Shopping for women's swimsuits online can be a struggle. Not only are you never really sure about how a style will look once you put it on, but you also don’t have the ability to touch the fabric and inspect the overall quality of construction in person, which is one of the most important components in a piece of swimwear. That being said, one of the best ways to combat this swimwear woe is to shop reputable brands and marketplaces.
The best places to buy swimsuits can vary, depending on preferences like budget, style, and need. With this in mind, we researched dozens upon dozens of swimsuit brands and retailers, as well as dug into the depths of our swimsuit drawers (yes, some of us here at PEOPLE have an entire drawer dedicated to swimwear), to find the styles we don’t just love but keep us coming back for more.
Amazon
Size Range: Varies | Return Policy: 30 days | Shipping: Free
Amazon is one of the best places to shop for swimsuits because it offers so much variety in terms of brands, styles, colors, prints, and more. Additionally, some swimsuits on Amazon are eligible for the marketplace’s Try Before You Buy feature, so you can try the swimsuits on in the comfort of your own home before committing to a purchase. The online retailer also makes returns and exchanges super easy, especially for items available on Amazon Prime. It’s one of the best places for product reviews, which can give you valuable insight into things like quality, fit, material, and more.
Amazon Best-Selling Swimsuits
Left on Friday
Size Range: XS-2XL | Return Policy: 21 days | Shipping: Free on first order, then $5
Rather than offer a bunch of different swimwear styles in a variety of colors and patterns, Left on Friday sticks to a few high-quality, flattering silhouettes and offers them in over 30 different solid colors (plus a few color block options as well). Rather than focusing on quantity, the small brand turns its attention to construction, crafting its swimsuits from durable and compressive material that is built to provide long-lasting support.
Left on Friday Best-Selling Swimsuits
Cupshe
Size Range: XS-4XL | Return Policy: 30 days at Amazon | Shipping: Free with Amazon Prime
Cupshe is one of the most popular swimsuit brands at Amazon, and for good reason. Not only do some brands offer a vast collection of swimsuit styles in different colors, prints, and an inclusive size range, but it's also budget-friendly. Aside from style and price, we love that you can find Cupshe swimsuits at Amazon because that makes the shopping process even easier, thanks to free Prime shipping and easy returns.
Cupshe Best-Selling Swimsuits
Victoria’s Secret
Size Range: XS-3XL | Return Policy: 30 days | Shipping: Free over $100
Remember when Victoria's Secret briefly paused its swimwear line? Thankfully, it's since returned as a more inclusive go-to for swimwear as the brand offers a collection of different styles, support, and coverage for all body types, including fun campaigns with celebs like Pamela Anderson and Paloma Elsesser. We like to shop at Victoria’s Secret because the brand offers more accessibility (you can shop in-store and online), and there are so many different swimsuits to choose from.
Victoria’s Secret Best-Selling Swimsuits
Summersalt
Size Range: 0-24 | Return Policy: 30 days | Shipping: Free over $95
If you love one-piece swimsuits, Summersalt is one of our go-to spots. While the brand also carries bikinis, we are obsessed with their collection of one-pieces, which feature gorgeous prints, patterns, cuts, and styles. The brand says it has taken measurements of more than 10,000 women to help inform their sizing guide, which we appreciate given how differently shaped our bodies are. It also suggests that if you're between sizes, you should size down so that the suits fit snuggly when dry.
Summersalt Best-Selling Swimsuits
Andie
Size Range: XS-3XL | Return Policy: 21 days | Shipping: Varies
Andie is a fantastic source for simple suit styles that flatter all shapes and sizes. We love to shop for one-pieces here because you can find sporty styles that fit really well, are constructed from comfortable and durable material, and have a more timeless feel while still looking modern thanks to different fabrics, patterns, and prints. Another perk of shopping for swimwear at Andie is that the brand has a rewards program, allowing you to rack up points whenever you shop and then redeem them for things like free shipping and discount codes.
Andie Best-Selling Swimsuits
Skims
Size Range: 2XS-4XL | Return Policy: 30 days | Shipping: Free over $75
Kim Kardashian’s clothing brand Skims is another excellent place to buy swimsuits, and we love it for its inclusive size range and cheeky silhouettes. While the brand doesn’t offer a lot of colors to choose from, it does cover the basics with neutrals like black, white, gray, and nudes, as well as a glittery metallic silver that puts an elevated spin on classic top styles like the Swim Triangle Top.
