I’ll admit I’m kind of cheap when it comes to swimwear. Don’t get me wrong. I love a good bikini, one-piece, or cute cover-up as much as the next person, but it’s one of the categories I struggle the most with actually spending on. When I do buy one, I'll typically wait for sales to hit at the end of the season to get something for the following year; other times I spend on classic styles that I think have more longevity. Once in a while, a suit is so good I lose my inhibitions and buy it on the spot.
One of my other favorite tricks is to spend on a bikini top (which we all know gets the most face time) and save by pairing it with bottoms I already own. Unless I’m actually swimming or working on my tan, I prefer to be wearing a cover-up, such as a pareo or shorts, and if my basic black or neutral bikini bottoms show here and there, I’m truly unbothered. If you’re on the same page or completely disagree but would like to see the tops I’ve rounded up today anyway—after all, no one is stopping you from buying the whole set—just keep scrolling.
Triangle
Wear this with any black bottoms or even your favorite jeans.
I love how this looks like tie-dye at first, but it's actually a delicate rose print.
I'm a big fan of this print combo.
Retro vibes done right.
This rust color feels so fresh.
You can't go wrong with this one.
Underwire
I love how literally this hits on the bra-inspired trend.
Can't say no to this print.
Even more lingerie-inspired than the others.
I also implore you to consider the matching pareo.
Bandeau
H&M always nails the affordable prints.
Classic (and flattering).
For a delicate touch.
Ruffles take swimwear to the next level.
A pop of pink never hurt.
You could probably wear this as a top, too.
Tank
I'm not sure what I like more—the cut or fabric.
Lonely's vintage-inspired swimwear always delivers.
According to Topshop's site, this is selling fast, and I'm not the least bit surprised.
There's a reason WeWoreWhat's swimwear is constantly selling out.
The good kind of basic.
Fashion editors can't get enough of this affordable brand.
One-Shoulder
You can't beat this color.
I know you were waiting for some animal print!
Self-Portrait's swimwear is made for compliments.
A non-boring neutral if I've ever seen one.
This will look so good with a white skirt, too.
Okay, so technically this one is only sold as a set, but I couldn't resist this color, cut, and sparkle combo.
More Trends
They may not fit into one of the above, more common categories, but that's no reason to count them out.
Definitely another style that could double as an actual top this summer.
My shoulders tend to burn, so this seems like a stylish and logical choice to me.
Revolve's swimwear section is a trove of trendy finds.
This comes in five other covetable colors, but I'm usually drawn to black and white.
Smocking makes everything cuter.
Delicate ruffles complement this shade of blue perfectly.
Next: the 27 best black sandals to buy now.