The 10 Best Supportive Swimsuits of 2023, Tested and Rated

From our favorite one-pieces to foolproof bikini tops, these flattering swimwear staples keep things secure.

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Travel + Leisure / David Hattan

Whether you're swimming, kayaking, boating, or picking up a game of beach volleyball, supportive swimwear can give you peace of mind knowing everything will stay in place. Even if you're just hanging out by the pool, the right one-piece, bikini top, or bottoms can help make you feel comfortable in your skin.

When browsing options, think about where you plan to wear the swimsuit and what you'll be doing — some activities call for more support or coverage than others. A style with adjustable features can gives you a better chance of a proper fit, but you're wise to check the size guide before ordering anything.

To help you find the perfect swimsuit for your needs, we tested 37 over an ongoing, six-month period. We wore them in the water and while moving our bodies every which way, evaluating each for fit, coverage, comfort, quality, and overall value.

Andie

This simple yet flattering one-piece provides support where you need it without digging in or restricting movement.

It comes in three coverage options, so choose what's most comfortable for you.

Our favorite supportive swimsuit is definitely the Andie Amalfi One Piece. The simple yet flattering design features a shelf bra with soft, removable cups and adjustable shoulder straps. It shows a hint of cleavage without feeling like you're hanging out. And you can choose from full, medium, or cheeky coverage for your backside.

We had full mobility when wearing this swimsuit, and it stayed in place while we swam and slid down multiple water slides. Not only that, but the material doesn't feel uncomfortably heavy when soaking wet. Though you'll have plenty of support where you need it most, we like that the fabric is forgiving — it conforms to your curves without digging in or feeling too constricting.

Whether you prefer neutrals or bright, punchy hues, this swimsuit comes in colors for every taste and occasion. We also appreciate that it's available in an extensive range of sizes and both regular and long lengths. It’s very durable too — we didn't notice any puckering or loose threads after washing and drying it. In the end, we think the price is right on point.

Price at time of publish: $98

The Details: XS–3XL, regular and long | Nylon, spandex | Full, medium, or cheeky coverage | Removable cups | Adjustable straps

Everlane

The sturdy yet soft material holds everything in place like a sports bra and doesn't sacrifice comfort.

It has a tight, compressive feel that isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and you can't return or exchange it.

If you want a bit more compression, consider Everlane's Square-neck Bikini Top. The full-coverage design holds everything in place, kind of like a sports bra. We like how the sturdy yet soft material makes you feel supported and secure without sacrificing comfort. Thanks to the adjustable straps, you can make sure it stays put while swimming.

Having said that, this bikini top runs a little small. And since you can't return or exchange it, you might want to order a size larger than you normally wear. The fabric is on the thicker side, so it retains water more than some other swimsuits and takes a bit longer to dry. Still, we appreciate how durable it is — it doesn't pill at all when you sit on the side of a concrete pool. Pair this top with the matching High-rise Hipster Bottom.

Price at time of publish: $45

The Details: XXS–XXL | Nylon, elastane | Removable pads | Adjustable straps

Amazon

This wallet-friendly one-piece is surprisingly flattering, with light waist compression and ruching to create a slimming effect.

The padded cups aren't removable, and it absorbs a substantial amount of water.

On a budget? This swimsuit is a solid choice. We found it surprisingly flattering — and dare we say, sexy — for a one-piece and appreciated the "tummy control" design. It features a slightly compressive mesh lining around the midsection to cinch your waist and hold things in while the ruched front creates a slimming effect.

Though the padding in the cups isn't removable, we like that you can adjust the shoulder straps to get a better fit and ensure it stays secure during various activities. This bathing suit is comfier than we expected it to be. It absorbs a substantial amount of water and doesn't dry very quickly, but it's not too heavy or uncomfortable when soaking wet. Considering the affordable price tag, we were also pleased to see how well it held up after being washed.

Price at time of publish: $36

The Details: 6–18 | Nylon, spandex | Full coverage | Non-removable cups | Adjustable straps

Bare Necessities

Available in sizes 30D through 40K, this supportive, endlessly comfy one-piece was made with bigger breasts in mind.

The snap-back closure isn't adjustable like a bra, and the cups aren't removable.

If you're more well-endowed and often have a hard time finding swimsuits that fit, this one's for you. The Panache Anya Riva One-piece feels super secure while still allowing full mobility. Made with larger breasts in mind, the sizing ranges from 30D all the way to 40K. The underwire adds support, and although the snap-back closure isn't adjustable like a bra, you can adjust the straps to your preferred length and tightness.