Skims Best-Selling Swimsuits
Change of Scenery
Size Range: XS-2XL | Return Policy: 14 days | Shipping: Free over $100
Change of Scenery is on our list for two main reasons: The brand’s swimsuits boast UPF 50 coverage and are constructed from sustainably sourced materials, giving them an eco-friendly edge. Constructed from Repreve, which is a type of polyester derived from 100 percent recycled plastic, and shipped in recycled packaging, the brand goes the extra mile to provide luxury swimwear without harming the environment. In addition to its fabric and sustainable approach, it also designs pieces that are meant to last, not just in terms of quality but also in terms of style.
Change of Scenery Best-Selling Swimsuits
Adore Me
Size Range: XS-4X, 30A-46H | Return Policy: 30 days | Shipping: Free
Although Adore Me is well known for its size-inclusive lingerie selection, the brand also boasts an impressive line of swimsuits for women of all sizes. What makes this shopping experience stand out from the rest is that several of the swimsuits, depending on the style, allow you to customize to get the exact fit by choosing your cup size, band size, and bottom size. And several of the swimsuit styles are offered in plus sizes, too.
Adore Me Best-Selling Swimsuits
Target
Size Range: Varies | Return Policy: 90 days | Shipping: Free over $35
We’ve shopped at Target for swimsuits for decades, and the selection keeps getting better and better. From classic silhouettes to trendy styles, we can always count on Target to offer a good variety of designs and inclusive sizes at affordable price points. Apart from its swimwear collection, the biggest perks of shopping for swimsuits at Target are the shipping and return policies. If you can find a swimsuit that is available at a local store, you can select in-store pickup for free. This feature is a major hack for swimsuit shopping since you can try the swimsuit on in the store after picking it up and return it on the spot if you don’t love it.
Target Best-Selling Swimsuits
Vitamin A
Size Range: XS–XXL | Return Policy: 30 days | Shipping: Free
Vitamin A swimwear is on the pricier side, but it's been a favorite brand of PEOPLE Shopping Associate Editorial Director Erin Johnson for years. Not only do they offer a variety of swimwear (triangle to underwire tops and cheeky to full-coverage bottoms), but they also have a great selection of cover-ups, like this Vitamin A Boyfriend Linen Shirt.
Vitamin A Best-Selling Swimsuits
Gooseberry Intimates
Size Range: XS-L | Return Policy: 21 days | Shipping: Free over $125
Gooseberry Intimates is known for its gorgeous lingerie and underwear collection, but the brand also makes high-quality swimwear. From one-pieces to bikinis, the brand offers a range of classic and cheeky silhouettes in flattering cuts that feel timeless yet still ultra-modern. Whether you’re looking for an ultra-revealing bikini bottom or a low-cut one-piece swimsuit, you can count on Gooseberry to offer sexy styles that don’t look tacky, gimmicky, or dated.
Gooseberry Intimates Best-Selling Swimsuits
Cleobella
Size Range: XS-XL | Return Policy: 16 days | Shipping: Free over $100
If you find scrolling through dozens of swimwear styles exhausting and want to shop a small capsule collection of really stylish swimsuits, Cleobella is for you. The brand curates stunning swimwear collections by season with tops, bottoms, and one-pieces that will make you the star of the pool party. Made from durable and luxe-quality materials, the swimsuits are also made to last and look and feel a lot more expensive than they really are.
Cleobella Best-Selling Swimsuits
Lively
Size Range: XS-2XL | Return Policy: 30 days | Shipping: Free over $50
Lively is another intimates brand that makes a fantastic collection of swimwear. We love these swimsuits because they are each designed with fit at the forefront, and you can tell when you slip into them (the rashguard one-piece is actually one of the only regular-sized rash guards we have tried that stretches comfortably to fit a long torso). We love this collection of swimsuits because the brand isn’t so heavily focused on quick fads and trends, so you can invest in a set that you love and will get many wears out of without worrying about it going out of style.
Lively Best-Selling Swimsuits
Frankies Bikinis
Size Range: XS-2XL | Return Policy: 30 days | Shipping: Free
Frankies Bikinis is one of the most stylish swimwear brands on our list, with many designs inspired by fashion trends. From the different design details to the celebrity collaborations, the swimwear brand is known for its statement-making pieces. In addition to their good looks, we have found that these pieces also fit super well, are constructed from durable and high-quality materials, and challenge us to think about swimwear as more than just something we throw on to go swimming.
