From Minimal to Maximal: 24 Bikinis to Wear in 2026

Unless you live in a place where it’s warm year-round, beach days feel too precious to waste on swimwear wardrobe malfunctions. A “good” swimsuit will look different for everyone, but, at their most basic, the best bathing suits will fit you well (easier said than done when every brand’s sizing runs its own direction), stay put when you move and swim, and keep their stretch after multiple washes (and seasons).

“While a bikini may appear to be a small amount of fabric, there's significant construction and engineering involved in a well-made swimsuit,” says Sabra Krock, the owner and creative director of swimsuit retailer Everything But Water. “Thoughtful seaming, supportive linings, durable elastics, and premium materials all contribute to how a suit fits, feels, and performs over time. Higher-quality swimsuits not only fit better but also wear better, maintaining their shape and support far longer.”

While a well-made minimal swimsuit (say, a string black bikini) will always be in the rotation of beach must-haves, there are plenty of style and color trends to play with as you head into spring and summer. “Bold, confident color stories continue to lead the way, with red and all shades of brown emerging as standout hues,” says Krock. “Texture remains a major focus, alongside animal prints and sea-life-inspired motifs. Dramatic hardware and ruffle details are also gaining momentum, adding statement appeal to classic silhouettes.” She also notes that “bikini charms,” personalized ornaments you can add to a bikini top or bottom as a great form of “self-expression.”

Whether you’re seeking full or moderate coverage, shopping for a fuller or smaller bust, or looking for a designer splurge or affordable Amazon gem, find your best bikini match ahead.

What to Look For in a Bikini

• Fit

The best bikini is one that fits you well—that doesn't dig into your skin, feels comfortable enough to wear for hours on end, and is supportive. In order to ensure a perfect fit, Laura Low Ah Kee, co-founder of Left On Friday, recommends shopping using your measurements (i.e., ribcage, full bust, waist, hip, torso, and cup size), rather than your clothing size.

Some additional things to consider for your body type and shape.

Smaller busts: Triangle tops with straps will ensure a tight, no-budge fit. “If enhancing the bust is the goal, ruffles, bright colors, and bold prints can help create the appearance of fullness,” says Krock. “Light padding also adds shape, and removable inserts offer easy customization.”

Larger busts: Opt for tops that lift and support. Krock suggests looking for details like “under-bust banding, power mesh, wider straps, and molded or structured cups” to ensure a comfortable fit for those with D+ chests.

Hourglass or curvy body shape: To highlight your curves, look for ultra-high-waisted bottoms that sit on the smallest part of your waist or V-cut low-rise bottoms that elongate the legs. “Slightly skimpier bottom cuts can be very flattering when paired with a well-supporting top that balances proportions,” says Krock.

• Materials

The material of your bikini plays a huge role in its fit, says Jessica Anderson Tello, founder of 93 Play Street. "Look for double-lined swimwear with the same material on the outside of the suit as on the lining on the inside," she advises. "Fast fashion uses thin mesh lining that can be less flattering on the body and irritating to sensitive skin."

For a swimsuit that can hold up season after season, Krock recommends looking for pieces made with “four-way stretch that moves with the body, high-quality linings that smooth and support, and lay-flat seams that prevent digging or irritation.” She explains: “These construction details may not be obvious at first glance, but they make a meaningful difference in both comfort and longevity and are well worth the investment.”

Additionally, Kee recommends considering the function. For example, if you're heading to the pool or soaking up the sun, you'll want to look for a bikini that's made from chlorine- and UV-resistant fabric. If you're going to the beach for a game of sand volleyball, you'll need a bikini that's supportive of movement and can handle the sand.

• Adjustability

Finally, Anderson Tello recommends looking for a bikini that's easily adjustable. "Adjustability in swimwear is a must as it is natural for a woman's body to fluctuate in size based on her cycle," she says.

Krock echoes this: “Straps, ties, or sliders can allow for a more comfortable, secure, and customized fit, especially across different body types and proportions.”

