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The Best Travel Swimsuits for Any Type of Vacation

Swimsuits. The mere word evokes either fear or excitement in your heart, depending on just how confident you are. But if you have an ocean, lake, or pool in your vacation future, you’re going to need one (unless you’re headed to a more risqué destination). Here are some of this season’s best swimsuits for every type of body to help you find something that will flatter you, whether you’re more of a lounger or a hardcore adventurer.

Affordable Swimsuits Under $50

Adore Me

Two models wearing bikinis from Adore Me's swim collection
Adore Me

Adore Me is a subscription-based clothing brand with most swimsuit styles available for less than $30. They offer a variety of sizes in every style imaginable, from one pieces with interesting cutouts to high-rise floral bikinis.

Cupshe

Two models wearing swimsuits from Cupshe's swim collection
Amazon

Cupshe swimsuits are available on Amazon, with many styles under $30. Styles range from this trendy two-piece to fuller coverage one-pieces.

Target

Two models wearing the same black one piece swimsuit from Target
Target

Target is my personal favorite for finding affordable swimsuits. The brand carries hundreds of styles available each season for men, women, and kids, all under $50.

Best Active Swimsuits

One-Piece Active Swimsuits

Two views of the Active Deep-V Maillot One-Piece in two different colors on two different models

Sometimes a simple one-piece is all you need to double as your stylish and active swimsuit. Seafolly’s Active Deep-V Maillot One-Piece features sturdy support straps, removable cups, and simple cutout details in the front and back that make it a unique active option. It’s a little pricier, but worth the splurge since you’ll be able to wear it everywhere.

Active Swimsuit Rash Guards

Woman wearing the UV SKINZ Water Jacket on the beach (left) and man wearing the Long Sleeve Sun & Swim Shirt from UV Skinz (right)
Amazon

Long-sleeve rash guards are a must-have for hours of surfing or swimming around unknown terrain. Invest in a long-sleeve swim top like UV Skinz 50 UPF water shirts and jackets. The Women’s Water Jacket is quick-drying and resistant to chlorine and salt, and it zips completely open in the front.

For men, the pullover Long Sleeve Sun & Swim Shirt has additional neck coverage, plus the same sun protection and water resistance.

Hybrid Swimwear-Activewear

UV SKINZ Active Swim Shorts (left) and AdoreShe Racerback Tankini top (right)
Amazon

Want activewear that can double as swimwear? Men can rely on board shorts, and for women, some active swimsuits will do the trick. AdoreShe’s Racerback Tankini is essentially a water-friendly active top, and UV SKINZ’s Active Swim Shorts are perfect for hikes or bike trips that turn into kayaking or swimming stops.

Swimsuits with Extra Coverage

Two views of the same woman wearing a long sleeved rash guard

Extra protection from sun, bugs, and other elements is possible with the right active swimsuit. AXESEA’s Long Sleeve Rash Guard is ideal for surfing and kayaking in breezy or sunny conditions—it’ll keep your upper body protected and your legs free.

For men, surf brand O’Neill offers a lot more than just wetsuits: Try a UV-protection top that’s lightweight and quick-drying, like the Basic Skins Sun Shirt.

Stylish Swimsuits for Vacation Trendsetters

prAna

Model showing two bathing suits from the prAna swim collection
prAna

prAna’s line of swimwear includes shorts, rash guards, cover-ups, and bathing suits (that even fit up to DD-cup coverage) for women, as well as select men’s swim trunks.

Fair Harbor

Woman wearing active swim shorts and sports bra from Fair Harbor while hiking next to a waterfall (left) and flat lay image of men's swim trunks from Fair Harbor (right)

Fair Harbor is a stylish and sustainably produced swimsuit brand that makes styles for women and men, as well as T-shirts, hats, and bags.

SummerSalt

Two models wearing swimsuits from SummerSalt's swim collection
SummerSalt

SummerSalt’s swimsuits are made of recycled material and have UPF 50+ protection. The brand makes stylish swimsuits for women and kids in a variety of trendy styles and bright colors.

Aerie

Two models wearing swimsuits from Aerie's swim collection
Aerie

Aerie by American Eagle Outfitters makes trendy and affordable swimsuits for all body types. The Bikini Mix & Match finder lets you see what style of bikini top works with a standard bikini bottom.

Plus-Sized Swimsuits

Stylish Swimsuits for Plus-Sized Travelers 

Two models wearing swimsuits available in plus sizes at Target
Target

Target offers a variety of styles for plus-size travelers, like this colorblock style and ruched halter top.

Active Swimsuits for Plus-Sized Travelers

Models wearing the Always for Me Charlie Surplice Racerback Tankini top (left) and the Swimsuits for All Colorblock One-Piece (Right)

Plus-size active swimsuits can be secure one-pieces or versatile two-piece outfits. Always For Me’s Charlie Surplice Racerback Tankini Top looks like a workout outfit but is water-friendly. For a true suit sans shorts, Swimsuits for All’s Colorblock One-Piece has comfortable, wide straps and is perfect for the pool or outdoors.

Specialty Swimsuits for Plus-Sized Travelers

Two models wearing two piece swimsuits from Swimsuits for All
Swimsuits for All

The appropriately named website Swimsuits for All offers plus-size bikinis, one-pieces, swim dresses, and more for sizes 8 to 34. You’ll find fashionable travel swimwear here, including a line designed by plus-size model Ashley Graham.

Ashley Rossi, Caroline Morse, and Shannon McMahon contributed to this article.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

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