Frankies Bikinis Best-Selling Swimsuits
Cuup
Size Range: XS-3XL, 30A-42H | Return Policy: 30 days | Shipping: Free over $100
Whether you love the look of a bra-inspired swimsuit top or are looking for a supportive bathing suit for large busts, Cuup has you covered (quite literally). We love the collection of solid-colored swimsuits, which range from neutrals like black and fern green to bright orange and berry and feature a variety of simple yet ultra-chic cuts with underwire support. Speaking of support, Cuup offers one of the most inclusive size ranges for tops, with sizes 30A through 42H available, so whether you're looking for a swimsuit to fit your curves or one that supports you during sports, you can feel confident and supported while frolicking on the beach.
Cuup Best-Selling Swimsuits
Aerie
Size Range: Varies | Return Policy: Refund or store credit | Shipping: Free over $75
American Eagle’s Aerie brand is a go-to for swimwear because the company creates some of the most stylish swimsuits with inclusive sizing that fit really well. You can find some of the most high-quality swimsuits at super low prices (especially for swimwear), allowing you to try out the trends without investing too much money. On top of that, it’s really easy to shop for swimsuits online since Aerie curates their swim collections by type, coverage preference, and certain design elements like texture.
Aerie Best-Selling Swimsuits
Monday Swimwear
Size Range: 0-18 | Return Policy: 30 days | Shipping: Free over $200
If you love a variety of colors, prints, and patterns, Monday Swimwear is the best place to shop for swimsuits. We’re big fans of this swimwear brand because they offer some of the cutest cheeky styles in a range of fabrics that feel trendy and stylish. The sizing is quantified by P (petite) to VVV (very very voluptuous), which can be confusing unless you refer to the brand's fit guide. They recommend that if you're between sizes, you size up or down based on preferred coverage (and if the suit/top has an underwire, they recommend sizing down).
Monday Swimwear Best-Selling Swimsuits
Jolyn
Size Range: XS-XL | Return Policy: 30 days | Shipping: Free over $90
Jolyn is a swimwear brand built for athletes, but it also makes some chic styles for lounging by the pool or in the sand. Whether you surf, swim, or play beach volleyball, you can find an amazing swimsuit that offers you support, doesn’t slip and slide around, and looks great to boot. The brand also makes it really easy to shop with curated collections for each sport and offers styles for lifeguards and competition swimmers, too.
Jolyn Best-Selling Swimsuits
Good American
Size Range: XS-5XL | Return Policy: 21 days | Shipping: Free over $125
When shopping atGood American for swimwear, you can count on finding lots of fun and sporty styles in an inclusive size range of XS through 5XL. Beyond that, the clothing brand pays extra close attention to fit, with design features like shaping and sculpting, as well as adjustable straps on some of the swimsuit tops as well as the bottoms. Additionally, you can find styles with excellent coverage, including some rashguard styles as well as swim bike shorts.
Good American Best-Selling Swimsuits
Bravissimo
Size Range: 28DD–42HH | Return Policy: 60 days | Shipping: $8 standard
When you have a large chest, finding a swimsuit that's supportive but not too revealing can be a challenge. Bravissimo answers that call with an extensive cup size range from 28DD to 48HH. They offer a variety of cuts and silhouettes, including high-waisted bottoms, wired tops, and one-pieces that fit all parts of your body securely. Bravissimo also values sustainability, and they use recycled materials such as nylon from fishing nets, yarn from marine plastic, and other materials that reduce carbon emissions.
Bravissimo Best-Selling Swimsuits
Blackbough Swim
Size Range: XS-XXL | Return Policy: Store credit, free returns | Shipping: Free over $125
It's easy to shop for swimsuits when each style you scroll past is cuter than the last and you're making a difference with your purchase — a percentage of Blackbough Swim's profits go towards a variety of different sustainability initiatives. Their variety of trendy one-pieces, two-piece sets, beachwear, and even men's swimwear makes some of our editors repeat customers. Every swimsuit is made from 100 percent recycled fabric, and the brand even utilizes direct-to-fabric printing to eliminate excess water waste.
Blackbough Swim Best-Selling Swimsuits
Reformation
Size Range: XS-XL | Return Policy: 30 days | Shipping: Free
Reformation is known for its high-quality wardrobe staples, but its swimwear is just as worthy of a place in your closet as its clothes. Whether you're looking for a trendy matching bikini or a well-constructed one-piece, you're sure to find a style that's not only going to last you several years but is likely a cut above the rest of your collection. While these pieces are on the higher end of things price-wise, the quality is worth writing home about.
