Shopping for a swimsuit is one of those tasks people tend to put off until the last minute. The options are overwhelming, the sizing is inconsistent, and the stakes feel oddly high for a garment worn mostly near water. One-piece suits, though, have quietly become the more interesting choice, and this season the selection is better than it has ever been.
Two-piece swimwear held a certain status for years, considered the more fashion-forward option by default. That reputation has softened. Designers are now putting real thought into one-pieces, building in support, shaping fabrics and bold silhouettes that work as hard as any bikini. Many of the styles available now double as bodysuits, pairing naturally with wide-leg trousers or a flowing skirt for a post-beach dinner.
Fashion stylists and editors weighed in on the cuts, fabrics and features worth paying attention to.
Underwire options worth knowing about
Support is one of the biggest reasons people reach for one-pieces over bikinis, and underwire styles have come a long way from the stiff, uncomfortable versions that defined the category a decade ago.
Monday Swimwear’s Clovelly One-Piece is a favorite of Los Angeles-based celebrity stylist Sarah Nearis. The high-leg cut and open back give it a retro feel, while the underwire and colorblock design keep it current. The brand offers three extended size options beyond standard sizing, including a petite cut, which makes fit less of a guessing game. Prices start at $54, down from the original $180.
TA3’s Lifty One-Piece earned attention online before CNN Underscored beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw put it through a proper test. Her conclusion matched what Nearis and other stylists have said about the brand: the fabric does real work. It shapes and contours without the stiffness associated with built-in shapewear. TA3 also offers short, long and extra-long torso options, which is a practical detail that most brands skip entirely. The suit retails for $188.
Miraclesuit’s Must-Have Escape One-Piece leans into the brand’s reputation for swimwear that fits more like shapewear. The proprietary Miratex fabric shapes and contours the midsection, while the ruched paneling adds coverage without drawing attention to the area it’s covering. Underwire provides bust support without requiring a separate strapless situation underneath.
Styles built for specific needs
Not every one-piece is designed to do the same thing, and the strongest options tend to have a clear purpose.
For built-in skirt coverage, the Popilush Sculpting Curve Mesh Skirt One-Piece offers a layered look that transitions well from the water to a casual lunch. The mesh overlay adds dimension without sacrificing the fit underneath.
Tummy control is a feature that sounds clinical but makes a practical difference in how a suit performs in motion. L.L.Bean’s Shaping Swimwear Tanksuit handles this through construction rather than compression panels, which means it holds without feeling restrictive after a few hours of wear.
For plus-size shoppers, Miraclesuit’s Oceanus One-Piece in Pin Point is a consistent recommendation. The silhouette is flattering without being fussy, and the fabric maintains its shape across a full range of extended sizes.
How to shop smarter
Torso length matters more than most size charts acknowledge. Brands that offer short, standard and long options will consistently fit better than those working off a single cut. Fabric composition also affects longevity: suits with a higher percentage of nylon hold their shape better after repeated exposure to chlorine and saltwater. And a suit that works for both swimming and styling will get significantly more use than one designed for only one setting.
