I was telling a girlfriend that, over the weekend, I’d gotten to finally try on a bathing suit I’d been eyeing. “What the price point like?” she asked. At around $150, it was expensive but not “hostage pricing” (her husband’s cleverly coined term). We agreed that retailers all seem to know how dearly we’d pay when, in a sudden beach-trip-packing-frenzy, we finally find something that makes us feel like we can comfortably walk at the water’s edge and then bend over to pick up sand toys in public sporting little more than our underwear. In other words, hostage pricing.
And though I’ll occasionally still choose a bikini, I find myself mostly looking for good one-pieces. So I’ve done my best to round up some favorites I’ve found that fall widely on that price spectrum. These are from the shops with which I’ve found the most success over the years. Where do you look?
The Solid & Striped suit I tried on looked a lot like this. I find myself picking up just about anything black-and-white, and I was so close to buying it but… held back. I will say, the fabric felt old-school thick—in a really good way. And it was less cheeky than most of their suits.
Madewell carries some Solid & Striped suits, too. The striped—shocker—would be one of my picks.
[Top image: Ballet One-Piece Swimsuit in Fresh Strawberries by Madewell]
Boden swim is always a safe bet for me. I love how structured their suits feel. The slightly retro cut of the Amalfi Bandeau Swimsuit looks like the update to my old favorite, which was called The Sorrento, and came in a bright red-orange. (You can see it here.)
This knot-front one from Old Navy (only $27) is reminiscent in color. Old Navy really has some great looking options right now—most of which are under $40.
Years ago I bought the polka-dotted boyleg suit by Seafolly and it’s still a winner. If you like retro cuts, check out the boyleg maillot. Anthropologie carries it in the stripes.
Anthropologie is a favorite place to look each season—and a great place to learn of smaller brands—though they tend to carry more suits that veer toward “hostage pricing.”
I like this floral print by Allihop and the ruched one-piece by L Space.
Eberjey is known for soft pajamas and comfy lingerie, so it’s not surprising that their swimsuits are well-cut, too. I like the look of the Grayson one-piece (in white or black) and the polka dot lulu.
For a range of sizes and fits, ASOS is a great source. This one Contrast Mono Stripe Swimsuit, for example, comes in original, tall, petite, curve, fuller bust, and maternity! It looks like a lot of their suits have these alternatives.
As for other specialty fits, Lands’ End has a range of mastectomy options.
You may have noticed a trend in terms of color—a lot of black, white, and red. If I were to seek out more color, I’d be sure to check out what Mara Hoffman is making. This Aya cut has been a mainstay of the brand’s for years. I’d love to try it on. Here it is in another palette. Note that you can twist the straps again at the neck if you want a less plunging neckline.
Or if you were looking for plunge, this one is very cute!
And this is sort of a fun way to have your cake and eat it too: Marine Layer makes a reversible suit that’s stripes on one side, colorful print on the other! This is the Margarita one piece.
Of course JCrew remains an outstanding source. I had a hard time choosing just one image as representative. So many good stripes and checks. And some good rash guards, too!
Which stores do you check first when you’re swimsuit shopping? How often do you get a new suit? Any you’ve loved for years? And what are you looking for?
P.S. Local surfer chic—one more favorite brand for swim!
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