Reformation Best-Selling Swimsuits
Boden
Size Range: 2-18 | Return Policy: 45 days | Shipping: Free over $49
Whether you’re looking for vacation-ready prints or elevated basics, Boden has a variety of swimwear options. Their bikinis, tankinis, and one-pieces all come in a variety of silhouettes and fun colors, so you’ll find a new favorite no matter your swimsuit preferences. Plus, their mix-and-match options allow you to pick a print and then find your fit of choice. If you’re shopping for an upcoming vacation, Boden also offers a wide selection of dresses, shirts, shorts, and more — and even has options for kids!
Boden Best-Selling Swimsuits
What to Know About Buying Swimsuits Online
Durable and Quality Materials
The first thing you want to look at when shopping for swimsuits online is the materials used, says John Smith, a textile designer and fashion stylist. “I recommend chlorine- and saltwater-resistant fabrics such as polyester and elastane blends,” he notes, as these are the fabrics that last the longest. “These types of fabric hold up well in chlorinated pools or saltwater,” he explains, adding that it also resists fading, stretching, and sagging. Materials made from recycled water bottles, which end up becoming a type of polyester blend, are also highly durable, fade-resistant, and known to keep their shape.
In addition to polyester, personal stylist Rachel Varney recommends nylon, which is a common material for swimwear and “is very strong with great stretch.” That said, she explains that it’s a bit difficult for printed fabrics, which is why you’ll likely find more solid swimsuits in this material. “A good-quality swimsuit will have a sturdy construction with seams that are double-stitched and reinforced,” says Smith. Varney adds that swimsuits that are fully lined also tend to be of higher quality, as “low-quality swimwear will often skimp out on the lining."
While it’s hard to truly get a glimpse of the fabric quality when shopping online for swimsuits, Varney has a few tips and tricks to help make this process easier. “There are keywords to look for in the description, such as ‘durable,’ ‘fully-lined,’ and ‘luxe,’” she explains. Similar to top-quality leggings, she also says to look at the fabric composition for brand-name materials like Spandex and Lycra, as the inclusion of branded material can also be an indicator of better quality.
Varney also recommends looking for products with close-up images and videos if the site offers them. “If the brand is using lower-quality materials, they won’t have as many zoomed-in photos and will have imagery with the swimsuit photoshopped multiple ways,” she explains. In some cases, customers might also share images of the product themselves in product reviews, which can also give you a glimpse into the quality.
Retailer's Return Policy
As you can imagine, the return policy for swimwear is very important. “You want to make sure you can return or exchange the swimsuit if it doesn’t fit properly,” says Smith, who also recommends looking to see if the store or brand offers free returns or exchanges.
In addition to knowing if a brand or store accepts returns, it also helps to know what the return timeline is as well as what state the swimsuit should be in in order to maintain its return eligibility. This typically means that the protective gusset sticker is still in place, tags are still intact, and the garment appears unworn.
Customer Reviews
When determining if a place to shop for swimsuits is right for you, Smith says to also click through some of the swimwear styles and read through the reviews, which often note the quality and fit of select styles. “This can give you an idea of how the swimsuits fit and what to expect,” he notes, adding that it’s equally as important to look at negative reviews for a more balanced understanding of the brand and its product.
Some swimwear brands carry seemingly every style, color, and pattern under the sun. However, that is not the case for all brands and retailers. If you have a specific style or color preference, it helps to browse different swimwear brands to find ones that best fit your personal style needs.
Know Your Size
Sizing for swimsuits while shopping online can be tricky, especially since sizes can vary from brand to brand, regardless of whether you're shopping for standard or plus size swimsuits. With this in mind, Varney says to have a measuring tape handy. “Take down your measurements and compare them to the available size chart online,” she explains. “The bust measurement is most important when selecting swimsuits, so you’ll want to get the size that is closest to your bust measurements.”
If you are between sizes, Varney says there are a few things to consider, such as fit notes in the product description as well as customer service features like live chat boxes, which can help answer any questions you have about fit. She also recommends reading reviews to see what previous customers have to say. When in doubt, it helps to think about your level of activity, too.
“If you plan to be in the water most of the time, try sizing down because the fabric tends to stretch a bit when it’s wet,” Varney notes. It also helps to go for styles with adjustable features like straps and side ties so you can customize the fit a little more, too.
Take Our Word for It
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as InStyle, Byrdie, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When researching the best places to buy swimsuits, Jessie considered everything from the styles, colors, and patterns offered to the materials used to the price range. She also looked at return policies as well as sizing support, such as size charts and customer service, to make shopping online for a swimsuit even easier. Additionally, she reached out to two fabric and style experts to learn more about what makes a good-quality swimsuit and what to consider when shopping for swimwear.
Our Expert Panel
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