The Ultimate Women’s Swimwear & Cover-Up Guide 2026: Stylish Swimsuits, Resort Wear & Confidence Tips
SWIMSUIT (16PLUS) | SARONG | SIMIARL SUNGLASSES | CAKES NIPPLE COVERS
Your Guide to
Swimwear, Cover-ups
& Confidence
Whether you’re headed somewhere tropical, planning a family beach trip, or simply soaking up sunshine close to home, this refreshed swim guide is your one-stop destination for stylish, supportive swimwear. Below, you’ll find my favorite one-pieces, two-pieces, bump-friendly options, supportive underwire styles, chic cover-ups, and the finishing touches that pull it all together. From poolside lounging to beach vacations, cruises, and resort wear, I’m sharing pieces designed to help you feel confident, comfortable, and genuinely excited to get dressed.
I truly believe the right swimwear can make all the difference, not because you need to change your body, but because feeling supported and comfortable allows your confidence to shine. Whether you’re looking for fuller coverage, trend-forward silhouettes, postpartum-friendly options, or elevated vacation style, there’s something here for every season and stage.
You can also browse even more curated favorites through my LTK collections, including swimwear, cover-ups & resort wear, plus recent vacation and cruise outfit roundups. No matter your destination, body changes, or comfort zone, this guide is here to help you feel stylish, supported, and ready to enjoy the moment.
Quick Tips That Help Me Feel My Best in a Swimsuit
When it comes to swimwear, I’d personally rather own a few high-quality suits that make me feel incredible than a drawer full of options I’m constantly tugging at or adjusting. Support, fit, and thoughtful design truly make all the difference.
One of the biggest mindset shifts I’ve had over the years? Most people are far less focused on you than you may think. What matters most is how you feel in your suit. If you’re trying a new style or stepping outside your comfort zone, start small, wear it at home, on vacation, or somewhere that feels lower pressure. Confidence really is something you build over time. The more you practice, the easier it becomes. I’ve shared more about my personal confidence journey, including navigating body changes through postpartum and hormonal shifts, in previous posts, and again in this post!
And sometimes, a little glow can go a long way. If you can’t tone it, tan it! A good sunless tanner can add an extra boost of confidence, and I’ve shared both my favorite products and my full at-home routine to help make the process easier. For a quick fix, I love to use this waterproof body makeup to even out skin that washes off with an oil-based cleanser.
If removable swimsuit pads are your personal nemesis, you’re absolutely not alone. I’m a huge fan of CAKES Body nipple covers as a reusable, water-friendly alternative that offers smoother coverage without the constant frustration. Their triangle styles are especially great under bikini tops. For more info on nipple covers, see my guide here!
And finally… bikini line maintenance. Whether laser hair removal has been on your radar or you’re sticking with more traditional grooming methods, I’ve shared both my long-term laser experience (now 4.5 years later) and my favorite shaving and grooming products for whatever approach works best for you.
let’s shop:
One-PIECE SWIMSUITS
If you haven’t noticed by now, I’m absolutely a one-piece loyalist. A great one-piece is versatile, easy to wear, and can range from relaxed and effortless to incredibly supportive depending on the design. That said, not all one-pieces are created equal, and understanding the structure can make shopping so much easier:
Shelf bras typically offer light to moderate support and are ideal for lower-impact wear like lounging, pool days, or casual beach trips.
Flex wire styles feature a softer, more flexible wire under the bust, offering moderate to high support while still feeling comfortable and less restrictive than traditional underwire.
Underwire swimsuits provide the highest level of support, shaping, and lift, especially helpful for fuller busts or anyone prioritizing structure.
If support is at the top of your list, don’t worry… I’ve included a full underwire swimsuit section below.
But first, I’m rounding up some of my favorite retailers for one-piece swimsuits across a variety of styles, support levels, and price points so you can find the option that works best for your body, preferences, and budget.
AMAZON (link to my curated list) |ANDIE SWIM | BODEN | BRAVISSIMO (OFFERS VIRTUAL FITTINGS) | CITY CHIC | HILOR| J.CREW(LONG TORSO OPTIONS)| LA BLANCA | LANDS’ END | LILLY PULITZER | MAURICES | MIRACLESUIT|OLD NAVY|SUMMERSALT(LONG TORSO OPTIONS) | SHOW ME YOUR MUMU| SWIMSUITS FOR ALL | TA3 | TEMPTME
let’s shop:
TWO-PIECE SWIMSUITS
I’ll be honest…two-pieces aren’t typically my personal go-to, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t an incredible option. Bikinis and tankinis can be especially great if one-pieces don’t always fit your proportions, you prefer more flexibility, or you simply love the styling versatility they offer. One of the biggest advantages of two-piece swimwear is the ability to mix and match sizes, which can be a total game-changer if your top and bottom are different sizes.
