High-waisted bikinis, supportive bikinis, budget-friendly bikinis and even itsy-bitsy yellow polka dot bikinis!
Finding a flattering swimwear brand that’s right up your alley is like finding a rent-controlled apartment or a barista who remembers your order and slips you free pastries — hold on and never let it go.
But if you haven’t found your Goldilocks brand yet or are looking to expand your roster this summer, we’ve got you covered. We enlisted a panel testers to try 41 different swimsuits and rate them on everything from durability and longevity to style, fit and support.
We cannonballed and swam laps to see how well the suits stayed in place, dried and stayed opaque and put them through multiple wash cycles to see if the suits held up or if they stretched out of shape, shrunk or warped.
After tallying up the results of 308 questions answered by our testers, sizes 0-18, we found the best swimwear brands that consistently deliver winner after winner. No matter what body type or preferences you may have, there’s something for you on this list. Promise.
The best bikini brands of 2026
Cupshe
Prices start at: $24 | Styles: Bikinis, tankinis and one-pieces | Materials: Nylon, Spandex
Why we love it: Cupshe swimsuits are affordable, cute and trendy and that look pricier than they are and actually hold up great in real life. Belle Bakst, fashion stylist and style content creator, loves the brand because “You pay for the set but you get to choose specific sizing for the top and the bottom, which is so nice,” she adds, citing the Sun Picnic Striped Bikini as one of her favorites. Plus, the fact that most of its bikinis are under $50 for both the bikini top and bottom? Yes please.
What testers say: In our tests, Cupshe suits fit better than some suits four times the price. “It was supportive without being uncomfortable,” said one. “Fit true to size and was very comfortable on.” I wore one while white water rafting and it held up great against all the jostling with nary an issue in sight. Another tester liked the “more playful, styled look that felt a little more fashion-forward,” and the brand is constantly launching trendy new styles — there’s always something fresh and fun — and often collaborates with influencers and celebrities like Jessie James Decker, Kelsey Anderson, JoJo Fletcher and more.
Keep in mind: Certain Cupshe items have more limited size ranges than others. A lot of its bestsellers are available in a wide range of sizes (think XS-XXL) but newer styles might only be offered in S, M and L, which some testers said didn’t feel true-to-size. Also, while the suits look cute, “the material and construction can sometimes be indicative of the lower price point,” says Senior Style Editor Jessica Teich, and testers agreed: “It doesn’t feel as substantial or long-lasting as higher-end swimwear, especially in terms of structure and hardware. But I love budget-friendly swimsuits,” said one, and “overall, the quality felt good for the price point and I would shop from Cupshe again.” Teich agrees: “The styles, cuts and quality are all well worth the budget-friendly price.”
- Mix and match top/bottom sizing
- Cute styles with lots of options
- Durable material that holds up nicely over multiple wears and washes
- Size range availability can vary
- Lesser quality than other brands
Hollister
Prices start at: $20 | Styles: Bikinis | Materials: Nylon, polyester, elastane
Why we love it: Hollister is one of our favorite options for trendy swimwear, offering an adorable range of up-to-date prints (polka dots are having a big moment this year!) and colors at an affordable price point. Most tops and bottoms around $20-$40 each and all of its swimwear is available in XXS-XXL — they also offer a curvy option for certain styles that testers loved. Hollister’s swimwear is — as the kids say — very “aesthetic” and won’t break the bank either.
What testers say: The High Apex bikini got rave reviews from a range of testers from sizes XXS-XL, who all gave it perfect scores for support, coverage, staying in place and looking flattering. “I fell in love with the style,” said one. “It’s the exact balance of sweet and stylish I look for in my swimwear.” Another tester said, “I am obsessed with this swimsuit. It is a nice cut on both the top and bottoms. And the blue color… to die for.”
Keep in mind: The sizing runs a little off. Some testers thought the bikini top “definitely ran a little small. I’m between sizes and went with the smaller size, but in hindsight I should have gone up.” Others said, “the bottom runs a bit big.” We recommend ordering a couple of sizes to get it right.
- Trendy styles and patterns
- Optional curvy size variation
- Budget-friendly
- Tops and bottoms sold separately for size and style customizablity
Left on Friday
Prices start at: $95 | Styles: Bikinis, one-pieces and rash guards | Materials: Nylon, polyester, Lycra
Why we love it: Started by two former Lululemon executives, Left on Friday offers swimwear that functions like activewear without the intense “performance” look. The brand even made an appearance at the Paris Olympics on Canada’s volleyball players! Its signature material is soft and lightly compressive that testers described as thicker and substantial in the hand but light on skin.