Best Bikinis

• Best Bikini Overall: Monday Swimwear Tulum Top, $98
• Best Budget Bikini: Aerie Full Coverage Classic Bikini Bottom, $19
• Best Splurgeworthy Bikini: Eres Les Essentiels Show Bandeau Bikini Top, $360
• Best Plus-Size Bikini: Swimsuits For All Drape-Front Underwire Bikini Top, $44
• Best Bikini for Bigger Busts: MaxSwim Jules Shimmer Bralette Bikini Top, $94
• Best Bikini for Triangle Bikini: Zuvebamyo Women Two-Piece Bikini Swimsuit, $24
• Best Bikini for Comfort: Left On Friday Hi Hi Bikini Bottoms, $110

Best Overall Bikini

"I have a larger cup size and a small back, so it's really difficult for me to find bikini tops—triangle tops, in particular—that don't make me feel like I'm spilling out or running the risk of a wardrobe malfunction. This one from Monday Swimwear has changed all that. It has thicker tie straps that don't come undone with the slightest movement and knots on the triangle part, so I can adjust how big or small I want it to be. The material is also pretty supportive for a bikini top, so I get some lift and smoothing. Basically, it's perfect. I want it in every color." — Julia Marzovilla, Fashion E-Commerce Editor

Sizes: Small/Medium; Large/Voluptuous; Very Voluptuous

Best One-Size-Fits-All Bikini

Since launching in the ‘80s, the brand Hunza G has become known for its one-size-fits-all swimsuits, crafted from a stretchy, crinkled fabric that accommodates a range of body types. (The brand is also famous for creating Julia Roberts’s cut-out dress in Pretty Woman.) Krock calls this fairly full-coverage style “a cult-favorite silhouette that is both playful and flattering,” and praises its frill detailing that “adds softness and personality while remaining timeless.”

Sizes: One size

Best Bikini With Sun Protection

Formerly known for just its shapewear, Spanx has since expanded its offering to include comfort-forward athleisure, activewear, and swimwear. While the bathing suit selection is limited in styles and color, this halter-neck bikini hits on all the other fronts: inclusive sizing, adjustable straps, shaping-but-not-constricting compression, and, the best part, chlorine-resistant fabric with built-in UPF 50+ sun protection.

Sizes: XS-3X

Best Colorblock Bikini

If you're on a budget, don't sleep on Amazon for your swimwear needs. This set from Cupshe is a best-selling bikini on the retailer, and it's not too hard to see why. The twist-front design and high-waisted bottoms are objectively flattering, and it comes in a ton of fun colors and prints—31, to be exact. You can also adjust the shoulder straps and easily take out the top's padding if you prefer.

Sizes: XS-XXL

Customer review: "One of my favorite bathing suits. Material is great and doesn't dig into you. Very comfortable and great support. Fits true to size."

Best Comfy Bikini

Kee founded fashion editor-beloved brand Left On Friday with Shannon Savage. After working together at Lululemon, the duo set out to create active swimwear they could depend on while swimming and playing beach sports. The brand uses a buttery-smooth fabric in all of its pieces; it feels just like your favorite activewear, but better. Bikini tops and bottoms are compressive enough to keep you in, but are still comfortable and never dig in.

Sizes: XS-XXL

Customer review: "I am so happy to have found LOF! These bottoms are the most comfortable I have ever had! Modest enough to not feel too exposed, but cheeky enough to feel sexy! I have them in several colors and I will be a forever customer!"

Best Floral Bikini

Anthropologie’s vacation-inspired in-house brand Celandine is full of getaway-worthy dresses, breezy separates, and printed swimwear. This adjustable halter top with a 3-D floral design can be worn as a bikini or a top, paired with wide-leg linen pants or denim shorts. To make a swim set, match this style with a pair of black bottoms, or mismatch with the ultra-high-waist bottoms pictured here, whose whimsical pattern features everything from trendy seashells and sardines to tomatoes, bows, and palm trees.

Sizes: XS-XL

Best Budget Bikini

Aerie is just as beloved for its budget-friendly swimwear as for its undergarments. Not only are its bathing tops and bottoms affordable, but they're also well-made, come in a range of cuts and silhouettes, and feature fun prints and patterns, in addition to being available in tons of solid colors. These bikini bottoms offer backside support, full coverage, and a regular rise, and are made from UPF 50 sun protection fabric; they come with a choice of a matching triangle top or an underwire bra.

