9 best one-piece swimsuits of 2026, according to real testers and style editors
Testers called these popular, stylish one-pieces "the best I've ever tried on," and "the most flattering I own."
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A trusty one-piece is one of the best swimsuit staples you can have. With the right fit, it can cinch and flatter in magical ways that even the best bikini can't. And with summer in full swing and vacations, pool parties, beach days and outdoor get-togethers on the calendar, having the best one-piece swimsuit on deck is essential.
In this story
Because our 9-to-5 consists of swimwear research (hi, hello!), we did the work for you with a multi-week, multi-brand deep dive to find the best one-piece swimsuits out there. We sent swimsuits home with 18 testers and style experts from ages 25 to 71 and sizes 0 to 20 with a range of body types and preferences. Our testers wore the one-piece suits and reported back on each one's fit, feel, fabric, comfort and style as our experts evaluated them for durability and quality.
We collected 1,560 survey answers, and based on that data, we found some pretty amazing, flattering and comfy one-piece options. They range from full-coverage tummy-control swimwear to minimal and cheeky styles from a range of trusted swim brands in size-inclusive options from extra-extra small to plus-size-friendly options up to 4X.
The best one-piece swimsuits for 2026
Size: 2-20 | Lengths: Classic, long | Colors: 7 | Material: 78% recycled polyamide, 22% elastane | Padding: Yes, built in | Neckline: V-neck | Coverage: Cheeky
Why we love it: It's not easy to make a universally-flattering swimsuit, but somehow, Summersalt has done it, receiving a glowing overall score of 4.5 in our tests. Its Perfect Wrap one-piece checks off several boxes: Soft cups, stretchy, comfortable fabric, a wrap-around style that visually slims the waist and a cute side-tie design.
What our testers say: "I found this swimsuit incredibly flattering, especially through the tummy and had just the right amount of compression — enough to feel smoothing and secure, but not so much that it was uncomfortable," says Editorial Director Lauren Matthews-Ide . It got a perfect 5/5 for quality, durability and feeling secure and supportive in the chest. "The cut was flattering and smoothing without feeling overly conservative or matronly, which can be hard to find in supportive one-pieces," Matthews-Ide continues.
Keep in mind: This swimsuit isn't adjustable and has a slightly higher leg cut with the brand's "B Coverage" fit, which it describes as "a little cheeky." Matthews-Ide notes that she generally prefers more backside coverage and found herself tugging it down occasionally throughout the day. If you want a more modest cut, look for the brand's "C" fit that offers full backside coverage like the Sidestroke (which we also love!).
- Smoothing fabric
- Wraparound style sculpts the waist
- Soft cups
- Flattering higher leg cut
- Straps aren't adjustable
- Pricey
Size: XS-22P | Length: Regular | Colors: 33 options | Material: 82% polyester, 18% spandex | Padding: Yes, removable | Neckline: Scoop | Coverage: Full
Why we love it: Not only is this $40 swim dress named one of our best swimsuits on Amazon , it's also fun and flirty with a little skirt that can be worn tied up — as pictured — to elongate the leg, or down for a bit more coverage. If you're a Prime member you'll get free and fast shipping too.
What our testers say: Senior Deals Writer Carrie McCabe describes this swim dress as "opaque, comfortable and pretty cute for lounging," noting that while the back of the swimsuit is sheer when wet, the front and skirt are lined for modesty. She explains that the skirt was a little shorter in the back than her other swim dresses and felt like this was more of a one-piece with a little skirt detailing, but still rated it 4/5 for comfort and quality, calling it, "comfortable enough," and adding that she likes that it "doesn't feel restricting."
Keep in mind: While this is a cute swimsuit for lounging and casual wear, it doesn't offer a ton of coverage, scoring only 2/5 in the category. "It doesn't feel as thick as more expensive suits, but for a throw-on-and-go basic, it did the job," McCabe says.
- Affordable
- Versatile wear and customizable coverage
- Lined in key spots to prevent sheerness when wet
- Not much tummy control
- Skirt is shorter
Size: XXS-4X; B/C-J/K cup | Lengths: Short, regular/long, extra-long | Colors: 5 options | Material: 75% nylon, 25% spandex | Padding: None, just underwire | Neckline: Sweetheart | Coverage: Full
Why we love it: With a near-perfect rating of 4.8/5, this TA3 suit is our best tummy-control swimsuit — and one of the highest-scoring suits we've tested, period. Not only does it visually sculpt with a two-toned, waist-cinching design, it also has a corseted back that's meant to be tightened to your comfort level after you've put it on to physically whittle your waist as well.
