I love shopping and testing apparel (it’s a huge part of my job at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab!), but I’ve never enjoyed buying swimwear. It feels daunting to find a style I feel comfortable wearing while also being on-trend and supportive enough up top for swimming in the Long Island waves. To take some of the stress out of swimsuit shopping, I’ve compiled expert tips on how to find the best swimsuit for you:
Review the return policy and consider buying multiple sizes
Our shopping editors all agree: A brand’s return policy should be the most important factor you consider when shopping online. We recommend shopping from sites with generous return policies when buying swimwear, so you can make sure they fit to your liking before committing.
“Now that I can try things on in the comfort of my bedroom, I no longer dread looking for swimsuits,” shared Brie Schwartz, the director of editorial commerce at Good Housekeeping. “If you stick to retailers that offer a lenient return policy (like Nordstrom, Amazon, or Bloomingdale’s), my tip is to buy a few of each style in more than one size and carve out some time to put them all on at home, styled the way you would.”
Check for support features that keep everything comfortably in place
I never knew how important adjustable straps were until I accidentally purchased a suit without any. Adjustable straps on a swimsuit top (like on a bra) let you customize the amount of lift and support it provides—even helping prevent a nip slip.
For more support up top, molded cups or a hidden built-in bra are key. Swimsuits that have hook-and-eye closures in the back can also help ensure ample support and lift. Many swimsuits have removable cups; remove them when washing to help them keep their shape. To test how supportive the swimsuit is at home, I like to do a few jumping jacks to make sure everything stays in place.
Think about where you plan to wear the suit
The best suit for lounging on a beach in Italy vs. swimming laps in the neighborhood pool will differ dramatically. I find it helpful to think specifically about what style of bathing suit I am looking for before I start shopping to keep the mission focused.
There are dozens of swimsuit styles, but to keep it simple, I divided them into two broad categories: active and relaxing.
- Active: For beach sports or swimming laps, I look for suits with more coverage and support. Look for wider straps, higher necklines, and a snug fit that feels stable. There are great active options in both one-piece and two-piece styles, but one-pieces, like those made famous by Speedo, are best for lap swimming.
- Relaxing: My favorite activity to do on the beach is absolutely nothing, so most of my suits fall into this category. Lounging suits should be comfortable to wear when sitting down, without digging in or requiring constant readjustment. I like wearing high-waisted bikinis with a high-cut leg and a strapless top for the ultimate lounging fit. Whatever feels the most comfortable and natural for you is the best suit to wear.
Consider possible tan lines
If you have an upcoming special occasion like a wedding, make sure that your swimsuit won’t leave you with regrettable tan lines. Because I tan easily, I avoid suits with dramatic cutouts or lots of thin straps. It’s also important to wear sunscreen all day (reapplying regularly) and cover-ups to minimize sun exposure.
Don’t fall for “dryer-safe” advertising
Even if a brand says their suits are machine washable and dryer safe, I recommend handwashing and air-drying instead. Swimsuits are made from stretchy fibers that break down at high heat and can be damaged by tumbling in a dryer. It’s challenging to find a suit I like, so I do my best to keep my bathing suits in excellent condition with gentle care.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour is the associate director of the Textiles Lab, where she has been testing swimwear since 2018. She has a degree in Fiber Science and Apparel Design from Cornell University. Emma goes to the beach every weekend in the summer and believes that every body is a bikini body.
