swimwear

21 Swimsuits Worth the Awkward Tan Lines

Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Retailers

Summer is finally here, which means it’s time to start stocking up on cute swimwear for all your upcoming beach trips and pool outings.

Since you want to spend more time planning your vacation than shopping for it, we’ve searched high and low for the best cute swimwear to add to your suitcase. These are the swimsuits sitting in our Instagram and TikTok likes, the ones we screenshot to shop later, and the ones we spotted in our favorite shows and Googled immediately. It’s essentially our wish list, but we’re sure you’ll enjoy shopping it, too.

From affordable sets to plus-size options that are anything but boring, read on to see our “awkward tan line worthy” picks.

If You Want Something Before (and After) Labor Day

Who actually abides by the “no white after Labor Day rule”? Not us. And if you don’t either, this one-piece swimsuit is perfect to wear beyond summer. Between the one-shoulder silhouette, the ruching, and the cool cutout on your torso, you’ll have an awkward tan that’s well worth it.
Available in sizes XS to XL.

If You Need Something Affordable, Fast

What’s better than cute swimwear? Affordable cute swimwear. This cutout one-shoulder top is just under $20, so you can throw this in your cart with your last-minute vacation purchases.
Available in sizes XS to XL.

If You’re Into Sustainability

Everlane’s low-impact swimwear is made of regenerated nylon fibers and features adjustable straps and removable pads. Did we also mention it’s very cute? Grab it in one of six shades.
Available in sizes XXS to XXL.

If You Want a Modest Cutout

If you’re bored of the classic one-piece silhouette, this cool green suit from Tina Turk is a solid option thanks to its subtle cutout. The ribbed suit is adjustable and features removable cups. However, it does run small, so refer to the size guide and choose accordingly.
Available in sizes 2 to 14.

If You’re Willing to Spend a Little Extra

Sorry in advance to your wallet, but this two-piece cutout set from House of Aama is worth the splurge. It features this cool tattoo print and bead accents.
Available in sizes 0 to 12.

If You Don’t Want to Spend a Lot

The less you spend on swimwear, the more you have to spend on drinks and snacks. This is one of hundreds of affordable options. We love the subtle color and cutouts, and the recycled material is a plus, too.
Available in sizes 0 to 14.

If You’re Not Afraid of a Little Color

Be the brightest thing on the beach in this sporty one-piece. Made of mostly recycled polyamide, the sporty piece has a low back and is perfect for pairing with denim shorts so you’re always beach-ready.
Available in sizes 0 to 14.

If You Want the Retro Look

Rarely are bathing suits this retro and cool. This collared top is perfect for sitting poolside and pairing with your vintage shorts.
Available in sizes XS to XL.

If You Love Prints

If you love this ocean-inspired print, it comes in plenty of styles, including this offbeat one-piece swimsuit. The zig-zag strap adds a bit of edge, and it’s perfect for wearing like a bodysuit en route to the beach and pool.
Available in sizes S to XL.

If You’re Not Afraid to Be a Little Cheeky

This Brazilian-style bottom comes in several shades and patterns. It’s a little bit cheekier if you’re not afraid to show some extra skin and features cute adjustable double straps.
Available in sizes XS to L.

If You Want Something Strapless

You can’t go wrong with a classic bandeau, and this one offers a surprising amount of support, even for bigger cup sizes. It also comes in multiple colors and patterns; at this price, you can grab more than one.
Available in sizes 0 to 28.

If You Want to Show Some Skin

Riot Swim offers plenty of cheeky, high-waisted, barely-there swimwear in colors for mixing and matching. This cutout one-piece is a happy medium. Show a little bit of skin in one of 7 colors.
Available in sizes XS to XL.

If You Want Something Stripy

Seriously bright, cute, and stripy swimwear in a terry-cloth material — and it comes with a matching neoprene bag.
Available in sizes XXS to XL.

If You Want to Look Like Gigi Hadid

Cottage-core but make it swimwear. This very cute bathing suit makes us dream of dipping in a lake. It’s also one of Gigi Hadid’s favorites.
Available in sizes XS to XL.

If You Want Something That’s Not Boring

With the cutout details and halter top, we’re wondering if we could get away with calling this a bodysuit because it’s almost too good to wear just at the beach or pool.
Available in sizes XS to XXL.

If You Want Really Good Plus-Size Options

Miaou’s sexy, strappy swim goes up to size 4XL and comes in plenty of colors and patterns. We’re partial to the baroque, but all the patterns are worth shopping.
Available in sizes XS to 4XL.

If You Want to Look Like a Euphoria Girl

From Emily Ratajkowski, the stringiest swimwear yet. The Las Olas top comes in a number of patterns and colors and ties across your waist, and if it’s good enough for Maddy Perez
Available in sizes XS to XL.

If You Want Something Classic But Not Boring

Bold color and a plunging silhouette make a classic poolside look that’s still fun.
Available in sizes S to XXXL.

If You Want Something Sparkly

You never know when you’ll have some sort of nighttime pool-party situation, so maybe you should always be prepared? This sparkly top comes in three different shimmering shades.
Available in sizes XS to XL.

If You Want Something No One Else Has

Take the cutout trend to new levels with this one-piece with a flower-shaped cutout that’s guaranteed to be the most unique swimsuit no matter where you go.
Available in sizes XS to XL.

If You Want a Good Deal

Yes, we’re still shopping the Ssense sale — we’ll stop when the sale stops. Get this swimsuit from buzzy brand Isa Boulder at a deep discount. May we also suggest browsing the sale and layering on a few more pieces from the brand?
Available in sizes XS to XL.

21 Swimsuits Worth the Awkward Tan Lines