What our testers say: "Honestly, this is probably the best shaping bathing suit I've ever tried on," says Executive Commerce Editor Nicole Sforza . "I'm almost 52, for me to say this swimsuit makes me feel confident enough to be seen out in the wild, that's a big deal." Sforza loves that the fabric felt durable and strong: "It's immediately obvious that the fabric is thicker than most. It sucks you in due to the awesome built-in shapewear." And Sforza was wowed by the design too, saying, "I love the optical illusion that makes me look like an hourglass."
Keep in mind: Although this swimsuit is available in a wide range of sizes, torso lengths and cup sizes, the brand says these padding-free suits are best for C+ cups, so it's not small bust-friendly. And even some testers with larger cup sizes still struggled with the fit — Teich says the wiring "oversized, awkward and uncomfortable." It also scored 2/5 for how much effort it took to put it on and off. "It was a bit tough to pull on, but once on, I appreciated how much it sucked me in!," Sforza says. "Pricey, but worth it!"
- Visually sculpting design
- Adjustable corset back for a cinched look
- Great range of inclusive sizes
- Bra top doesn't fit everyone
- May be difficult to put on
- Expensive
Size: XS-XL | Length: Regular | Colors: 7 options | Material: 78% recycled polyamide, 22% spandex | Padding: Yes, removable | Neckline: Scoop | Coverage: Moderate
Why we love it: This open-back style from Quince earned perfect 5s for being supportive everywhere and offering impactful lift, security and coverage from top to bottom. According to Commerce Editor Janelle Randazza , the "support was fantastic." The UPF-50 one-piece earned a 4.6/5 total score and will only run you $50 — plus, it comes in this red shade that she describes as "a damn sexy red." Baywatch , is that you?!
What our testers say: "The fabric is fantastic," Randazza raves. "It feels luxurious. It's strong, thick and feels impervious to snagging," which earned it perfect 5s for feeling durable, high-quality and comfortable. She loves the "perfect" coverage and support, too. "Coverage was great. I think it gave my tush a bit of a lift, without overdoing it. And the cut was sexy without being overly cheeky."
Keep in mind: Testers found it runs a little big. Randazza describes herself as "between sizes" and notes that she wished she sized down. " I wouldn't say it's NOT true to size, but if you hover between two size, pick the smaller one." Despite it being a little loose, she writes, "it [still] didn't bunch or fall out of place. I was able to cinch the straps to make it tighter."
- Affordable price point
- Backside cut offered a little lift
- Thick, luxurious fabric with UPF 50 protection
- May run a little big
Size: XS-XL | Length: Regular | Colors: 3 options | Material: 80% nylon, 20% spandex | Padding: Yes | Neckline: V-Neck | Coverage: Moderate
Why we love it: Cupshe is one of our favorite brands for affordable swimsuits. The All Set one-piece scored a shining 4.78 out of 5 thanks to the glove-like fit, power mesh around the midsection, flattering ruching and "just right" compression. And despite the plunge neckline, it's surprisingly supportive and earned a 5/5 for chest support from one plus-size tester, making it one of the best swimsuits for large busts.
What our testers say: "I love almost everything about this suit — it's easily one of the best swimsuits I've worn," Matthews-Ide says. "It fit like a glove, with just the right amount of compression: smoothing and flattering without feeling restrictive." She also loves the on-trend design and colors, calling it, "so cute — the green color and pattern on top really stand out, and it's super flattering once you put it on." It got perfect scores (5/5) for fit, too: "I feel like it hit in all the right spots," Matthews-Ide writes. "The adjustable straps and back made it easy to dial in the fit, and the color and pattern sealed the deal."
Keep in mind: Some may prefer a little more backside coverage. "I did find myself tugging it down over my butt occasionally," Matthews-Ide explains, rating it 4/5 for coverage and staying in place. "And after washing it in the machine, the bra pads shifted a bit, though I was able to adjust them back into place pretty easily."
- Budget-friendly
- Comfortable compression and flattering ruching
- Supportive around the bust with adjustable straps
- Tester noted slight riding up
Size: 30-40, AA, A and B | Length: Regular | Colors: 2 options | Material: 85% polyamide, 15% elastane | Padding: Yes | Neckline: Sweetheart | Coverage: Moderate
Why we love it: For a seriously good fit and a lift that wows on small busts, look no further than Prow, Pepper's swim line that specifically caters to AA, A and B cups, meaning that small-busted folks won't run into typical problems with gaping cups or ill-fitting padding. This classic one-piece received a 4.8/5 satisfaction score from Paquette who says the brand's claim of a "subtle push-up" was an understatement, rating the support a 5/5 and describing it as "impressive," and "gasp-worthy."
