The 12 Best Swimsuit Brands of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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These editor-tested swimsuit brands are the best of the best.
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Summer heat means plenty of opportunities for water activities, whether you’re jumping into lakes or hanging by the pool. Travel + Leisure editors put 29 women’s swimsuit brands and 23 men’s swimsuit brands to the test, assessing them for fit, comfort, quality, performance, coverage, and value to find the best ones for every traveler.
Best Swimsuit Brands for Women
Best Overall: Andie Swim
Why We Love It
These suits provide all-day comfort and support in a vast range of durable and stylish designs.
What to Consider
You may need to adjust the straps once they get wet.
Andie’s “beautifully made” Amalfi suit was a standout in our testing, staying on securely through lap swims and waterslides alike (and even some test jumping jacks), even for testers up to an E cup, who voted to rate it a 6 out of 5 if they could. The shelf bra, soft cups, and adjustable shoulder straps all felt secure without impeding mobility, and it didn’t feel heavy while swimming. The thick, durable ribbed fabric won’t stretch while drying, and it’s even comfortable while still damp. “This is exactly the kind of swimsuit you could wear to the pool and then come out still soaking wet, and sit down and eat your food without feeling uncomfortable,” said one tester.
It also provides a good balance of coverage, with a deep scoop neck and higher rise up the back, along with high-cut leg openings and full cheek coverage. You can choose between multiple color and fabric options, including smooth, ribbed, and “novelty” options like eyelet, lace, and popcorn styles. We also tested the Valencia top and Cheeky bottom, which felt equally comfortable in and out of the water thanks to the smooth fabric. If the Amalfi style doesn’t speak to you, Andie has plenty of other styles available. Shoppers can filter by desired levels of bottom coverage, bust support, and available sizes among other options (we especially enjoy the “occasion” filters like honeymoon or mom-approved). Fabrics like eco-nylon are available for the sustainably minded, and they even have a line specifically for long torsos.
Price Range: $23 to $155
Best Sustainable: Everlane
Why We Love It
Streamlined design, adjustable straps, and stretchy fabric distinguish Everlane’s swimsuits.
What to Consider
Some body types may experience some fit issues or lack of chest support.
Everlane’s V-neck one-piece swimsuit is comfortable enough that it “feels like a second skin,” according to our testers, with soft, stretchy fabric that provides a good range of motion. The adjustable straps sit comfortably on your shoulders without feeling too thin, and the leg openings are equally comfortable. It especially stands out in terms of fabric, feeling soft, luxurious, and sturdy without being too thick. The V-neck style is dynamic, yet sexy with a deep dip, though we did notice the fabric has some slip in the cheek area when walking and can be clingy when wet. One tester didn’t feel supported in the chest, however, and another also found it loose in the bust and experienced some ballooning in the chest when wet.
We also tested the square-neck bikini top and the bikini bottom, which one tester found extremely comfortable, though another reported that the tight fit and thick, compressive fabric felt a little constraining. And our men’s testers found their Swim Short equally enjoyable. As we expect from Everlane, its swimsuit styles are straightforward, classic designs, with both one-piece and bikini options available in a few neutral and brighter shades.
Price Range: $35 to $75
Best Active: Lands' End
Why We Love It
This reliable brand makes comfortable and well-fitting swimsuits for every occasion.
What to Consider
The swimsuits may take a while to air dry.
We love Lands’ End swimsuits for active activities in and out of the water. We tested the Chlorine-Resistant Square Neck Ruched One Piece Swimsuit, and found it extremely supportive and snug. You’ll feel comfortably contained, rather than restricted — so much so that our tester even felt like she could go running in it and still be comfortable, with everything staying right where it needed to. It’s easy to put on and wear, never absorbing too much water or feeling heavy. The fabric feels similar to Lululemon leggings, with a similar degree of stretch and thickness, and the flattering square neck helps the adjustable straps stay in place. Lands’ End has also added thoughtful features like resistance to chlorine, sunscreen, and sweat that will help extend the life of the suit.
