While bikinis and tankinis have reigned for the last decade, the one-piece has suddenly made a major comeback. “Everyone’s wearing them now, including celebrities who definitely don’t have to cover up their gym bodies,” says our in-house swim expert Jeni Doherty. “They’re for everyone. Swimwear designers are offering really cute one piece swimsuits in every coverage level, for all body types. It’s also an ageless look.”
Swimdresses have the added advantage of upper thigh and tush coverage. “If you do a lot of bending down at the beach, these offer a measure of reassurance that you’re not flashing anyone—always a good idea,” Jeni says.
Another benefit over bikinis: Designers can do some serious engineering with more fabric to play with. Many one-pieces and swimdresses have built-in bras and shapewear capabilities. “It’s surprising to be able to get this level of support out of a bathing suit,” Jeni says.
Add to the love list a little extra sun protection, and we’re all in. Jeni has handpicked some of the best one piece swimsuits and swimdresses right here:
Freya Remix Frill
JENI SAYS: “This one is a classic yet still very much on-trend with its one-shoulder strap and the small ruffle, which is feminine and flattering to a bigger bust.”
Miraclesuit Solid Point of View
JENI SAYS: “With the mesh panels and straps that crisscross at the neck, it’s anything but basic black.”
Freya Zodiac
JENI SAYS: “You can still get bra sizing in a halter. I love all the details—the keyhole that draws the eye upwards, the black trim and vibrant print. And there’s a matching semisheer maxidress coverup I can’t get enough of.”
Pour Moi Bora Bora
JENI SAYS: “So much gorgeousness for the price! You’ve got the crochet trend, the open weave across the stomach, removable straps, the bow, the peekaboo cutout in back…. It’s also really youthful in the tropical purple.”
Miraclesuit Solid Rivage
JENI SAYS: “This extra-firm control swimsuit is a universal crowd-pleaser. A touch of ruching glosses over the stomach area, its sexy lattice tie-up look is on-trend right now and it comes in this rich red or timeless black. In front, the sweetheart neckline is really flattering. In back, adjustable straps and a higher cut translate to support.”
Magicsuit Solids Yvonne
JENI SAYS: “The retro style plays up what’s great about one-piece suits. The plunging halter is sexy, and it’s also our best tummy control swimsuit because the ruching camouflages anything not sucked in by the fabric. Depending on how you cinch it, it straddles the line between one-piece swimsuit and swimdress.”
Magicsuit Brianna
JENI SAYS: “This style is exclusive to us, which is exciting. It’s so versatile: You can tie it up or wear it totally down. There is a DD version and an average version. Here, the colorblocking works to great effect, drawing the eye where you want it.”
Miraclesuit Must Haves Aurora
JENI SAYS: “This swimsuit has all the hallmarks of a great little black dress: a surplice faux-wrap neckline, a flouncy skirt that flares out over the hips and shaping throughout.”