always shopping

22 Swimsuits Worth the Awkward Tan Lines

Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Retailers

For more of the Cut’s favorite fashion, beauty, and home finds, sign up for the weekly Cut Shop Newsletter.

Summer is finally here, which means the hunt for the best swimsuits is officially on. Time to start stocking up on cute suits for all your upcoming beach trips and pool outings.

But let’s be real, you’re not shopping for just any kind of swimsuit. You want to stand out in the best swimsuits the internet has to offer — even if that means sporting a design that’s likely to create those awkward tan lines. So since you want to spend more time planning your vacation than shopping for it, we’ve searched high and low for the best cute swimsuits to add to your suitcase this summer.

Whether you’re looking for sparkling cutouts, a bikini with chains, or one with polka dots, we’ve got a little bit of everything in our best-swimsuits lists — including affordable sets and stylish plus-size options. Read on to see our “awkward tan line worthy” picks for the best swimsuits to shop this summer.

If You Want Something Before (and After) Labor Day

Whether you follow the Labor Day rules or not, everyone needs a good white swimsuit. This one-piece by Beach Riot features a side cutout with a waist tie, which elevates the simple yet stylish suit. It’s perfect for any upcoming long holiday weekend festivities by the pool or beach.
Available in sizes XS to XL.

If You Need Something Affordable, Fast

Get your summer started with this affordable and fun H&M one-piece. With the double cutouts on the shoulder and side, this is a great way to show some skin without being in a full two-piece.
Available in sizes XXS to XL.

If You’re Into Sustainability

If you’re looking for a standout sustainable swimsuit, we love Jade Swim. The brand’s innovative designs feature only solid-color fabrics crafted from ECONYL (100 percent regenerated nylon made from recycled items, such as fishing nets and plastic bottles). Their popular sheen collection has a super smooth texture and gives off a shine in the sun, especially in colors like this bold orange. According to founder Brittany Kozerski Freeney, the Luna one-piece can easily be worn “beyond the beach.” The suit can be “paired with jeans, pants, skirts, etc., since the cut-out detail is above the waistline,” she adds.
Available in sizes XS to XL. 

If You Want a Modest Cutout

There’s such a thing as showing a modest amount of skin while still out and about. This suit is a great option for those who want to be chill and comfortable on the beach. The Sasha Top has just the slightest slit underneath the bust that adds a bit of edge to the simplistic design.
One size.

If You’re Not Afraid of a Little Color

If you’re a fan of Year of Ours activewear, you’re going to love their sporty swim collection, which features a variety of pastel and neon swimsuits. This unique capped-sleeve suit is approved by Year of Ours designer and the stylist behind SZA’s looks, Alejandra LaPilusa. “The Tiffany top is the best for two reasons. One being it’s made out of our swim rib which has the best stretchability, it feels great and does not lose its shape when in the water,” she said. “The second reason is that it’s a bikini top that can also be worn as a cute top with trousers or paired with a blazer,”
Available in sizes XS to 2X.

If You Want Really Good Plus-Size Option

You can’t go wrong with a cool cutout, especially one fittred for any and all body types. Make a bright statement in this Good American suit featuring innovative stretch fabric that’s comfortable and cute. If you’re a fan of the Khloe Kardashian co-founded brand, try and nab some new pieces from Good American’s recent partnership with Body Glove for metallic swimwear options with some ‘80s flare.
Available in sizes XXS to 5XL.

If You Want Something to Shape Your Bust

With the unique W-shaped underwire cutout and gathered bow detail, we’re wondering if we could get away with calling this a bodysuit because it’s almost too good to wear exclusively at the beach. And while the suit comes in various shades, we suggest the yellow.
Available in sizes XS to XXL.

If You Want the Retro Look

If you were a fan of the Norma Kamali Diana Dress that Carrie Bradshaw sported in the first season of And Just Like That …, then you’ll love this sweetheart halter-neck swimsuit by the same designer.
Available in sizes XXS 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’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 Want Something Strapless

Madewell’s Second Wave swimsuit collection is made to feel like your second skin. With “feel-good recycled fabric” and comfy stretch-ribbed materials, this isn’t just a basic bikini. The best-selling suit also features removable spaghetti straps so you have the option of going totally strapless or having added support.
Available in sizes XXS to XXL.