Price Range: $38 to $210
Related:The 13 Best Swimsuits for Women of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Bikinis: Everything But Water
Why We Love It
You’ll find bright colors, a comfortable fit, and a truly staggering amount of options at Everything But Water.
What to Consider
Since there are so many brands available, fit and fabric will differ across styles.
No matter what you’re looking for in a bikini, you can find it at Everything But Water, which has more than 3,500 bikini pieces from a variety of brands in its inventory. We tested the Jolene halter top and ruched hipster bikini bottom from Becca by Rebecca Virtue, and found them to be secure, supportive, and super comfortable, so much so that our tester nearly forgot she was wearing it. The fabric is thick and the colors vibrant, and it retained its shape even through being wrung out and frequently going in and out of the water; it feels high quality and is sure to last through multiple seasons. Of course, this is just one of the Everything But Water’s hundreds of bikini options, which you can buy as sets or separates and search with helpful filters including color, print, designer, style, and cup size.
Price Range: $10 to $450
Best Designer: Mara Hoffman
Why We Love It
The fabric is high quality and the styles are definitely worth the splurge.
What to Consider
Sizing runs a little large.
If you’re looking for a luxury swimsuit from a top brand, our testers were extremely happy with the fit of the Emma one-piece, which is made from recycled polyester and includes bonus UPF 50 coverage so you don’t have to worry if your sunscreen missed a spot. Since the straps tie at the back, you can adjust the length a bit and determine how much chest coverage you want, while the back offers full cheek coverage. The thick double-layered fabric feels smooth and fitted in and out of the water, with a textured outer layer and seamless inner layer. The brand has fewer options than some other designers, but still has plenty to offer, with 76 styles currently available in a range of bright solids and fun patterns like gingham and a bandana-esque paisley.
Price Range: $140 to $350
Best for One-pieces: Robin Piccone
Why We Love It
The support, silhouette, coverage, and high-quality material all made our tester feel “like a million bucks.”
What to Consider
These swimsuits are more expensive than average, but the quality is worth it.
We tested three styles from Robin Piccone’s Ava line: the Scoop Neck Mio One-piece, high-waist bikini bottom, and RP bikini tee, and all of them exceeded our expectations. Both of the test suits fit perfectly, with high-quality adjusters, a sturdy-feeling build, and plenty of bottom coverage. The fabric looks light while managing to feel like a high-quality wetsuit, and never requires any fiddling after activities, with seamless built-in support. Though the brand runs on the more expensive side, the suits will last for years and are worth the extra dollars. Though the brand has plenty of options across styles, we’re especially into their one-piece options, which come in both classic styles and funkier options with snaps, side ties, and even sleeves.
Price Range: $48 to $188
Related:The 18 Best Swimsuit Cover-ups of 2023
Best Swimsuit Brands for Men
Best Overall: Vuori Clothing
Why We Love It
Vuori makes swim trunks that look great both in and out of the water, with multiple lengths and colors available.
What to Consider
Most of their suits don’t have a liner, which can make them clingy when wet.
Feel like you’re wearing your favorite pair of shorts, but waterproof, with Vuori’s swim trunks. The Banks short “feels well-tailored and flattering” according to our testers and the drawstring offers a good range of adjustment. The fabric is light and comfortable, feeling more like workout shorts than a swimsuit, and the Banks even includes a small zipper pocket in addition to its regular pockets. Wear them from the ocean to the poolside bar, and they’ll keep you looking good all the while. We also tried out the Cruise board short, which we found to be comfortable when dry but clingy when wet – making them a versatile option for wearing as regular shorts. Vuori’s board short line includes 6-, 7.5-, and 8-inch options, so you can find the perfect cut for whatever you’re comfortable with.
Price Range: $68 to $89
Best Sustainable: Free Fly
Why We Love It
Free Fly makes well thought out trunks that are comfortable and sturdy.
