It’s that time of year again (you know when you’re about to chase the salt and the sand, and hunting for the best bikinis becomes your second full-time job).
I get it, and not just because we have dozens of bikinis in our now overflowing closet bins. Though we love one-piece swimwear and affordable swimsuits under $35, bikinis are the quintessential summer staple that, impressively, come in a variety of styles to suit your body type, making you feel and look great.
The struggle can certainly be real, which is why I’ve been long-term testing bikinis for three years straight. Yes, the process came with some trial and error but that’s the beauty of this review. Here, I provide notes on sizing, fit and more from top brands like Cupshe, Aerie, Lily Pulitzer and more.
- Best Bikini Brand Overall: Cupshe
- Best Budget Bikini Brand: SHEIN
- Best Luxury Bikini Brand: Agua Bendita
- Best Bikini Brand for Sets: Amazon
- Best Modest Bikini Brand: Lily Pulitzer
- Best Sexy Bikini Brand: JMP The Label
- Best Bikini Brand for Big Busts: Abercrombie
- Best Active Bikini Brand: Aerie
- Best Bikini Brand for High-Waisted Options: Lulus
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Paired with the beach cover-ups (and, of course, facial sunscreens and mineral SPF for protection), these bikinis are pure magic — and you should definitely rock them this season.
Best Bikini Brand Overall: Cupshe
Pros:
- Large assortment of fun colors, prints and styles
- Incredible fabric that’s perfect for all types of wear
- Excellent value for the price
Cons:
- Most styles are not the best for plus sizes
It’s difficult to pick a favorite bikini brand, but Cupshe is at the top of my list. How could you pass all the Instagram-worthy cute sets up that are (1) affordable and (2) standout for summer?
Specifically, I love the beach-ready Tie-Dye Wash Textured Scoop Neck Top & High Waist Bikini Set ($28) that comes in decadent pastel hues and hugs in all the right places. Also coming in hot is the brand’s Underwire Top & High Waist Cheeky Bikini Set ($28), the retro-inspired option that is one of my most-worn pieces.
If you want to take a page from the Italian riviera, you’ll adore Cupshe’s Yellow Wrap Front & Floral Print Tie Side Bikini Set ($25) and Paisley Boho Plunging Bralette & Cheeky Hipster Bikini ($24) just as much.
Best Budget Bikini Brand: SHEIN
Pros:
- Incredible amount of fun prints and colors
- Runs true to size
- Flattering cuts on the majority of its options, especially for the price
Cons:
- Shopping at this retailer can be hit or miss
Some dub SHEIN to be hit or miss (which, from personal experience, it can be), but its swimwear never disappoints. The Floral Print Knot Back Underwire Bikini Swimsuit is a steal for just $11, as is the Plus Mono Bikini Set for just $2 more. The Allover Floral Knot Bikini ($10) is the black and flower-printed two-piece that’s ultra-flattering, too.
I recommend picking up one for every day of the week while you’re at it — once you start, you won’t be able to stop. While some styles may be cheekier, there are so many to choose from that I own a good variety of well-fitting fabrics, some more modest than others.
Best Luxury Bikini Brand: Agua Bendita
Pros:
- Resort-leaning prints
- Runs true to size
- Exceptional quality
Cons:
- The price point may be unreachable for some
If you’re looking for resort-grade luxury, Agua Bendita is always the brand I recommend. The prints are phenomenal, as is its material that’s perfect for swimming in the pool or ocean. They hold up well in the wash and always look the best in pictures.
The brand is sold at Revolve, which makes it simple to spot the latest fashions. Some of my personal favorites include Agua Bendita x Revolve Leela Bikini Top ($127) and matching Penelope Bikini Bottom ($47).
Another flattering bikini is the Agua Bendita x Revolve Lucille Bikini Top ($143) and the Lily High-Waist Bikini Bottom ($143). Whenever I’m packing for a vacation, I toss in at least one Agua Bendita bikini in my luggage.
Best Bikini Brand for Sets: Amazon
Pros:
- Inclusive size range with quality basics
- Runs true to size
- Fair quality for the price
Cons:
- Huge sellout risk
OK, if you’ve been sleeping on Amazon — it’s time to wake up. The sells-everything retailer we all know and love has hidden gems as far as bikinis go, including the best-selling Mooslover High-Waisted Bikini ($24) and Blooming Jelly High-Waisted Bikini ($30).
Though I didn’t try as many bikinis from Amazon as a whole, the ones I do have always feel good and are comfortable to wear all day. I love how I can grab a full set for around $30 in any color, and the quality is impressive for the price. Plus, they fit true to size.
Best Modest Bikini Brand: Lily Pulitzer
Pros:
- Unbeatable for modest bikinis that still look cute
- Runs true to size
- Great for larger busts and high-waisted options alike
Cons:
- Price point may be unreachable for some
I’ve been a fan of Lily Pulitzer since high school when I carried its beach-printed agenda and accessories with me to school. Ever since, I’ve been shopping its earrings, bikinis, clothing and other well-made items that have a hint of Southern charm.
While Lily Pulitzer doesn’t have hundreds of options to choose from, the brand is truly “quality over quantity.” It’s also a remarkable destination for more modest bikinis that cover more of your bottom and offer more support up top, like the Aislyn Bandeau Top ($108) and Yarrow High Waisted Bikini Bottom ($98), along with the Genya Bandeau Swim Top ($108) and Pico High-Cut Bikini Bottom ($88).