What testers say: Teich says, “The fabric is stretchy-soft and comfortable, and fits in that same second-skin way your favorite leggings or underwear might. It’s totally unique in the swimwear space.” Testers agreed: One said of the Sunday Top, it’s “like sliding on your favorite non-padded sports bra. While swimming laps in an indoor pool, I felt comfortable and secure. I didn’t have to tug at the straps or pull up the bottoms. It almost felt like I wasn’t wearing a bathing suit — weird thing to say, but it looks and feels sleek, so maybe I swam faster — who knows!” Another added, “There’s no digging in or sliding around. Love!”
Keep in mind: There isn’t a ton of support in the top, and one expert tester said “the styles can look more like loungewear than swimwear.” Left on Friday generally doesn’t put padding in its bikini tops, instead relying on smoothing fabric and double linings, which one tester cited as a “major pro for [her] as a smaller chest girlie.” Another DDD tester said, “the support is slight but sufficient; it didn’t add a ton of lift, but it felt so comfortable that I reached for it regularly.” And keep in mind that the brand offers a D+ cup option for most of its bikini tops too!
- Smooth, lightweight, compressive fabric
- Barely-there feel
- Designed to perform like activewear
- D+ cup option
- Tops may not be as supportive
Everything But Water
Prices start at: $55 | Styles: Bikinis, tankinis and one-pieces | Materials: Varies based on brand
Why we love it: Everything But Water technically isn’t a swimsuit brand — it’s a retailer — but one that offers an excellent selection of fuller bust swimwear from a variety of brands. Teich describes the D+ cup selection as “amazing,” saying, “I always find a suit that works on my body, which is a feat for someone with my measurements.”
What testers say: “I have a terribly difficult time finding swimsuits that fit; tops either aren’t supportive enough in the bust or too loose around the band, and too often, I find that D+ cup sizing in swimsuits look too full-coverage and unflattering or matronly,” says Teich. “And if I find a top that fits, finding a matching bottom that doesn’t dig in or ride up while still looking flattering and hitting in the right spot is just as tricky. My grandmother actually brought me to Everything But Water when I was in college and I have to say, she was right. I’ve yet to find a more reliable swimwear spot.”
Keep in mind: The stylish designs and flattering fits do come with a more premium price tag. Expect to spend around $100 on a bikini top and somewhere between $150-$200 on the full set. “The suits at this brand are pricey, and I’m a frugal shopper — but swimwear is one of the only categories I’ll splurge for. It’s worth it to feel secure, supported and confident at the beach,” Teich explains. “Tip: I prefer to go in person to try on various sizes AND because the sales associates have great brand knowledge and always match me with a suit I’d never expect!”
- D+ cup/fuller cup sizing
- Retailer that offers a wide range of brand options
- Good for anyone with a small band and larger bust
Pepper
Prices start at: $48 | Styles: Bikinis and one-pieces | Materials: Polyamide, polyester, elastane
Why we love it: I’ve been a Pepper bra loyalist for years since the brand makes bras designed for smaller chests and offers a size 30 band option that I’m often looking for but can’t always find at other retailers. The brand’s swim line, Prow Swim, in the exact same no-gaping-ever fit that the viral bras offer, offered with fun colors and prints that look like they belong on the Italian Riviera. And yes, the swimwear is sold in bra sizing, which is a huge plus.
What testers say: One tester described Pepper bikinis as fitting like “perfection” and “super flattering” while another who tested the Pepper one-piece called it “the most flattering I own,” noting that she was most impressed with the push-up padding and that “the ‘subtle’ lift in the product description was an understatement.” I’m a huge fan of both the Lift Up Bra and the Lift Up Bikini, both of which offer a push-up effect that is simultaneously very impressive and totally natural-looking.
Keep in mind: Prow Swim has only been around for a year, so there’s only offer three styles — the Lift Up Bikini, the Triangle Bikini and the Lift Up One Piece. Each is available in a range of colors and patterns, though, and hopefully the brand will be releasing more styles this upcoming year. Also, Pepper’s sizing caps out at a B-cup, so large-chested folks will have to shop elsewhere.
- Excellent no-gape fit on smaller chests
- Goes down to a size 30 band and a AA cup
- Cute prints and colors
Target
Prices start at: $15 | Styles: Bikinis and one-pieces | Materials: Polyester, nylon, Spandex
Why we love it: Target was called a favorite by multiple testers in our current round of testing, so if you haven’t ventured into the swimsuit section of Target, it might be worth a visit. We love that there are tons of mix-and-match bikini options from many in-house swimwear labels like Shade & Shore, Wild Fable and Kona Sol for really reasonable prices. Don’t sleep on the sale section either — you’ll find lots of cute bikini tops and bottoms at a discounted rate.