What to Consider
Some of the inner linings may retain water while the outer shell dries quickly, which can be slightly uncomfortable.
We tested several Free Fly suits, and appreciated their sustainability efforts along with their classic styles. Our testers tried out the Lined Swell Short, which we found ran a bit on the small side, but the elastic band and drawstring were easily adjustable, and the soft inner lining provided a good amount of flexible support that stood up to squats. Water beads right off the external layer so they don’t get bogged down once wet, plus they’re super comfortable and sturdy without feeling stiff, which is extra impressive when you consider that they’re made from recycled coconut husks. Free Fly doesn’t offer many men’s swim styles, but those they do have are reasonably priced and classic in style.
Price Range: $78 to $118
Best Active: Lululemon
Why We Love It
These offer a wide range of colors in a comfortable and fast-drying fit.
What to Consider
The fit is on the snug side.
Lululemon doesn’t just make great leggings, they make top-notch swimsuits, too. We tested their Pool Short which earned rave reviews. This suit offers a little less mobility than in some other cuts since it’s a bit snug, but it’s still quite comfortable and dries quickly. The fabric is soft to the touch, and you won’t notice any change in the fit either in or out of the water. As we’ve come to expect from Lululemon, there are also plenty of ways to pick your perfect suit (the Pool Short comes in 19 colors and two different inseam options), and they offer three different men’s styles to choose from.
Price Range: $64 to $98
Most Stylish: Chubbies
Why We Love It
Chubbies are known for their wide range of patterns and styles, plus quick-drying fabric that keeps you cool and comfortable.
What to Consider
Some styles may be shorter and slimmer than you’re used to.
Chubbies offers one of the widest ranges of styles and patterns we’ve seen, including seersucker, gym-swim hybrids, and even a tear-away suit if you’re feeling like channeling your inner Magic Mike (don’t worry, it comes with an included swim brief to wear underneath if you don’t want to bare it all). We tested the Classic Swim Trunk and it lives up to its name. It’s both stretchy and quick-drying, with a slimmer fit that looks a little more tailored than your average trunks. They stay light even when wet and dry quickly.
Price Range: $60 to $90
Related:The 13 Best Sunglasses for Travel of 2023
Best Splurge: Southern Tide
Why We Love It
Southern Tide elevates classic swimsuits with features like zipper pockets and high-quality, quick-drying materials.
What to Consider
The liners may feel a bit annoying, but you can easily cut them out if they don't suit you.
For a simple, straightforward style, go for Southern Tide. We tried out the Solid Swim Trunk, which offers the bonus benefit of being made from recycled materials and packing into its own pocket. They were comfortable around the waist and easily adjusted with the drawstring, and they didn’t ride up during activity. The suit went from dipping in and out of rivers and hot springs to sitting on rocks and dirt, and still looked as good as new, while water “literally bounced off” the fabric. They can be quickly wrung out without any damage to the shape and signs of stretch. Southern Tide offers just two cuts, the Swim Trunk and Swim Short, in an array of prints and colors.
Price Range: $90 to $95
Related:The 18 Best Swimsuits for Men of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Versatile: Patagonia
Why We Love It
Patagonia makes high quality, sustainable products that are built to last.
What to Consider
Some styles may look more athletic than leisurely.
Patagonia is known for its high quality, sustainable products, and its swimsuits are no exception. Patagonia’s Baggies have been around for decades, and we can see why. They’re super comfortable and can be worn for a variety of activities, including hiking and lounging. There’s no unwanted fabric stretch and the side pockets are nice and deep. There’s also a buttoned back pocket, which is a nice bonus. The Baggies had some of our quickest drying times, though we hardly noticed since they felt equally comfortable whether wet or dry, with secure and durable material, excellent pockets, and stellar color options. Patagonia’s got several different lines of board shorts as well, all crafted in their same quality and sustainable ethos.
