The Best Places to Buy Swimsuits (and Why)

Whether it’s a summer trip in the works, poolside weekend activities, or a not-so-distant plan to lie out in the park this weekend (especially now that we finally have a few precious slivers of sun in NYC), it seems safe to say that everyone has at least one reason to shop for swimsuits. This is also evidenced by our many swimwear-related posts as of late, including everything from the biggest swim trends of the season to the Amazon finds you don't want to miss to even the under-$100 suits you need to have on your radar. So what’s next?

Well, as a senior market editor, my specialty is straight-up shopping. And while I’ve already confessed that I don’t enjoy wearing swimsuits but love buying them, today I thought I’d continue to help the cause by sharing the places I think are the best to shop for them and why. After all, the experience of finding bathing suits isn’t always the easiest or most pleasant, so why not try to make it a little better? From the site with the best trends to where to go for classics and everything in between, continue on to read about the eight sites I love for swimwear and to shop my picks from each.

Carrying everything from under-the-radar affordable gems to big-name favorites, Shopbop is the place for you if you’re a more-is-more person when it comes to brand variety.

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You probably don’t need us to tell you that if you’re looking to have the most of-the-moment and Instagrammable bathing suit on the beach, Revolve is where to get it—but here’s your reminder anyway.

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For the best pick of classic prints, classic silhouettes, or both, click right through to J.Crew. Even if, like me, you lean more toward slightly trendy swimwear, you’re still likely to love the brand’s forward-feeling selection of essential styles. Think a gingham one-piece with a straight neckline so it can totally double as a bodysuit with jeans. The brand’s one-pieces and bikini bottoms are also great if you’re into more coverage.

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This title definitely applies to more categories than just swimwear for ASOS, but we’ll leave that for a different story. Whether you’re looking for a suit that’s trendy or classic for petite, tall, or plus sizes, ASOS has you covered with more affordable options than you may know what to do with.

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Whether it’s a longtime swimwear legend like Missoni or Eres, a newer high-end swim brand making waves, or a classic RTW brand that’s dropping a few must-have bikini styles, NAP is the place you’re most likely to find the designer suit you’re looking for.

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While we’re happy to see more and more brands expand and improve their selections of extended sizing every season, Old Navy is at the top of our list right now. The brand’s selection is not only size-inclusive, but it’s forward-feeling too.

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For low-key suits that stray far from feeling basic, you’ll want to check out Free People. From ruffled bikinis to ribbed one-pieces, the selection is perfect if you’re looking for something special.

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Even if the idea of mixing and matching bikini tops and bottoms stresses you out (I know it stresses me out), the e-comm imagery on Urban Outfitters’ website will inspire you to go for it or at the very least copy the combos you see on the models.

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Next: I Spent Hours Researching Swim Trends—These 5 Will Go Viral

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.