The Ultimate Bathing Suit Guide — From Most Modest to Most Risqué

It’s never been cooler to forgo the itty-bitty bikini and opt for more full-coverage suits. Sophisticated maillots, retro high-waisted two-pieces, and athletic touches like rashguards and mesh cutouts are all having their moment in the sun. But chic styles still abound for those who still like to bare serious skin. Start at the top and snake your way through our roundup of 16 of the season’s coolest swimwear options. I promise, there’s one for every body type (and wallet)!

[1] Rash guards aren’t just for surfers anymore. Really! Mara Hoffman rash guard, $150, and bottoms (come with bikini top), $225, both at Net-a-Porter.

[2] Obsessed with the men’s shoe print on this classic silhouette. Mary Katrantzou brogue-print one-piece, $416 at Stylebop.com. 

[3] Rihanna’s a fan of this line, which is high-cut at the hip. We Are Handsome lion-print swimsuit, $443.84 at Farfetch.com. 

[4] Molded cups (with removable padding) lift and support breasts. Solaro one-piece, $255 at Tory Burch, King of Prussia.

[5] Skinny straps crisss-cross to a fully open back. Wildfox Couture Shipwrecked one-piece, $97 at Revolve.com. 

[6] Looks modest, but the sides and back are see-through white mesh. Love! T by Alexander Wang mesh racerback swimsuit, $182 at Ssense.com.

[7] Perfect for showing off a toned waistline. DKNY cut-out swimsuit, $110 a South Moon Under, multiple locations. 

[8] A strapless bustier and high-waisted bottoms are my fave option for those who want a two-piece that isn’t too revealing. Scarf-print bustier,$32, and high-waisted bottoms, $24, both at RiverIsland.com. 

[9] This bustier shows a bit more midsection, and the bottoms are cut higher through the hip. Shakuhachi green bustier bikini, $171 at BonaDrag.com.

[10] Perhaps my favorite of the bunch: a teeny strapless top with ultra-flattering black high-waisted bottoms. Just add a headscarf for retro perfection. Lisa Marie Fernandez high-waisted Poppy bikini, $395 at MatchesFashion.com.

[11] Coolly sporty, with a fuller-coverage and ultra-supportive top. Roksanda Ilincic Estes biniki, $197 at MatchesFashion.com.

[12] A vertically striped bandeau with a full-coverage bottom is totally flattering. Giejo high-waist bottoms, $120, and top, $130, both at Avenue32.com.

[13] The bottom might be full-coverage, but the top is anything but. Three skinny straps hold tiny cups in place. Beware of tan lines. Chromat white and yellow strappy bikini, $253 at BonaDrag.com.

[14] A traditional triangle top with brief bottoms is a classic bikini option. Vix Una top, $140, and bikini briefs, $115, both at Net-a-Porter.com.

 [15] The string bikini gets posh! I love the colorful print. Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Tile Ava bikini, $145 at Avenue32.com.

[16] This suit could steer cheesy in a neon color. But in black, the cut-out top and bottoms (yep, those are cut-outs!) veer more chic than sultry. (Well, okay. Still a bit sultry.) Fiji cut-out bikini top, $58, and Maldives cut-out bikini bottom, $40, both at Nasty Gal.