We tested and found the best swimsuits for women who love paddling, swimming, running, and playing outside. These look cute and stay put through all your adventures.
Women want a swimsuit that looks flattering, stays put, feels good, and can stand up to the rigors of saltwater, sun, and sand all summer long. Whether you spend your summer days SUPing with a pup, running on the beach, surfing big breaks, or chasing the kids at the pool, these swimsuits will keep you comfortable, covered, and looking good.
From surfing to hiking to swimming laps at the pool, these suits stood out above the rest in rigorous testing. They stood up to the challenge with plenty of style, comfort, and versatility — not just once, but over and over for months on end.
The Best Swimsuits for Women of 2022
Check out this list of the best active swimwear and get ready for a summer of adventure.
Best One-Piece Swimsuit for Women: Carve Designs Dahlia One Piece ($18-90)
This is the one-piece swimsuit we’ve been dreaming about. It rides the line perfectly between comfort, performance, and style. The nylon-spandex blend is silky soft against the skin while still giving the feel of full coverage and support.
The medium-cut leg is flattering without showing too much. And best of all it never rides up or causes an unwanted wedgie. The crisscross backstraps tie, allowing for a custom fit and the removable bust pads offer an extra layer of coverage.
We’ve worn this to the pool with a grabby baby, boating at the lake, and splashing in the surf and it’s never let us down. It washes up great, looks good, and feels amazing.
And if you don’t mind getting last year’s pattern, you can pick up the best one-piece swimsuit on sale now at REI.
Note: With Amazon’s current limited sale, prices vary widely depending on the pattern and size you choose. (For example, you can get the Water Stripe/Indigo/Indigo Paisley pattern in XL for $18.)
Shop Carve Designs Dahlia One Piece SwimsuitBest Stay-Put Swimsuit: Patagonia Nanogrip Nireta Top ($75) & Nireta Bikini Bottom ($69)
This is for those times when you need a swimsuit that stays put no matter what. Big overhead waves? Diving for that volleyball in the sand? Going off a massive rope swing? With nanogrip technology, this suit sticks to your skin from the moment you put it on and does not move.
Through big surf and beach-time yoga, we’ve never had it slip. The high neck is great for full coverage. And it can be coupled with an array of bottoms that range from showing more or less skin. And for those who like the design, but are not a fan of two pieces, Patagonia makes it in a flattering one-piece as well.
Best Full-Coverage Swimsuit: Seea Hermosa Surf Suit ($135)
Made in California by surfers for surfers, this one-piece is an active gal’s dream come true. Made from a polyester-spandex blend, it provides UV protection and will keep its color and shape through years of saltwater use and abuse.
In testing, we found that the best thing about this suit is it stays in place. You never have to mess with it. But that’s a bit of a double-edged sword, as it’s also a little harder to change out of.
The classic-cut bottom and full-sleeve design means no more time wasted adjusting your suit. The fun prints and retro design bring a bit of glamour to the water. Women seeking a more modest cut and full sun protection, paired with a bit of retro style, will enjoy this swimsuit.
Shop Seea Hermosa Long-sleeve SwimsuitBest Swimsuit for Swimming Laps: Nike Flash Bonded Fastback One-Piece ($88)
Anyone looking for a suit for swimming laps will like the Nike Flash Bonded Fastback suit. This one-piece is a performance suit that happens to look good, too.
The bonded straps, flat seams, and athletic cross back make this suit both comfortable and sleek in design. When I wear this piece, there has yet to be a day when I don’t get compliments. This suit is classic and simple. It gets the job done and makes me feel fast, strong, and feminine at the same time.
Shop Nike Flash Bonded Fastback SwimsuitBest Swimsuit Made in the USA: Sensi Graves Alexa Top ($58) & Jennifer Bikini Bottom ($50)
For those looking to show a bit more skin, this bikini is just the ticket. Designed by a professional kiteboarder, each of Sensi Graves’ swimsuits are built to stay put, feel great, and look awesome.
And after wearing this suit for months of swimming, surfing, and beach hiking, I can attest to the performance and comfort. This is among my favorite swimsuits of all time. Even in heavy beach break, I never had a problem with it slipping or coming loose.
For a cheeky style that actually stays put, you can’t go wrong with this swimsuit.
Best Swim Shorts: Title Nine Paddle Board Shorts ($59)
We have to agree that these are perfect “for when bikini bottoms are too little and boardshorts are too much.” I have been living in mine ever since I got them. As a multisport athlete, I’m always looking for gear I can use in as many different situations as possible.
These shorts are great for surfing, yoga, SUPing, running, and can even be worn for a meal out after a day in the sun. The built-in briefs don’t chafe, but are durable and opaque for when I do yoga on my board or lakeside. Whether you’re looking for something that gives a little more coverage or want a short that can be worn from morning to night, these are the ticket.
Shop Title Nine Paddle Board ShortsBest Active Bikini: prAna Atalia Racerback ($45-65) & Ramba Bikini Bottom ($19-50)
When you want a classic bikini that can keep up with your active life, this is a winner. The racerback top can be cinched as much as needed for a good fit. And the crisscrossing back keeps it snug without pinching or pulling. It kept our D-cup tester covered and comfortable.
The wide waistband on the Ramba bottoms provides a secure fit even through wild waves or big yoga moves. The full seat gives maximum coverage. Bottom line, it stays in place, dries quickly, and looks cute, too.
Best for Large Bust: Title Nine Metis Bikini Top ($74) & Paddle Board Swim Skirt ($59)
This suit is a winner for women with larger busts. Designed for C-DD cup sizes, it offers support without looking boring or being uncomfortable. I like how the straps can be worn as a tank or X-back, and the V-neck dips just enough to be fashionable but still keep everything secure. I was worried the hidden underwire would be uncomfortable, but I never even notice that it’s there. Somehow, this suit manages to give the look of a swim top and the support of a sports bra.
There are a variety of bottoms you could pair this with, but my favorite combo is the Paddle Board Swim Skirt. It’s the perfect combo of full coverage and comfort. The Surflex fabric dries quickly and keeps its color day after day. This swim skirt is great for SUP sessions, family boat days, and wandering into town after a busy day at the beach.