The brand, at large, tends to be more of a splurge than other retailers but the quality is one of the best. These bikinis will last you for years, and the prints are also only found at Lily.
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Best Sexy Bikini Brand: JMP The Label
Pros:
- Good balance of coverage and support
- Offers a little “something different” compared to your typical bikini pick-me-up
- Gorgeous colors and styles, in addition to comfort
Cons:
- The price point may be unreachable for some
JMP The Label is a newer brand I came across but here’s the thing: I am obsessed. So many online retailers have skimpier options which isn’t entirely my style or what I feel comfortable in, but JMP The Label has the perfect amount of coverage with subtly sexy cuts and patterns that always make me feel my best.
The size is true to your original fit and two standout bikinis I love are the Barcelona Underwire Bikini Top ($94) and the Monterey Full Coverage Bikini Bottom ($90), as well as the Amsterdam Adjustable Tie Triangle Bikini Top ($80) and oh-so-flattering Monaco High-Waist Cheeky Bikini Bottom ($80).
What’s more, the brand is a standout for solid-colored bikinis as well as punchy patterns that don’t look childish. I love the feel, fit, comfort, all of it.
Loved MTV’s “Siesta Key?” The brand was co-founded by the star of the show, Juliette Porter!
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Best Bikini Brand for Big Busts: Abercrombie
Pros:
- One of the most comfortable fabrics
- Great for basics
- One of the best for support
Cons:
- Most styles are not the best for plus sizes
- Huge sellout risk
Abercrombie’s having a comeback (though I don’t think its cult-favorite classic styles ever left). Currently, I’m adoring the brand’s ribbed materials that feel like I’m wearing an extremely comfortable loungewear set every time.
One of my favorites is the Curve Love High Apex Underwire Bikini Top ($55) and the matching Curve Love Mid-Rise High-Leg Moderate Bottom ($40). As a D-cup, I love the support Abercrombie’s materials and tops provide, along with how flattering the bottoms are. For instance, they’re high-leg to offer that magazine-worthy look but also are one of the few that provide adequate coverage while doing so.
For the price, Abercrombie has quality fabrics that are both supportive and extremely comfortable. The retailer tends to focus on solid colors and subtle patterns (nothing too vibrant or flashy) but that goes back to Abercrombie’s timeless appeal.
Best Active Bikini Brand: Aerie
Pros:
- Plenty of styles to choose from
- Comfortable fabrics and a sweet range of colors
- One of the most versatile brands for the beach and outdoor sports alike
Cons:
- Not the best for sexy bikinis
Without a doubt, Aerie has some of the sweetest styles for summer (with most sets less than $50!) Some of my favorites include the tropical vacation-ready Crinkle String Triangle Bikini Top ($21) and much-loved Crinkle Full Coverage Bikini Bottom ($16) to match, along with the feel-good Wide Rib String Triangle Bikini Top ($21) with the matching Aerie Wide Rib High-Waisted Bikini Bottom ($18).
What’s great about Aerie is how each particular style is available in different cuts. For example, in the ribbed design, you can opt for a side-tie bikini bottom with less coverage. As a whole, the brand is perfect for keeping on underneath my shorts all summer day, one of the best for activewear.
Best Bikini Brand for High-Waisted Options: Lulus
Pros:
- Vibrant colors that scream “summertime”
- Comfortable fabrics great for swimming
- Excellent assortment of high-waisted options and flattering tops to match
Cons:
- Tends to run small, so be more mindful of the size chart
Lulus has my heart — whether I’m shopping for nude heels, linen pants or seamless bodysuits. It’s also tried-and-true in my wardrobe for work and vacation clothes alike. And, its bikini selection is just as good.
Steal the following before they’re gone: the WaveMaker Underwire Bikini Top ($50) and matching Parker High-Waisted Bikini Bottoms ($44)
We love Lulus’ Cabo Charmer Ribbed Underwire Bikini Top ($50) with the matching Cabo Charmer Ribbed Bikini Bottoms ($44), along with the vibrant Parker Triangle Bikini Top ($44) and the Nova Bikini Bottom ($40) to complete the look. It’s one of my favorite styles and, as a brand, Lulus is the crème de la crème of high-waisted styles.
This is also apparent with another of my favorite bikinis, the Made for Sun Tie-Front Bikini Top ($35) and the Made for Sun High-Waisted Bikini Bottom ($30). Lulus tends to run a bit small so I’d pay careful attention to the sizing chart, though I love the fabrics and how affordable each piece is. Not to mention, its colors are some of the most complementary on fair skin tones, too.
How we tested
After reviewing bikinis consistently for three years, I now have a bucket of styles that come in handy for all of my pool and beach days. However, the process at large took some trial and error, so here’s what I kept in mind for each bikini brand:
- Quality: For each brand, I assessed each one’s particular style and how they were made. Of course, high-quality fabrics typically lend themselves to lasting longer in your wardrobe.
- Style: This depends largely on personal preference, though I looked for retailers with minimal and more elaborate designs alike.
- Fit: Bikinis are one of those items that you want to not only fit but fit well.
- Support: Whether you have a larger chest or a smaller one, you want a bikini that’ll stay on all day and not look frumpy.
- Comfort: Along with support, comfortability is important, especially if you’ll be sporting the style for the majority of the day. Characteristics that tend to make a bikini more comfortable include adjustable straps, tie waists and integrated padding.
- Value: Some brands offer two-for-one sets, while others require you to purchase your top and bottoms separately. I took both of these options into account and assessed price in comparison to the overall quality.
Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.