Price Range: $75 to $129
Other Swimsuit Brands We Liked
These brands didn’t quite make our list of the best of the best, but still earned an honorable mention.
Summersalt: The women’s Sidestroke is one of the internet’s favorite swimsuits for women, but our testers struggled getting it on and finding the proper fit. While the front of the suit is double-lined, the back isn’t, so there’s a risk of it running see-through in the rear. While we still consider it an overall good suit for fairly full coverage, it’s just not quite as high-quality as others we tested. With this suit representative of the brand overall, we felt other options were better.
Faherty: We ran the men’s Beacon trunks through our tests, and while our testers were big fans of the fabric and comfort, even while going down water slides, we simply thought it was too expensive compared to other suits. But if Faherty suits speak to you and your budget (or you can snag them on sale), this brand can still be a great option.
Our Testing Process
Both men’s and women’s swimsuit tests followed the same procedure. First, testers took the swimsuits out of their package and noted the fabric, construction, and any adjustable straps or other features. Then, they put the swimsuits on, walking around, sitting, and even doing a few squats to test both range of motion and comfort. Next, swimsuits were worn into the shower (without soap, of course) and thoroughly soaked for 5 minutes, followed by another round of walking, sitting, and squatting to see comfort and motion while wet. Testers then removed the swimsuits and gently wrung out excess water, then hung them up to dry and looked for any distortion while noting the drying times. Finally, they took the swimsuits out into the wild, wearing them to the pool, at the beach, and during various other aquatic sports and activities.
We compiled our initial findings in April, and will continue using the bathing suits and collecting our insights for six more months to see how they hold up to summer use and beyond.
Tips for Choosing a Swimsuit Brand
Look at size guides
Swimsuit shopping is easier if you take your measurements first. Once you’ve established your numbers, you can check the size charts for the brands you’re considering — which may vary widely, so you’ll have to check every time — to see what your best fit is likely to be.
Note the return policy
No matter how hard you scrutinize the size guide, sometimes a suit simply doesn’t work for you. Make sure you’re purchasing from a retailer that will let you return your purchase if it doesn’t fit, though we don’t recommend purchasing multiple “just in case” sizes in the interest of sustainability.
Consider investing in high-quality pieces
Speaking of sustainability, it’s almost always better (both for you and for the planet) to invest in high-quality pieces that can last across seasons rather than having to throw away and rebuy multiple cheap suits. They’ll generally fit better, last longer, and hold up better against wear and tear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I care for my swimsuits?
The first rule, as always, is to check the instructions on the label. Once you’ve got that covered, make sure you rinse your swimsuit immediately after use. If that means you just bring it in the shower with you, that’s okay, but ideally that’s followed by a hand wash with gentle soap in cold water once you’ve got time. Definitely don’t leave your damp suit balled up in the bottom of your beach tote. Once you’ve washed it, also don’t do what we did and wring your swimsuit out; this can actually damage or warp your suit. You’ll want to let it air dry flat out of direct sunlight.
Is it better to size up or down in swimsuits?
This really comes down to personal preference — do you find it more bothersome for your suit to be a little too tight, or to be a little loose and potentially move around in the water? Personally we lean toward sizing down for a more secure fit when submerged and just in case of any fabric stretch (though that shouldn’t be as much of an issue with a quality suit). Whenever possible, choose your exact fit for optimal comfort.
Is it worth it to buy an expensive swimsuit?
We say yes. In addition to avoiding fast fashion, a better quality swimsuit will keep its shape longer, feel more comfortable, and hold you in better. Why buy three cheap swimsuits when you can get one good one that will last for years to come?
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
For this story, Travel + Leisure editors ran multiple popular swimsuits through rigorous tests and assessed them against multiple criteria. Rena Behar used her years of experience in gear research and reviewing (and extensive beach bum experience) to compile her findings.
Related:The 13 Best Places to Buy Sunglasses of 2023
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