The Best Swimsuit Brands of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Summer heat means plenty of opportunities for water activities, whether you’re jumping into lakes or relaxing in the Jacuzzi. But not all swimsuits are created equal – you may need something different for water sports than what you'd want for relaxing on a pool lounge chair.

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. We rigorously tested each one to determine the top picks for every scenario. Read on to find which swimsuit brand is best for your needs, whether you're swimming laps in the pool, playing beach volleyball, or simply taking in the sunshine.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall for Women: Andie
Best Overall for Men: Vuori
Best Sustainable: Everlane
Most Versatile: Patagonia
Best Designer for Women: Mara Hoffman
Best One-pieces for Women: Robin Piccone
Best Active for Men: lululemon
Most Packable for Men: Southern Tide

Best Overall for Women: Andie

Andie The Amalfi

$112 at Nordstrom $98 at Andieswim.com View on Maisonette.com

Andie The Valencia Top

$52 at Nordstrom View on Andieswim.com View on Maisonette.com

Andie The Cheeky Bikini Bottom

View on Andieswim.com View on Gap.com

Andie The Mana One Piece

$112 at Nordstrom View on Andieswim.com

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 those of us who wear up to an E cup would've voted to rate it a 6 out of 5 if we 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 of our editors.

It also provides a good balance of coverage (something we want in a women's swimsuit), 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 which led to it being chosen as our top pick for women overall. 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.

Andie The Amalfi swimsuit on a blue and white beach towel — Travel + Leisure / Frances Crouter

Best Overall for Men: Vuori

Vuori Banks Short

$54 at REI $68 at Nordstrom $68 at Vuoriclothing.com

Vuori Cruise

$59 at REI View on Vuoriclothing.com View on Backpackeroutdoors.com

Vuori Infinity Boardshort

$72 at REI View on Vuoriclothing.com View on Hansensurf.com

Vuori Knox Boardshort

View on Vuoriclothing.com

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. We felt that the Banks short felt well-tailored and flattering and the drawstring offered 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.

PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Danielle Yersin
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Danielle Yersin

Best Sustainable: Everlane

Everlane The V-neck One-piece

$70 at Everlane

Everlane ReNew Swim Short

$75 at Everlane

Everlane The Triangle Bikini Top

$45 at Everlane

Everlane The Thigh-High Bikini Bottom

$35 at Everlane

Why We Love It

Everlane prioritizes cleaner, more sustainable fashion, from the factories they use to the materials of their products and beyond.

What to Consider

Some body types may experience some fit issues or lack of chest support.

Everlane prioritizes cleaner, more sustainable fashion, from the factories they use to the materials of their products and beyond. Their V-neck one-piece swimsuit, made from their signature ECONYL® yarn and regenerated nylon fiber, is comfortable enough that it feels like a second skin, 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. During our tests, some of us didn’t feel supported in the chest, however, and others 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 we found extremely comfortable, though another reported that the tight fit and thick, compressive fabric felt a little constraining. And we found the men’s 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.

PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Danielle Yersin
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Danielle Yersin
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Danielle Yersin

Most Versatile: Patagonia

Patagonia Men's Baggies Shorts

$41 at REI $65 at Backcountry $65 at Dicks Sporting Goods

Patagonia Men's Hydrolock Boardshorts

View on Patagonia.com

Patagonia Hydropeak Boardshorts

$37 at REI $75 at Backcountry $75 at Dicks Sporting Goods

Patagonia Wavefarer Boardshorts

$37 at REI $69 $28 at Backcountry View on Patagonia.com

Why We Love It

Patagonia makes high-quality, sustainable men's swimwear that can be worn from the beach to the trails and beyond.

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 (in women's sizing as well). 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.

PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

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, we 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 bikini tops and matching bottoms, plus one pieces in a range of bright solids and fun patterns like retro floral.

PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm

Best One-pieces for Women: Robin Piccone

Why We Love It

The support, silhouette, coverage, and high-quality material all made us 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. If you're looking for supportive swimsuits, this is definitely a brand to consider.

Hand displaying the Robin Piccone Ava Scoop Neck Mio One Piece — Travel + Leisure / Ivy Ford

Best Active for Men: lululemon

lululemon Pool Short

$78 at Lululemon

lululemon Current State Board Short

$98 at 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.

PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Ryan Savini
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Ryan Savini

Most Packable for Men: Southern Tide

Southern Tide Solid Swim Trunk

$45 at Amazon $98 at Southerntide.com View on Theluckyknotmens.com

Southern Tide Casual Water Swim Trunk

View on Southerntide.com View on Saintbernard.com

Southern Tide Dive In Swim Trunk

View on Southerntide.com View on Islandpursuit.com View on Samhowardmens.com

Southern Tide Nailed It Swim Trunk

View on Southerntide.com View on Islandpursuit.com

Why We Love It

Southern Tide swimsuits can pack into their own pocket and feature 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.

Shopping for the right men’s bathing suit can be challenging with so many options available. 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.

PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm

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 we 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 we 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, we took the swimsuits out of their package and noted the fabric, construction, and any adjustable straps or other features. Then, we 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. We 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, we took the swimsuits out into the wild, wearing them to the pool, at the beach, and during various other aquatic sports and activities.

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.

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.

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Updated by

Taylor Fox