We were comfortable wearing this swimsuit all day, including while swimming in the ocean, lounging on the sand, and playing in the pool. While the supportive fabric is thick, it's still soft against the skin when wet and dries pretty quickly once you get out of the water. Reminiscent of a ballet leotard with a sweetheart neckline and ruched detailing, the classic, flattering silhouette became an instant favorite. Ultimately, we think the price is fair and would likely pay more for this swimsuit.

Price at time of publish: $104

The Details: 30D–40K | Polyamide, elastane | Full coverage | Non-removable cups | Adjustable straps

Andie

The double-lined material keeps everything in place while the racerback adds extra support.

It runs slightly small and isn't the stretchiest, so consider sizing up.

The Andie Valencia Top is a great choice for smaller breasts. Made of thick, double-lined fabric, it provides full coverage on top, keeping everything in place like a sports bra, while the racerback adds extra support and security. That said, this bathing suit top runs a little small. This creates good compression, but since the material isn't very stretchy, you might be more comfortable in one size larger than you normally wear.

Either way, you can adjust the straps to make it slightly tighter or looser. You also have the option to remove the cups, and the material is thick enough that it'll still provide plenty of coverage without them. This bikini top performed really well both in and out of the water, and it only takes about 20 minutes to dry completely in the sun. Want a matching set? Pair it with the brand's High Waisted Cheeky Bottom.

Price at time of publish: $31

The Details: XS–3XL | Nylon, spandex | Removable cups | Adjustable straps

Athleta

This sleek, sporty swim top is conveniently adjustable and performs well both in and out of the water.

The material is a little heavier when soaking wet.

Who says triangle bikinis can't be supportive? Case in point: this sleek, sporty top from Athleta. The durable fabric feels like it's made for performance — like something a professional swimmer might wear — and the back ties are conveniently adjustable to ensure a perfect fit. Depending on your breast size, the full-coverage top may not show any cleavage, so the look leans more athletic than sexy.

This swim top performed well in and out of the water, staying in place and keeping us comfortable during various activities. Though the thick material is a bit heavier when soaking wet and takes a while to dry, it looks just like new after being worn, washed, and dried. If you're looking for a supportive, full-coverage bikini set, pair this top with Athleta's Clean Full Swim Bottom.

Price at time of publish: $59

The Details: XXS–XL | Nylon, lycra | Removable pads | Adjustable back ties

Amazon

This 1960s-inspired swimsuit includes a supportive, bust-enhancing top and slightly compressive bottoms that flatten the belly.

The pads aren't removable, and the structured cups may be too large for some women.

If you're looking for something that cinches your waist but don't necessarily want to rock a one-piece, this 1960s-inspired bikini might be your best bet. We found it incredibly flattering, with a supportive top (not unlike a push-up bra) and high-waisted bottoms that flatten the belly while creating an hourglass shape. The slightly compressive fabric keeps everything in place, and the subtle ruching creates the illusion of a smaller waistline.

One thing to note is that the top is padded, and the cups aren't removable. You can adjust the back strap and make the halter neck as tight or as loose as you want. But since the cups have a structured shape, they may not work for all breast sizes. The double-layered fabric is soft and durable, but since it's so thick, it takes several hours to dry in the sun. Still, this is undoubtedly a great deal for a figure-enhancing two-piece with excellent tummy control.

Price at time of publish: $36

The Details: XXS–22-plus | Nylon, spandex | Medium coverage | Padded cups | Adjustable straps

Bare Necessities

This stretchy, slightly compressive swim shirt offers excellent coverage for the upper back and shoulder while supporting you with a built-in underwire bra.

It's not adjustable at all and takes longer than average to dry.

Modern swimwear comes in a wide range of styles, including some short-sleeve tops. We like this cap-sleeve option from Bare, which provides great coverage for the upper back and shoulders. The keyhole cutout on the chest adds a flirty touch without exposing too much skin. What's more, it essentially has a built-in bra in the form of underwire cups, and you always have the option to remove the padding.

This swim shirt doesn't have any adjustable components. However, the hidden underwire cups do a shockingly good job supporting your breasts without digging into your skin. The thick ribbed material offers a perfect balance of stretchiness and compression to make you feel secure while swimming, kayaking, or doing water sports. Since this bathing suit top has more fabric than most, it takes a bit longer to dry — but it's still plenty comfortable to wear even when damp. To complete the look, pair it with Bare's High-waist Bikini Bottom.

Price at time of publish: $20

The Details: S–DDD | Polyester, elastane, spandex | Underwire cups | Removable pads

Everything But Water

This comfy, flattering bikini top keeps things secure, and water slides right off the slick material.

It might not have enough coverage for larger-chested women.

