment is designed to lift, tuck, and sculpt the body, helping you feel confident and look your best. According to the brand, customers report a 40% breast lift, while the sustainably made French fabric offers four times more compression than other suits. The piece lives up to its promises — in our research, women raved about the fit, saying it shaped them in all the right places while being comfortable, classy, and easy to wear. We’re happy to see that users were comfortable in the suit. According to McAllister, compression styles can be helpful for swimming laps, as they reduce drag, but an overly tight fit can compress the ribs and abdomen. We also appreciate that the fabric has a UPF 50 rating to keep you protected from the sun. Do note that some women with longer torsos didn’t like the fit. Also, at nearly $200, the suit is an investment.