Is it just us, or has swimwear gotten seriously expensive over the past few years? As much as we want to keep up with the latest trends and the buzziest brands in the industry, sometimes we aren't down to shell out tons of cash for so little fabric. Because of this, we've learned to cut corners in cost—not quality—by pinpointing the brands that do cheap swimwear best. And with spring on its way and your swimsuit drawers likely in need of a good refresh, there's no better time than now to share them with you. Ahead, see and shop our roundup of retailers that'll help you nail the season's hottest swim trends without breaking the bank, from Aerie to Athleta to an Amazon brand that boasts thousands of rave reviews. Happy shopping! Opening image: ae.com
Love our 10 Best Affordable Swimwear Brands? Just wait till you see our 10 Best Denim Shorts!
March 10, 2020
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Old Navy Triangle O-Ring Bikini Top And Mid-Rise Bikini Bottoms
OLD NAVY: Meet your new secret weapon for scoring the season’s trendiest swim on a budget. The materials are comparable in quality to far more expensive brands, and it won’t cost you a dime over $50 for a matching set.
Athleta Bra Cup Wrap Halter Bikini Top And Clean Medium Bottom
ATHLETA: You’re probably already familiar with Athleta’s insanely good activewear (we’d replace all our pants with Powervita leggings, TBH), but did you know they also have a swim collection that’s 85% sustainable? Couple that with the size range that caters to petite, plus-size, and tall gals, and you’ve got yourself a winner.
J.Crew French Bikini Top And Bikini Brief
J.CREW: Some swim brands will just always be tried-and-true, and J.Crew is one of them. The retailer has a range of styles, sizes, and silhouettes to choose from, and since everything is classic and high-quality, they’re the kind of suits you’ll wear for way more than one season.
Xhilaration Ribbed Bralette Bikini Top and Ribbed Cheeky High Leg High Waist Bikini Bottom
XHILARATION: It’s the place you bought swimsuits when you were six, and it’s the place you should still buy them now. When you’re searching for some seriously on-trend styles but don’t really feel like blowing your paycheck, Target has you covered.
CUPSHE Lace One Piece Swimsuit
CUPSHE: When an under-$40 swimwear brand goes viral on Instagram, you know it’s good. Everyone from moms to influencers and It girls are loving Cupshe’s styles, and it’s all thanks to their superior fits, adjustable designs, and ridiculously cute prints.
Hilor One Piece Asymmetric Swimsuit
HILOR: One-shoulder silhouettes are a major trend for 2020, and Hilor is responsible for designing one of the buzziest styles on the internet. At just $32.99, the expensive-looking suit boasts flattering ruching, a cute ruffle trim, and even a tummy-control panel and supportive shelf bra. BRB, we’re going to go buy this in every color.
Tempt Me High Neck One Piece
TEMPT ME: Don’t let the low prices fool you here—Tempt Me’s swimwear features top-notch attention to detail, and every suit is universally-flattering, comfortable, and supportive for a wide range of bust sizes. Go with this option if you want something with more coverage, or opt for this top-rated two-piece for something a little more trendy—it has over 4,500 rave reviews.
La Blanca Island Goddess One-Piece Swimsuit
LA BLANCA: For gorgeous, classic silhouettes that won't break the bank, La Blanca is your match. It's the brand responsible for Nordstrom's number-one ranked swimsuit, and it's not hard to see why. The buzzed-about one-piece comes in five minimalistic colors that'll never go out of style, has thin '90s-esque straps, and even comes with shirring throughout the waist to smooth and flatter your figure. At just $80 each, the brand proves that not all well-made, high-quality basics have to cost a fortune.
Aerie Wide Strap Scoop Bikini Top And High Waisted Bikini Bottom
AERIE: Aerie is the brand you can buy multiple pieces from without feeling bad about it. AKA, it's heaven. Each style has an impeccable fit and high-quality material, and you can mix and match most of them with other separates in the collection. If you buy one thing at all, let it be these high-rise bottoms—they're arguably better than the designer options out there.
SummerSalt The Sidestroke
SUMMERSALT: Responsible for many an Instagrammed swimsuit, this brand is so much more affordable than you'd think. Besides being just plain cute, rumor has it the designers took 1.5 million body measurements from 10,000 women in order to craft a perfect fit for their Sidestroke One-Piece. The fact that it sold out 25 times in one year definitely isn't a surprise.
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