What our testers say: "This one-piece is the most flattering I own," Paquette says. "I felt very secure ... and confident that I chose the right size." That's why it got 5s across the board from all of our testers for fit, comfort and adjustability — no small feat. "The adjustable straps allowed me to customize the fit, it wasn't too tight for my wide ribcage and there were no cutouts for me to stress over," she adds.
Keep in mind: The fabric's ribbed texture was polarizing. While some loved it, Paquette calls it a "minor complaint;" wishing it was a smoother fabric for a more luxe look. And since this brand caters to AA to B cups only, it's not well-suited for anyone over a C-cup.
- Designed specifically for AA, A and B cups
- No gaping and flattering, close-to-the-skin cups
- Secure and adjustable fit
- One tester wished the fabric wasn't ribbed
Size: 0-24 | Lengths: Regular, long | Colors: 2 options | Material: 38% recycled polyamide/36% recycled polyester/18% elastane/8% polyamide | Padding: Yes, removable | Neckline: Strapless | Coverage: Moderate
Why we love it: Both a tester- and editor-favorite, the J.Crew Gemma swimsuit is a timeless and versatile one-piece. Paquette says that the bust support felt solid (rare for a strapless style!), and that the compressive fabric "felt noticeably high end," rating it a 5/5 for durability and quality.
What our testers say: "This swimsuit shocked me," marvels Teich. "It feels more luxe and high-end than some of the most expensive swimsuits I've tried at more than double and triple the price." Testers rated it a perfect 5/5 across the board for quality, with Teich saying, "this has compressive fabric but it's not uncomfortable at all, it's really smoothing yet comfortable." And the style was a hit too: "It's modest but stunning on with a slightly sweetheart neckline and a low-cut leg that feels more pin-up style than full-coverage," Teich continues.
Keep in mind: Testers unanimously agreed that because of the compressive fit, it's pretty difficult to put on and take off. It got only a 3/5 score for ease of use — something to keep in mind if you're going to be using the bathroom in between swims. And if you aren't a fan of the strapless look, there are optional straps that can be attached or detached.
- Sleek, high-end feel
- Compressive fabric and smoothing fit
- Classic, timeless look
- Can be difficult to pull on when wet
- Pricey
Size:XS-3X | Length:Regular | Colors: 5 options | Material: 57% nylon, 43% elastane | Padding: Yes, removable cups | Neckline: Square | Coverage: Moderate to full, with a higher leg cut
Why we love it: You know it and you love it — Spanx has made a name for itself in smoothing and sculpting and this swimsuit is no exception, earning a 4.7 in our testing. It's fitted with all-over compression but specifically along the sides of the midsection to carve out the waist. It's designed with full backside coverage and a higher leg cut to balance out the look, and the fabric boasts UPF 50 sun protection too.
What our testers say: "This swimsuit definitely sucks you in and holds you tightly. But despite all of that, I still found it very comfortable to spend hours in," said one tester, who rated this swimsuit 5/5 for comfort and on/off ease. And Teich raved about the style, saying, "This is suchhh a lovely swimsuit that strikes a balance between sexy and modest. The square neck is flattering and the rear coverage is moderate to full without looking matronly because the legs are cut higher on the sides which gives an elongating effect." As for the material quality and durability, it got perfect 5s from every tester. "The compressive material smooths extremely well without flattening boobs (something I was worried about since there's no dedicated support," says Teich.
Keep in mind: While two out of three testers loved the way that it fit, one found that it was too small. "I had high hopes, but the fit was a major miss. The brand claims it runs true to size, but that wasn't my experience at all — I'd recommend sizing up," says Matthews-Ide.
- Smooth, compressive fabric that whittles the waist
- UPF 50 fabric
- Has a "held in" feeling
- May run small especially if you have a longer torso
- Expensive
Size: XS-XL | Length: Regular | Colors: 17 options | Material: 84% polyamide, 16% elastane | Padding: None | Neckline: Plunging | Coverage: Minimal
Why we love it: If you prefer your one-pieces to be as two-piece-y as possible (that is, minimal coverage with a little oomph), you'll love this Gooseberry swimsuit that scored 4.4 out of 5. It's constructed with thoughtful, targeted compression primarily around the midsection so you get some tummy control without needing all-over tightness and the high-cut leg design is extra stylish.