Sizes: XXS-XXL

Customer Review: “My Aerie bathing suits are the only ones that fit me perfect! Not only do they look good, but they feel good! They complement me and fit me true to size. I love these bottoms so much and will continue to order bathing suits from Aerie every summer:)”

Best On-Trend Bikini

For Krock, brown hues will be one of the biggest swimwear trends this summer. She loves this style from Everything But Water’s in-house collection for its cheeky high-cut fit: “Thoughtful details, like the banded high-waist bottom, enhance shape while remaining incredibly comfortable and beautiful to wear.” The contrasting white trim adds a touch of interest to the tonal browns, as does the plunging neckline on the top.

Sizes: S-D, S-L

Best Bikini for Bigger Busts

Krock recommends the brand MaxSwim, which carries C-to-G cup bikinis, for shoppers with fuller busts. Don’t be fooled by the plunging silhouette on this style: “The sliding halter top features adjustable sliders, allowing you to customize coverage and shape,” she says. In addition to the U-wire accent at the bust, the sea green style comes in a textured fabric with shimmer detail that Krock describes as “elevated and luxe.”

Sizes: C-G, XS-XL

Best Bikini for Smaller Busts

If you’re looking for a bikini top with built-in padding, this best-selling style from Victoria’s Secret creates a push-up effect that, according to the brand, adds up to one cup size. If you’re not after a lift, the padding is removable and comes with adjustable straps. The gold-tone hardware looks luxe against the black, though the style also comes in colorful iterations and prints.

Sizes: A-F, XS-XXL

Best Plus-Size Bikini

As the brand name suggests, Swimsuits For All has affordable bathing suits in an inclusive range of sizes. What’s more, pieces come separately so you can mix and match numerical (US 4-44) and cup sizes (that go up to G/H) for a more personalized fit. This brightly-hued yellow top with draped detailing provides a lifting underwire and multiway straps that can be crossed in the back for even more support. The matching full-coverage bottoms come in a high-waist cut with a side-knot drape.

Sizes: 36DD-46G, 8-26

Best Underwire Bikini

If lift is what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with an underwire option. This style from Andie comes in a wide range of bust sizes, has removable cups, and comes with thicker straps that stay put without digging in. The ruching detail adds a twist to an otherwise classic cupped bikini top. You can feel good about buying this style, too—80% of the suit is made from recycled nylon.

Sizes: XS-3X (with D+ cup options), XS-3X

Best High-Waisted Bikini

"When it comes to bikinis, I look for two things: bra-like support with my top and cinched-in, high-waisted bottoms. And lucky for me, this Jade Swim set has both! The lined, underwire cups ensure my chest remains secure and supported throughout my beach day activities (I'm a swimmer, not a lay-on-the-sand-for-hours type of gal), and the bottoms offer the perfect amount of coverage for my comfort level. " — Emma Childs, Fashion Features Editor

Sizes: XS-XL

Best Detailed Bikini

Oséree is known for its ultra-glamorous swimwear, which typically includes glittery fabrics, luxe details, and plenty of rhinestones, and this set is no different. Complete with floral appliqués on shiny gold fabric, this is the ideal bikini to pack along to a pool party, bachelorette trip, or anywhere you need to turn up the notch on your beach look. It also comes with a matching dress and pareo for a full pool party-to-dinner look.

Sizes: S-XL

Best Animal-Print Bikini

Animal prints are another big trend this season, in particular zebra, snakeskin, and tiger patterns. This Reformation style is a classic triangle string bikini, made sexier with the addition of a print. The set is on the skimpier side, ideal for shoppers looking for minimal coverage and maximum adjustability.

Sizes: XS-XL

Best Splurge-Worthy Bikini

French brand Eres is the holy grail of luxury swimwear. While this pick is the most expensive on this list, it's also the most investment-worthy. It’s made from the label’s soft peau douce fabric that sculpts and smoothes (and retains its shape long-term). The strapless neckline is supported by light boning and a U-bar ring, ensuring the bandeau won’t slip down in the water. While the Les Essentiels line comes in a variety of colors, we are partial to this lilac.

Sizes: FR 38-44

Best Printed Bikini

After several plus-size-friendly swim collaborations with Eloquii, Los Angeles-based creative Gabi Gregg (aka Gabi Fresh) launched Villa Fresca in 2024. The brand has since become known for its inclusive sizing, interesting designs (featuring cut-outs, hardware, etc.), and statement prints like this graphic multi-hued set.