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 seven colors.
Available in sizes XS to XL.

If You Want Something With a Built-In Body Chain

If you love to accessorize your swimwear with necklaces and body chains, why not go for a swimsuit with a chain already built in? You can always expect gilded glamour from Cult Gaia, even in their swimwear.
Available in sizes XS to XL. 

If You Want to Show Your Stripes

When it comes to the best swimsuits, you can never go wrong with a Triangl bikini. And this Vinca suit is no different. Bright and striped swimwear in a terry-cloth material — and it comes with a matching neoprene bag. What more could you ask for?
Available in sizes XXS to XL.

If You Want Something Classic But Not Boring

This is the best swimsuit for those who want a classic “business in the front and party in the back” look. The front of the suit features a slight plunge neckline but otherwise remains conservative. Once you turn around you’ll see the suit’s bold cross-back detail that is anything but boring.
Available in sizes 0 to 24.

If You Want a Good Deal

Yes, we’re still shopping the Net-a-Porter sale — we’ll stop when the sale stops. Get this swimsuit from go-to sparkle brand Oséree at a good discount. And when you do, brand co-founders, Jannine Vinci and Isabella Cavallin, suggest styling the piece with “a sheer cover-up or satin kaftan adorned with crystals to enhance the overall sparkle, which will make for a look that can easily transition from the beach to a beachside bar.”
Available in sizes S to XL.

If You Like a Bold One Shoulder

This bold Hunza G suit is a twist on the brand’s signature sculpting seersucker one-piece. The iconic design is a favorite of model Brooks Nader, who currently appears on the cover of the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue in the red version of the classic one-piece. “This Hunza G suit is perfect for those looking for comfort and style. It’s super-stretchy and flattering,” Nader said of her SI cover look inspired by the ’90s styles of Pamela Anderson and Cindy Crawford. “I love pairing these suits with a vintage chain belt for added drama.”
One size.

If You Want Something Eye-catching

If you’re a believer in “more is more” and looking to make a fierce sparkle statement in the water or on the sand, then this golden shimmer suit by Same Swim may be the best swimsuit for you. And SAME creative director and style influencer Shea Marie, agrees. “One of our standout styles over the past few years have been our signature chain suits. The large oversized gold chains (that are made of a lightweight, non-metal material and coated to be water resistant) have turned simple swimwear styles into stand-out fashion pieces,” she said of the fan-favorite suit.
Available in sizes XS to L. 

If You’re Diving Into the Mermaid Core Trend

By now you can’t escape people talking about mermaidcore. It happens. Whether you want to put a label on the trend or not, this deep-water blue PatBo bikini featuring gold hardware that resembles floating coral leaf. (It may be a splurge but you’ll look great).
Available in sizes XS to XL. 

If You’re Loving Rosettes

It’s no surprise that rosettes are everywhere this season — now, they’re on your swimwear, too. So if you’re loving the rosette trend and want to show it off by the pool, try this romantic halter one-piece that can also double as a great summer top.
Available in sizes XS to L. 

If You Want to Look Like Dua Lipa

If you love polka dots, Dua Lipa, and all things Barbie pink, splurge on this Versace x Dua Lipa pink bikini, one of the coveted designs from the singer’s recent collab with the Donatella Versace. (And despite the luxe price tag, the set, which also comes in black and blue, is selling fast!)
Available in sizes 1 to 5 (S to XL).

Our Experts

  • Morgan Evans, fashion and culture editor who’s contributed to The Cut, Vanity Fair, and People.
  • Shea Marie, SAME creative director and style influencer.
  • Alejandra LaPilusa, Year of Ours designer and celebrity stylist.
  • Brittany Kozerski Freeney, Jade Swim founder.
  • Jannine Vinci and Isabella Cavallin, Oséree co-founders.
22 Swimsuits Worth the Awkward Tan Lines