The
Something-for-Everyone Swimsuit Guide
Whatever your summer plans may look like at the moment—sprawling out by the pool, pedaling your beach cruiser to the nearest body of water, sipping citrusy Campari spritzes on your balcony/fire escape/rooftop, book in hand—a good swimsuit (or two) is a must. Below, twenty-five of our favorites, from modern maillots to skimpy, strap-happy bikinis.
GEM STATE
Did the cool-weather seasons technically claim jewel tones first? Sure. But does this crop of richly hued one-pieces—designed with curve-accentuating cuts and artful, avant-garde straps—prove that the trend holds water year-round? Absolutely.
ON MODEL: HAIGHT SWIMSUIT, goop, $268. OFF MODEL: HAIGHT SWIMSUIT, goop, $268; ANEMOS MAILLOT, goop, $265; TROPIC OF C TOP, goop, $90; TROPIC OF C BOTTOMS, goop, $80; G. LABEL BELTED MAILLOT, goop, $285; JADE SWIM ONE-PIECE, goop, $220; ANEMOS ONE-PIECE, goop, $240.
THE LBM
A little black maillot is to your swim drawer what an LBD is to your closet at large: timeless, flattering, and always tasteful. All you have to do is slip on your favorite sandals and hit the pool chair.
ON MODEL: HAIGHT SWIMSUIT, goop, $248. OFF MODEL: TROPIC OF C ONE-PIECE, goop, $170; G. LABEL BELTED MAILLOT, goop, $285; HAIGHT SWIMSUIT, goop, $248; G. LABEL ONE-SHOULDER BELTED ONE-PIECE, goop, $300; K JACQUES FLIP-FLOPS, goop, $245; CASTAÑER SANDALS, goop, $180; ST. AGNI FLATS, goop, $179; THE ROW SANDAL, The Row, $760.
SPLASH OUT
Wade in down the steps or swan-dive into the deep end—a classic two-piece (plus the requisite SPF) is all that’s needed to capitalize on a sunny day. And you’ve got options: Demi cup or deep-V? Cheeky or full-coverage? White-hot or wisteria?
ON MODEL: ANEMOS TOP, Anemos, $135; ANEMOS BOTTOM, Anemos, $135. OFF MODEL: TROPIC OF C TOP, goop, $90; TROPIC OF C BOTTOMS, goop, $80; GIGI C TOP, goop, $120; GIGI C BOTTOM, goop, $108; MELISSA ODABASH TOP, goop, $110; MELISSA ODABASH BOTTOM, goop, $110; GIGI C TOP, goop, $110; GIGI C BOTTOM, goop, $85.
BANDEAU WAGON
Anyone who’s accidentally dozed off in the afternoon sun before knows: Unwanted tan lines are a real bummer—in part because they render all of your chic, off-the-shoulder tops and dresses unwearable until they fade. Easy solve: Lose the straps.
ON MODEL: ANEMOS BANDEAU, goop, $150; ANEMOS BOTTOM, goop, $145. OFF MODEL: MELISSA ODABASH TOP, goop, $113; MELISSA ODABASH BOTTOMS, goop, $113; JADE SWIM TOP, goop, $90; JADE SWIM BOTTOM, goop, $90; ERES TOP, Net-a-Porter, $260; ERES BRIEFS, Net-A-Porter, $140; LOEWE TOTE BAG, Matchesfashion, $590; G. LABEL BRIAN WRAP PANTS, goop, $495; G. LABEL X TABITHA SIMMONS SANDALS, goop, $295.
Wear It With
STRING THEORY
Scanty, sexy, secured with bows—itty-bitty string bikinis are chicest in minimalist shades (black, white, espresso), layered under a breezy linen set that transitions from sand to seaside lunch in a snap.
ON MODEL: ANEMOS TOP, goop, $140; ANEMOS BOTTOMS, goop, $135. OFF MODEL: G. LABEL STRING TRIANGLE TOP, goop, $170; G. LABEL STRING BIKINI BRIEFS, goop, $150; SOLID & STRIPED TOP, goop, $88; SOLID & STRIPED BOTTOMS, goop, $88; ANEMOS TOP, goop, $140; ANEMOS BOTTOMS, goop, $135; MANSUR GAVRIEL BAG, goop, $695; ANEMOS SHIRT, goop, $265; ANEMOS SHORTS, goop, $240.
Wear It With
GOOD SPORT
Don’t get us wrong: We love a barely-there bikini. But if you’re planning on surfing, paddleboarding, or subbing in for beach volleyball, you’re going to need something that stays put.
ON MODEL: BONDI BORN TOP, goop, $160; BONDI BORN BOTTOMS, goop, $120. OFF MODEL: GIGI C SURFSUIT, goop, $240; HUNZA G BIKINI, Net-a-Porter, $190; SOLID & STRIPED SWIMSUIT, goop, $178; TROPIC OF C TOP, goop, $75; TROPIC OF C BOTTOMS, goop, $75; SOLID & STRIPED SHORTS, goop, $98; ALEX MILL TEE, goop, $88; BIRKENSTOCK SANDALS, goop, $45
Wear It With
We hope you enjoy the products recommended here. Our goal is to suggest only things we love and think you might, as well. We also like transparency, so, full disclosure: We may collect a share of sales or other compensation if you purchase through the external links on this page.