We also like the Jolene Bikini Top from Rebecca Virtue. While the triangle front shows a bit more skin than most other supportive swim tops, we still felt like everything was securely in place. It might not provide enough coverage for larger-chested women (though it's definitely a matter of personal preference), but you can adjust halter straps for a slightly tighter or looser fit.

We wore this top with the brand's matching Adela Hipster Bikini Bottom while swimming all day in the pool. Swimsuits can be uncomfortable, especially when wet, but this one felt so good, we almost forgot we were wearing it. Water slides right off the slick material, so it doesn't stay wet long, and it maintains its shape well through washing and drying. This isn't the most affordable set we tried, but considering the high-quality, ultra-comfy design, we think it's worth the investment.

Price at time of publish: $78

The Details: S–L, D | Nylon, spandex | Removable cups | Adjustable straps

Robin Piccone

This high-end suit is super supportive but also buttery-soft, immensely stretchy, and lightweight.

It's pricier than most one-pieces, but we feel you get what you pay for.

If comfort is a top priority, we highly recommend Robin Piccon's Ava Mio One Piece. It fits true to size and boasts built-in support that holds you in without completely flattening your chest. While the bottom isn't quite full-coverage, it covers enough that we felt comfortable wearing it anywhere (and in front of anyone).

This swimsuit feels like a high-quality wetsuit, but it's light as a feather and not at all hard to get on and off. The luxe fabric is buttery-soft and immensely stretchy but also durable. It doesn't get heavy when soaking wet and dries pretty quickly. The pricetag is a lot to spend on a swimsuit. But this one made us feel like a million bucks, so we think it's well worth the investment.

Price at time of publish: $154

The Details: 2–14 | Nylon, spandex | Moderate coverage | Removable cups | Adjustable straps

Skims Swim Tank Bikini Top: This swim top fits true to size, and the band doesn't ride up when you move around. We liked the sports bra-level support but found the material a bit too thin in that we felt somewhat exposed while wearing it.

Robin Piccone Ava RP Bikini Tee: This comfy shirt-style bikini top provides great coverage and support while still looking cute and sporty. However, it runs small and only goes up to a size large.

Hatch The Azore One Piece: We loved how the double-layer fabric of this swimsuit supports the bump and found it all-around comfortable. That said, the one-shoulder design doesn't have the best chest support, which is crucial during pregnancy.

After researching the best swimsuits on the market, we selected nearly 40 to try firsthand over an ongoing, six-month testing period. First, we inspected the fabric, features, and overall design, then tried them on to see how they fit. While wearing the swimsuits, we walked around, swam, did aquatic sports, and performed various exercises to see how they felt in motion and whether they restricted movement.

We also wet the swimsuits, wrung them out, checked how long it took them to dry, and noted whether the fabric puckered, pilled, or became misshapen in the process. Each option was scored for fit, comfort, coverage, quality, and value. Those that provided the most support across various activities are featured here.

Swimsuit sizing can sometimes throw you off — it's not always in line with your typical clothing size. When shopping around, be sure to check the brand's size guide and see if any reviews mention that the style runs small or large.

The best supportive swimsuits have adjustable features to help ensure a secure, customized fit. This might be in the form of slide-and-hook shoulder straps, an adjustable back strap, or back ties or neck ties you can tighten or loosen as needed. Some designs also have removable padding in the cups, so you can opt for more structure or go for a lighter, more natural shape.

When buying a swimsuit, think about where you plan to wear it and what you'll be doing. Will you be swimming in the ocean, jet-skiing, wakeboarding, surfing, kayaking, or cruising down a water slide? Maybe you have a game of water polo or beach volleyball in mind, or perhaps you're just looking for something to wear to the pool. In any case, the intended activity can help you figure out what level of support you need and what features will be most useful.

When shopping for a supportive swimsuit, you'll want to look for thick, stretchy fabrics that help hold you in, like nylon, spandex, polyamide, Lycra, or elastane. Adjustability will help you get the most comfortable, secure fit, so opt for adjustable shoulder straps or back ties. Some people prefer more coverage on the top or bottom, but this is generally a matter of preference.

Some supportive swimsuits can be machine-washed and tumble-dried on low heat. However, many call for hand-washing in cold water and line-drying to prevent puckering, pilling, stretching, and shrinking. It's always best to follow the brand's recommended care instructions when washing your bathing suit.

Theresa Holland is a commerce writer and product reviewer specializing in fashion, recreation, and travel. For this story, she compiled our long-term testing insights and combed through product descriptions and size charts to create a curated list of today's best supportive swimsuits. Theresa has personally tried styles from Everlane, Athleta, Skims, and Hatch.

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