I may be a shopping-loving fashion editor, but there are still certain things I hate to spend a lot on. I'll be honest—swimsuits are one of them. My logic is that a swimsuit is a piece that only gets airtime for a few instances a year outside of the summer months, and my collection tends to skew more trend-driven than it does timeless because I'm more likely to reach for the fun option than the plain one. All that is to say I'm rarely, if ever, in the mood to splurge on a new swimsuit, so I'm usually shopping for them on the cheap.
It turns out that right now is an ideal time to scoop up some new bikini sets and one-pieces because all the retailers and brands have just dropped their freshest collections ahead of summer, and everything that's cute and affordable is still delightfully well-stocked (for now, at least). Shop my edit of the best affordable swimsuits, from butter-yellow bikinis at Revolve to sculptural hardware details at H&M, that are so chic it's impossible to believe they're $150 and under—almost impossible.
I took this butter-yellow bikini for a spin on my most recent vacation, and it's even prettier in person. Trust me.
Shop the matching Shelley Bikini Bottoms ($74).
The micro shorts are what makes it.
Oh, Zara, I fear you slayed with this one.
Shop the matching Metal Piece Bikini Top ($46).
A classic style with a little something *extra.*
Shop the matching Side Tie Bikini Briefs ($39).
A classic low-back style like this will stay in your closet for so many years to come.
Oh? I wasn't aware bikinis were allowed to look this cool.
Shop the matching Perla Bottoms ($95).
The scallop trim caught my eye, but the swim shorts are what sealed the deal for me.
Shop the matching Ric Rac Boyleg ($98).
This is your sign not to sleep on J.Crew's swimwear section. It's one of the best I've seen so far this season.
Shop the matching Eyelet Balconette Underwire Bikini Top ($90).
The bandana really adds to the South of France vibe here.
Shop the matching Polka-Dot Bikini Bottoms ($36) and Shell Bandana ($20).
My swimwear collection includes lots of luxury labels, but my bikini from Calzedonia is still one of the most flattering and comfortable fits I've ever tried.
Shop the matching Brazilian Swimsuit Bottom Double Bikini ($39).
Hello, beautiful.
Shop the matching Jeanne Beaded String Triangle Bikini Top ($100).
You already know I'm into them.
The color! The texture!
I stopped dead in my scrolling tracks.
The subtle stripes are incredibly chic here.
Shop the matching Tie-Side Bikini Briefs ($39).
I'm into this sporty moment.
It's the ruffle trim for me.
Shop the matching Ronnie Lettuce-Trim Bikini Bottom ($70).
This pleating is so elevated.
If you said it was designer, I'd 100% believe you.
If it has a contrast trim, it's probably already in my cart.
Don't click if you hate compliments.
Shop the matching Bubble Bikini Bottom ($84).
The cool-girl energy is potent.
Shop the matching Stud Bikini Tied Waist ($84).
Love!
Stunning.
Shop the matching Bikini Bottoms With Bows ($40).
I have a strong feeling that gingham bikinis are set to be everywhere this summer.
Shop the matching Gingham Seersucker Bikini Bottoms ($25).
If Miss Bella Hadid says so!
Shop the matching Genevieve Terry Rib Bikini Short ($100).
It's giving Versace in the best way.
Shop the matching String Swimsuit Bottoms Minimal Fit ($39).
Just add black accessories.
Shop the matching Bikini Bottom With Contrasting Trims ($40).
Proof that everything looks chicer in chocolate brown.
Shop the matching Contrast Bandeau Bikini Top ($40).
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