Sizes: XS-4X

Best Cheeky Bottom Bikini

Finding the right amount of cheekiness in a bikini bottom can be a challenge: too little coverage and you may feel too exposed, and too much can feel unflattering. These bikini bottoms from Skims achieve the perfect balance. In terms of fit, they feature a mid-rise waist and sit high on your hips, elongating your legs. The shade range includes mega-watt neons and go-with-everything neutrals, plus the sizes go up to 4X.

Sizes: XXS-4X

Customer review: "The quality of this is incredible. Hides the right amount in the front, while revealing just the right amount in the back."

Best Tank Bikini

Inspired by shapewear, Anderson Tello’s slow fashion brand uses sculpting fabrics with contouring designs. While the brand is known for its neon-bright pieces, this tankini caught our eye thanks to its sweetheart neckline, which prevents the modest look from looking matronly. Made from a double-layered fabric, the top comes with removable cup pads and a built-in bra for a cleavage boost and support.

Sizes: XS-3XL

Best Itsy Bitsy Bikini

Frankies Bikinis is known for its trend-forward designs and buzzy collaborations with the likes of celebrities like Bella Hadid and It Girl brands like Khy and Réalisation Par. For minimal coverage, the brand offers a mix of skimpy styles, ranging from “itsy bitsy teenie weenie” string bikinis to this strip-like bandeau style. The bright pink colorway will create a nice contrast against the sea and pool blues.

Sizes: XS-XL

Best Triangle Bikini

Triangle bikinis are another great option for those with smaller busts. With the tie straps, you can easily tighten and customize your fit and switch up your styles. Cross the shoulder straps in the front for a halter look and a boost of cleavage, or flip the whole top upside down, as seen on TikTok. A bonus with this Amazon bikini is that it comes as a set ,and has over 30 colors and prints to choose from. Plus, the bottoms have a scrunch on the back for a lifted look.

Sizes: XS-XL

Customer review: “Sizing was accurate and the bottoms are adjustable which I was happy about. The top stays pretty secure too, ordering in another color for sure!”

Best High-Coverage Bikini

For those who prefer a more high-coverage bikini bottom, turn to Summersalt. The affordable brand has a ton of stylish and more modest swimsuit options, including this high-rise pair. The matching top also sports wide straps and high back coverage, so you feel lifted on all fronts. Reviewers especially love this suit for postpartum thanks to its extra-flattering fit and support.

Sizes: 2-22

Customer review: "This is one of the most flattering bathing suits I’ve ever bought! I just had a baby so I was looking for something that would hide the wobbly bits for our upcoming beach vacation. This suit does the trick!"

Best Halter-Neck Bikini

Krock says this lace overlay style is a “perennial favorite, season after season” with Everything But Water customers: “The delicate lace brings a romantic, fashion-forward twist to swimwear.” The adjustable halter straps, back ties, and removable cups all ensure a seamless fit, while the scalloped trim and pastel pink colorway make for sweet, unexpected details.

Size: S-L (with D cup option), S-L

Best Bandeau Bikini

Oleema and Kalani Miller, the founders and sisters behind Mikoh, created the type of streamlined swimsuits they wished to surf in. The quality is top-notch and supportive, while the design is adornment-free and minimalist. All the pieces are made to be mixed and matched, including this bandeau with boned side seams for slip-free bust support. We also love this gray-blue colorway.

Sizes: XS-XL

Meet the Experts

Jessica Anderson

Bringing functionality and up-to-date styles together, Anderson Tello founded 93 Play Street in 2021. She designs swimwear in the most flattering cuts that make you feel like the best version of yourself while still offering the functionality of not slipping and sliding. She also regularly posts fashion content to her TikTok, where she has over 500k followers.

Laura Low Ah Kee

Kee started the active swim brand Left On Friday with co-founder Shannon Savage in 2017. Before that, Kee led the Speed to Market team at Lululemon, where she created products like the Free to Be Bra (Wild), Jet Crop, and Love Tee. Known for its supportive fits and performance styles, Left On Friday has been the official sponsor of Canada's National Women's Beach Volleyball team since 2022.

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