5 Best High-Waisted Bikinis Out There Now

Right before my honeymoon, I bought what basically amounted to the entire swimwear selection of Victoria’s Secret (I know, I know). For weeks, boxes of bikinis arrived at my doorstep, all tiny and stringy. Fast-forward several years (seven, to be exact), and my swimwear arsenal still only consists of these skimpy suits.

Problem is, the pools I frequent these days aren’t quite as glamorous as the saline lagoons of Hawaii, and it feels sort of weird to slink around the backyard pools of my friends, playing with their four-year-olds, wearing a tiny black triangle top. But I refuse to give in to the call of the one-piece. Though I know it’s just as chic (if not more so!) to cover up, I can’t help but imagine my mom back in the ’80s, sitting on the beach in a skirted one-piece. I’m not ready.

Happily, there is a middle ground, and it’s the delightfully retro high-waisted bikini, which counts Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and even Rihanna as fans. Far from prudish, it’s actually the most high-style way to do swimwear now. For this final month of summer, why not try one? Here,  my top picks. 

1. Studs! Norma Kamali studded high-rise briefs, $364, and bandeau, $240 at Net-a-Porter.

2. Go nautical. Lisa Marie Fernandez Poppy button high-waist bikini, $390 at Forward by Elyse Walker.

3. Perfect for small cup sizes.  Somedays Lovin Ferney Feelin bikini top, $59, and bottom, $59, at Revolve Clothing.

4. The swim line that’s been taking the fashion world by storm. Marysia Swim Santa Barbara one-shoulder bikini top, $143 at Shopbop, and Palm Springs briefs, $141 at Marysia Swim.

5. The print of the summer looks just as good in bikini form. Gingham top, $33, and briefs, $21, at Asos.