Beyond fit, two-pieces also give you more freedom to experiment with different cuts, coverage levels, colors, and silhouettes to find what feels best for you. Whether you prefer classic bikini styles, higher-coverage tankinis, or something trend-forward, there are so many great options worth exploring. And if support is your top priority, don’t worry—I’ve also included a dedicated section below featuring supportive underwire bikinis and tankinis.
For now, here are some of my favorite places to shop for stylish, versatile two-piece swimwear across a range of budgets and styles:
AERIE | AMAZON | ANDIE SWIM | BARE NECESSITIES | BODEN | BRAVISSIMO | CITY CHIC | HERROOM | J.CREW| LANDS’ END | MAURICES | MACY’S | OLD NAVY | SWIMSUITS FOR ALL
Let’s talk:
UNDERWIRE SWIMSUITS
If support, lift, and shape are at the top of your swimwear priority list, underwire styles are absolutely worth considering. Whether you prefer bikinis, tankinis, or one-pieces, underwire swimwear often provides that structured, bra-like fit that can make a huge difference in both comfort and confidence, especially for fuller busts or anyone who wants more support.
But here’s the thing: fit matters. If you haven’t been properly fitted for a bra in the last 6–12 months, I highly recommend starting there, either at a local boutique, Nordstrom, or even virtually. One of my favorite brands, Bravissimo, offers virtual fittings for both bras and swimwear, and I had a great experience with it.
Once you know your correct size, finding an underwire swimsuit becomes significantly easier. One personal tip I swear by: I often shop my sister size for swim, going one band size up and one cup size down for a little extra comfort through the band while still maintaining support. For example, if you typically wear a 34GG bra, you may find a 36G swimsuit more comfortable.
It’s a small adjustment that can make a big difference.
Below are some of my favorite places to shop for supportive underwire swimwear, just be sure to double-check product descriptions, as many retailers carry both wired and non-wired styles.
(Just double-check the product description—these brands carry both wired and non-wired styles.)
BARE NECESSITIES | BODEN | BRAVISSIMO | CHANTELLE | ELOMI | FREYA | FANTASIE |
HERROOM | MIRACLESUIT | SHAN | PANACHE | PRIMA DONNA
Let’s talk:
MATERNITY SWIMSUIT PICKS
Speaking from personal experience, finding swimwear that actually fits and makes you feel good during pregnancy can make a much bigger difference than you might expect. Your body is changing constantly, and having even one swimsuit that feels comfortable, supportive, and easy can go a long way in helping you feel more like yourself.
For much of my pregnancies, I was able to make regular swimwear work, especially during the first and second trimesters and sometimes even into the third. One of my favorite tricks was ordering my usual pre-pregnancy size in long torso one-piece styles, which often provided just enough extra room without needing a dedicated maternity suit.
If you’re someone who prefers two-pieces, you may find even more flexibility. Bikinis and other adjustable styles can often work well throughout pregnancy with simple sizing adjustments, making them a practical option for many. Personally, I found myself gravitating toward supportive one-pieces most often. They simply felt the most comfortable and supportive for me, especially as my body continued to change. That said, everybody and every pregnancy is different, so the best choice is always whatever makes you feel your best!
And one pleasantly surprising favorite? GAP maternity. Their swimwear consistently felt affordable, functional, and stylish, making it a great option if you’re looking for practical maternity-friendly styles without overspending.
AMAZON | ASOS | GAP | J.CREW(buy long torso) |
KINDRED BRAVERLY | SUMMERSALT | target
let’s shop:
COVER-UPS
Cover-ups are one of my favorite parts of swim style. They really are the finishing touch that can pull your whole look together while adding versatility, comfort, and confidence. Whether you prefer something sheer and flowy, a dress or romper style, a lightweight button-down, or even a rash guard for extra sun protection, there are so many great options.
I love how much a cover-up can change the overall feel of a swimsuit. A simple style can balance out a bold suit, while a fun print or pop of color can instantly elevate a more classic look. No matter your style or budget, there are plenty of chic options that help complete your swim wardrobe. Here are some of my favorite places to shop for cover-ups:
AMAZON | MY CURATED AMAZON LIST | ANTHROPOLOGIE | City CHIC |
COOLIBAR | J.CREW | LANDS’ END | SUMMERSALT | TUckernuck
Thanks for reading!
Over the years, I’ve shared countless swimwear reviews across different brands, styles, and fit experiences, many of which you can find under the Swim tab of my blog or throughout my social channels. I know swim shopping can sometimes feel overwhelming, and there’s a lot of information out there, so if you have questions about a specific style, brand, fit, or sizing, please leave them in the comments. The more detail you’re comfortable sharing, the better I can help, and chances are, someone else is wondering the same thing, too.
xx CMK