What testers say: Two testers specifically cited Target’s Shade & Shore brand as a personal favorite: “I love my Target swimsuits,” said one. “They hold up really well and I can mix and match sizes and colors.” I’m very impressed by the range of style options Target offers and the fact that its plus-size selections go up to a size 3X.
Keep in mind: Some shoppers noted sizing inconsistencies for certain suits. Make sure to refer to brand size charts and customer reviews that note whether to size up or down before purchasing to figure out your best fit.
- Good range of basics and trendy options
- Tops and bottoms sold separately for size and style customizablity
- Lots of sale and clearance options
- Some sizing inconsistencies
Ookioh
Prices start at: $60 | Styles: Bikinis and one-pieces | Materials: Recycled nylon, Spandex
Why we love it: Ookioh’s sporty-cute designs have been spotted on the likes of Hailey Bieber, the Hadid sisters, Elsa Hosk and other celebs. The brand makes its fabric out of regenerated materials, which includes everything from ocean waste and fishing nets to pre-consumer waste products, and is working to eliminate all plastics from its packaging and process in the next two years.
What our pros say: “The colors have stayed vibrant through chlorine, sun rays and salt water, and the fabric hasn’t stretched out at all,” said one expert tester. I have been wearing the Como bikini top and the Monaco bottoms for years; I reach for it every single summer without fail. Plus the styles are just too darn cute and Ookioh also offers fun sunglasses to accompany your swim look if you so choose!
Keep in mind: Ookioh has a more limited range of offerings than what you might find from a larger retailer. The brand emphasizes slow fashion and thoughtful design, so you aren’t going to see a constant influx of new styles.
- Celebrity loved
- Fabric is made of regenerated materials
- Colors have held up nicely over the years, durable design
Knix
Prices start at: $45 | Styles: Bikinis and one-pieces | Materials: Nylon, Spandex, polyester
Why we love it: Say goodbye to avoiding the beach during that time of the month thanks to Knix’s swimwear. Each leakproof bottom has a discreet black lining can absorb up to two tampons worth of period blood (depending on the level of absorbency that you purchase). After swimming, you can simply throw it into the washing machine and you’ll be able to rewear the bottoms over and over again.
What our pros say: “I was a true period underwear/swimwear skeptic until I tried Knix,” said one expert tester. “I couldn’t wrap my mind around how a pair of bottoms could function the same way that a pad or tampon could — but somehow (perhaps via magic?) they really do work the way the brand says they will.” And best of all, the dark inner lining doesn’t stain, which makes Knix’s products feel truly reusable. Another expert tester says, “I reach for my Knix suit regardless of the time of the month. The top is incredibly flattering and supportive; I look lifted and whittled, but feel secure and confident.”
Keep in mind: The brand sells both regular and leakproof bottoms on its site. Be sure to double-check that you’re ordering the correct ones! Pro tip: If you see a product marked as “Essential,” it’s not designed to be worn while on your period.
- Discreet period blood absorbency up to two tampons worth
- Easy to clean in the washing machine
- Dark lining doesn’t stain
- Regular and leakproof options are easy to mix up
How we chose the best bikini brands of 2026
We enlisted 15 different testers with various body types (sizes 0-18, XXS-XL) and swimwear preferences to try bikinis from more than 21 popular brands we selected based on industry buzz, new launches, trusted legacies and new innovation in the swim market. I sourced staffer and expert feedback on the swim brands they love the most (308 questions answered, in total).
We asked testers for feedback on a range of performance indicators, including fit, support, security, coverage and durability. Testers weighed in on whether or not their suits stayed in place, looked flattering and dried quickly. They rated how easy the suit was to put on, take off adjust and whether they ran true-to-size. They swam laps, body surfed at beaches and dipped into pools and hot tubs before laundering them repeatedly and reporting on how they held up to repeated use, and whether they stretched out, snagged or held their shape.
I also spoke with two fashion stylists for their input on what features and options indicate a good bikini brand, as well as specific swimsuits they’ve been loving themselves. We took the results of our testers’ questions — 308 and counting — and scored them to come up with this list of trusted bikini brands that have held up through weeks and years of chlorine, salt water, sun, travel and washing machines.