What our testers say: "I am utterly shocked by this swimsuit: I cannot believe how flattering it looks on," marvels Teich. Its compression was jaw-dropping: "When I opened it, it looked so small that I highly doubted it would fit but it does, and exceptionally well," she continued, giving this suit a 4.6 satisfaction score. "The high-cut leg and cheeky tush coverage make my legs look 9 million miles long and doesn't ride up or create cameltoe. It's a magical suit that makes my waist look cinched and accentuates the rest."
Keep in mind: The top cut may be a little too skimpy for some. "The deep plunge is flattering but I wish the coverage was a little broader toward the exterior; my boobs spill out on either side. I'd say if you're over a D-cup, proceed with caution," Teich writes.
- Sexy, flattering design
- Targeted compression around the midsection
- High-cut coverage elongates the legs
- Chest coverage is skimpy
- Pricey
How we tested the best one-pieces
There is one primary and driving belief behind our swim testing: that nothing beats real feedback from people of all shapes and sizes. That's why we enlisted 18 testers to try more than 51 swimsuits from 24 different bathing suit brands, resulting in 1,560 survey answers, points of feedback and scores to inform this article. For a more in-depth look into our process, read on for more info on how we test swimwear .
What to consider when shopping for one-pieces
Fabric
"When investing in a quality suit, durability is important," says Tara West , fashion stylist. "Double-lined fabrics … provide opacity, prevent the suit from becoming see-through when wet, and help it hold its shape over time." When it comes to fabric content, though, here's what to keep in mind when shopping:
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Nylon/polyamide: These are two words for the same material, a light, smooth and quick-drying option —all good things for a swimsuit. West likes "high-quality blends like nylon-spandex" in swimwear.
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Lycra/elastane/spandex: All three of these words refer to the same material, which adds stretch and flexibility when woved into a fabric. Lycra is simply a brand name for elastane/spandex. "The best swimsuits are usually made with elastane blended into nylon," says Rachel Jimenez Penca , stylist and adjunct professor of instruction at Columbia College Chicago . And West adds that in swimwear, "high-quality fabrics — especially those with Lycra or spandex — offer better stretch and recovery."
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Polyester: A sturdier and more affordable alternative to nylon, polyester is a durable material that's naturally UV-resistant, so it won't fade over time. Professional, competitive swimsuits are often made of polyester, though it can feel less luxurious than nylon. West also likes "polyester-elastane with a substantial weight to them."
Sizing
Fit is perhaps the most important factor of all when it comes to one-pieces. Not only do you have to nail the sizing and the level of bust support the way you do with a bikini or tankini , there's also torso length and waist fit to take into account. Make sure to reference existing customer reviews to see if the swimsuit tends to run small or large too.
Many swimsuits are sold in numeric (0-28, for example) or letter (XS-XL, for example) sizing, which can be tricky to nail without your measurements on hand. If the brand sells its swimsuits in bra sizing, you can usually go off of your usual bra size, but otherwise, size charts typically reference three primary measurements to find your best size: bust, waist and hip. To find your best fit, grab a soft tape measure and write down the below numbers:
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Measure your hips."Run the tape measure around the widest point of your tush and hips, making sure to keep the tape measure level," says Jessica Teich, Senior Style Editor.
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Measure your waist.To find your natural waist, face a mirror and bend to either side to see where your torso creases. "Then, run the measuring tape around the narrowest part of your waist," says Teich. "Take a couple deep breaths and make sure the tape measure fits snugly, but doesn't dig in."
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Measure your bust. "While wearing an unpadded or lightly lined bra, wrap the tape measure around your back and around your breasts at their fullest part," says Teich. "The tape measure should be skim your body without digging in. Be careful to keep the tape measure level all the way around to find your bust measurement."
Length
Some one-piece swimsuits offer regular and long-torso options to accommodate a better fit. Brands usually don't offer a "short torso" option but if that's you, look for a swimsuit that has adjustable straps that can be shortened to make sure your swimsuit fits snugly.
That said, what "long" means varies by brand: For example, Summersalt says, "long torso suits have approximately 1.5" extra length added for a fit perfect for those with longer torsos, big boobs or growing baby bumps," while TA3 and J.Crew have specific measurements to quantify what "long" means.
To find your torso measurement for the best fit, TA3 says to measure "from highest point of shoulder to crotch." Swimwear brand Andie explains that a tape measure should run "from your shoulder (where a bra strap typically lands) to between your legs (where the inseam of your pant legs meet). If you measure over 30 inches, you may prefer a long torso fit."
