With summer right around the corner (I can practically taste the pool-side daiquiris), I wanted to explore some new swimsuit options.
As I’ve mentioned in the past, I have had an ever-evolving journey with my body—I went from being a constantly busy (and underweight) athlete to a lesser active adult with a fuller-bodied figure. Part of my journey, along with treating myself with grace and understanding, has been to regularly buy clothing that fits my body as-is.
It’s a true act of kindness to dress yourself for the body you have, rather than the body you used to have.
Thus, here I am—swimsuit shopping.
For me, I’m interested in swimsuits with the following attribuites:
- Comfortable fabrics (most important to me!)
- An option to mix sizes (right now I have a larger-sized bottom than top)
- A mix of coverages and styles
- Affordable (this is probably most important in general. I have a ton of sustainable options on my dream wish list, but those aren’t feasible now)
My swimsuit picks
Mesh ‘kini, Shein
I’ll be honest, Shein makes me nervous. This is fast fashion, plain and simple. I’ve had good pieces from them and I’ve had dumpster fire-quality items—and there’s not really any way to know which you’re going to get.
(There are reviews and photos, but reviews are incentivized for a point/rewards system, so maybe take them with a grain of salt?)
Anyway, I rolled the dice and purchased this mesh bikini from Shein for less than $10 with a discount code. As soon as I tried it on, I knew it was a good pick. I love it. Great coverage, accurate sizing (though I did size up), and it’s super cute. This is one of my favorite swimsuits that I’ve gotten in a long time, and it’s a two-piece. I feel great in it.
Check it out here.
Underwire bikini, Shein
My other swimsuit purchase from Shein was an experiment with the underwire look. I like it! It’s a little on the tight side, but I enjoy the ribbed fabric and the sleek look.
I opted for a classic black look so that I could mix and match with my other bottoms, but they have several really nice colors to choose from.
Check it out here. If you’re interested, here’s a link to my favorite high-cut and high-waisted waffle bottoms from Aerie.
Floral one-piece, Amazon
I can always use a new one-piece. I chose an option from Amazon that has a ton of great reviews (probably referred from a Buzzfeed listicle article—I’m a true sucker for those). The navy floral print is very fun and unlike any of my other suits.
Fit-wise, the top is a little unique for me, but it’s very form-flattering and has almost full bum coverage. It’s a little on the conservative style, but I like it so far!
Check it out here.
Yellow one-piece, Amazon
Last fall I mixed things up and got a cute, bright, on-piece from Amazon as a new hot springs suit. I wanted something that was a low investment, so I wouldn’t feel too badly if the mineral water gradually damaged my suit.
This piece got the job done. It fit a little oddly (I did size up, after reading review recommendations), but it was overall a nice and diverse addition to my closet.
Check it out here.
Mix and match, Aerie
Aerie is probably my favorite swimsuit company. They are always on-trend and create pieces that are both comfortable and flattering. Though they, like many companies, have a ways to go with inclusivity, I’ve appreciated the use of untouched models of varying body types.
Here are some items that I’ve gotten in the past. I’m very pro mix-and-match with these swimmies.
- Aerie Ribbed Shine Plunge Bikini Top
- Aerie Ribbed High Cut Cheeky Bikini Bottom
- Aerie Waffle High Cut Cheeky Bikini Bottom
- Aerie Ribbed Shine High Cut Cheeky Bikini Bottom
- Aerie Longline Triangle Bikini Top
Gingham green, Abercrombie
In case you haven’t heard, the nineties are back in all of their fashionable glory. I was drawn to this green checkered suit that heavily reminded me of a picnic. Though on the pricier side, I really enjoyed being able to buy the two pieces separately to get different sizes. It’s a worthy investment if you’re looking for comfort and a chic throwback.
Check out the top here and the bottoms here.
Cover-up, Shein
I’m pretty sure the last time I had a swimsuit cover-up was when I was 10 years old. I went for a classic, white, kimono-style number from Shein. I got the largest size available so that I could have a loose, open, and draped fit. The fabric isn’t fabulously soft—it’s more of a sheer polyester—but I think it’s cute and gets the job done.
I can already imagine all of the Instagram pictures I’ll try (and probably fail) to take in this one.
Check it out here.
Swim trunks
I also want to include a few men’s (or anyone!! We say f*ck gender roles in this space!) swimsuits that I love. I am a huge fan of shorter hems for swim trunks (thighs OUT, Chad!), but that dream hasn’t come true yet in our household. Here are a few great options if you’re on the prowl for board shorts.
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