Factors to consider when shopping bikini brands
What actually makes a good bikini brand? It’s a mix of style, personal preference, range of offerings and of course, solid construction and quality. “Look for structure and durability. Double-lined fabrics, underwire, molded cups, and adjustable straps are non-negotiable,” says Tara West, fashion stylist. Here are some factors to keep in mind as you’re looking at bikini options.
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Style: A big part of feeling good in your swimwear is finding styles that you love that also support your body type for optimal comfort. Bust size is often a big determinant:
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Underwire bikinis tend to be better at distributing the weight of breast tissue, so if you’re looking for maximum lift, “a well-designed underwire or molded cup gives lift, separation and shape, similar to what you’d expect from a great bra,” West explains. “Shoppers with fuller busts will benefit most from structured suits,” as well as swimsuits that are available in bra sizing. While West says any cup size can wear an underwire suit, those with smaller chests may be more comfortable without an underwire.
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Triangle and halter tops give you the option to customize the amount of coverage you get from your bikini top, an adjustable triangle bikini. The strings and straps might be well-suited for some yet not supportive enough for others, depending on body type and preference.
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Scoop necks (think bikini tops that look like sports bras) are a great option for every body type especially if you love getting active at the beach or pool, whereas something like a halter top puts all the pressure on your neck.
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Materialsl: You’ll want swimsuits that can hold up through multiple seasons, so look for durable, thicker fabrics made with a blend of synthetics (polyester or nylon) and stretch (elastane/Spandex/Lycra). Fabric quality is important for two factors:
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Sheerness: “Double-lined fabrics are a key indicator of quality,” says West. “They provide opacity and prevent the suit from becoming see-through when wet.”
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Durability: A thoughtfully-designed bikini will feature structural integrity — even if it’s purposefully on the more revealing side — to offer support and longevity. “A well-structured swimsuit is designed to hold its shape on the body rather than collapsing or stretching out,” notes West. “Look for features like reinforced seams, strategic paneling and built-in support through linings or internal bands,” she adds, and check that any embellishments or other decorative elements are securely stitched onto the garment.
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Adjustability: “Look for adjustable straps and zippers! Being able to get into your suit with ease makes you feel that much more comfortable and confident,” says Belle Bakst, fashion stylist and style content creator. Varying back closure options will also help you customize the amount of bust support you’re getting from your bikini top.
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Sizing: In an ideal world, you should be able to shop for a bikini the exact same way that you shop for a bra — based on cup and band size. However, for reasons unbeknownst to me, brands love to sell their bikinis in standard letter sizing (S, M, L, etc). The best move is to refer to the brand’s specific size chart and select a letter size based on your bra size. And if you have a larger cup size but a smaller band size, look for swimsuits that are sold in letter sizing with extended cup options. A brand might sell a size S bikini top and then have a size S/D+ cup bikini top option that’s designed to support a larger chest.
Bikini brands FAQs
What are some of the biggest trends in swimwear right now?
From ’70s-inspired prints and details to interesting textures, there are tons of fun styles that are trending for summer 2026. “We’re seeing crochet textures and cool hardware becoming more of the focal points for bikinis, which is shaking things up a bit,” says Bakst. Look for fun beads, metallic detailing or even seashell embellishments to spice up your swimwear. “Another interesting trend right now is the double-top look that creates the illusion of two bikini tops being worn at the same time,” Bakst adds.
What’s the best way to wash my bikini?
Some swimsuits can be machine-washed on a gentle, cold cycle. Putting your bikini in a lingerie bag before tossing it in the machine can reduce the amount of wear and tear on your swimsuit. However, you’ll want to double-check the care tag before doing so as some swimwear is hand-wash only, especially if it has fragile or hand-sewn elements like embellishments or decorative hardware.
If you aren’t sure what to do, the safest move is to hand-wash your swimsuit with cold water and a mild soap or detergent to remove salt, chlorine and sunscreen from the fabric. Lay flat to dry rather than aggressively wringing out your suit, as tempting as it may be to do so. This prevents fading and damage to any structural elements and it helps your swimsuit stay fresh for longer.
How can I tell if a swimsuit fits?
Ask yourself a few questions when you try a swimsuit on: Do you feel “held in” or do you feel a hop and a skip away from accidentally flashing other beachgoers? Do you feel an underwire or thicker, paneled underband for support or does it seem like you could easily crumple up the entire swimsuit into a tiny ball? The right pick will stay in place and feel secure without squeezing and have some density to it so that it will hold up over time.
Meet our experts
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Belle Bakst, fashion stylist and style content creator
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Tara West, fashion stylist