Support
A key component to a great one-piece? Support, especially in the chest. Here's a breakdown of the most common styles:
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Underwire tops:"Look for underwire and a built-in bra to support and lift the chest," says Jimenez Penca. Underwires are especially useful for larger cup sizes, as they help distribute breast weight and tissue for a more comfortable and supported experience.
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Halter topstie behind your neck and allow for a customized lift. The downside is that it puts a lot of pressure on your neck that doesn't always feel great after multiple hours of wear, especially for larger-cupped folks.
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Bandeau: A bandeau-style one-piece runs straight across the chest and is most often strapless, which naturally offers the least support. To counter this, most swimsuits in this style have a grippy lining along the neckline to keep everything in place, and some even come with removable straps, though you shouldn't rely on those for much added support.
Neckline
Neckline refers to the shape of the swimsuit's top, and the style can have a surprisingly big impact on how a suit looks and fits. Most commonly, you can choose between:
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Sweetheart:Characterized by its soft, curving shape that dips down at the center of the chest, a sweetheart neckline is a classic shape that adds a romantic look to any swimsuit. It creates the illusion of soft curves and enhances the bustline.
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Square: This wider, geometric shape runs straight across the chest and frames the collarbone. It usually offers decent coverage and bust support with wide-set straps. If you love a swimsuit that has a '90s vibe, a square neckline may be for you.
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Plunging/V-neck:A common style for triangle tops, a plunging or V-neckline shows off some cleavage and elongates the neck. Wearing a low V-neck doesn't mean you have to ditch the support entirely; "just look for added support features like underwire and wide, adjustable straps," says Teich.
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Scoop necks: The sporty scoop neck is one of the most secure styles for swimwear. "Its soft curve mimics the shape of a sports bra and is often seen on athletic styles, though some styles can dip lower to show off more cleavage or be higher-necked for more modesty," says Teich. This is a great neckline for folks who want everything to stay in place while wave-jumping, diving for a volleyball or chasing kiddos around.
Adjustability
Finding a swimsuit that requires zero tweaks isn't impossible: Several of our testers found that "perfect fit" pot of gold at the end of the swimsuit rainbow. That said, the quest for perfection is not always necessary thanks to wonderful design features like adjustable straps, removable padding, lace-up corsets and adjustable ties that can offer a more customized fit. If you're unsure about sizing in a certain area or are buying something on final sale, make sure to look for those adjustable elements so that you can customize the fit to your body.
Coverage
While one-pieces tend to inherently offer more coverage than their two-piece counterparts, you have a range of options available. On the skimpier side are swimsuits with plunging necklines, low backs, cut-outs or cheeky and high-leg cuts, but if you tend to lean more modest full-coverage one-pieces with secure necklines and even one-pieces with attached swim skirts are great options. And if you'd prefer something in between, try a high neckline and low back or a V-neckline with shoulder-covering ruffles. It's all about the balance.
Best one-piece swimsuits FAQs
Are one-piece swimsuits "in"?
A one-piece is about the most timeless as it gets when it comes to swimsuits. A simple black maillot was in style 30 years ago and will likely be around 20 years down the road. That said, one-pieces are having a resurgence in popularity, transitioning from a steady basic to innovative, creative styles with fun features like cutouts, patterns, high-cut legs, and plunging necklines or low backs. The one-piece is now seen as equally cool and stylish compared to its skimpier two-pieces counterparts.
Can you wear underwear with a one-piece swimsuit?
You generally shouldn't. One-pieces are meant to be worn alone and are designed with a built-in gusset lining that acts like underwear. Regular underwear isn't made with the same type of water-friendly material that swimsuits are, so it can have a tendency to hold onto water, bunch up, shift uncomfortably and even cause chafing while you're swimming.
Can you alter a one-piece swimsuit?
Yes, you can! If you love a swimsuit but adjusting the strap length or band tightness doesn't quite get you the perfect fit you're looking for, you can take it for alterations. A tailor can shorted straps, bring in the waist, sew in modesty panels and so much more. If you're unsure of whether the alterations you want are possible, call ahead to double-check before bringing your swimsuit in.
Is there a way to add padding to a one-piece swimsuit?
Absolutely. If your swimsuit has a built-in bra, look for slits on each side into which you can slide padding. If there are no slits but the suit is double-lined, you can easily snip small openings in the inner liner. You can also sew cups onto the inside lining of your swimsuit or use a backless bra or non-adhesive nipple cover like Grippy CAKES for an easy temporary fix.
Meet our experts
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Rachel Jimenez Penca , stylist and adjunct professor of instruction at Columbia College Chicago
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Tara West , fashion stylist
