The Absolute Best J.Crew Swimsuits to Buy Now and Wear Every Summer Thereafter

Name: Balconette Underwire One-Piece
Brand: J.Crew
Price: 118 USD

Here are our top favorite styles to add to cart

By Abby Hepworth

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Published Mar 5, 2024

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

J.Crew

While there are tons (and we mean tons) of swimwear brands out there to fit your specific wants and needs—suits for big boobs, bikinis under $50, one-pieces for long torsos—there is one company we find ourselves returning to over and over again, summer after summer: J.Crew. Yes, J.Crew swimsuits top our list as the best collection to shop classic swim that fits well, won’t break the bank and will actually last through multiple summers’ worth of beach visits and dips in the pool.

J.Crew first launched swim in 1989 with a series of classic silhouettes in fairly basic colors, and while it took a while for the brand to really find its footing, its swim collection has only gotten better and better in recent years. J.Crew’s bread and butter will always be in perfecting timeless cuts with a subtle modern twist, by way of trendy color options or small tweaks to waistbands or bikini straps, and its swim line is no exception. But there are also trendier pieces to shop, too, for that gal who wants to dip a toe into the cutout craze or embrace French-inspired cuts or even a sporty rashguard top. And almost every single one of J.Crew’s suits now goes up to a size 3X or 24, with tops specifically designed for DD cups and long torso one-pieces as well, so even more folks can get in on the fun.

“My sisters and I used to get a new bathing suit every year in our Easter baskets, and from maybe sixth grade up through college that bathing suit was pretty much always from J.Crew,” one PureWow editor revealed. “Looking back now, it’s interesting to me that there was a brand that all three of us could be so excited about—we’re all vastly different body types and have very different taste in swim, so I feel like it really says something that we all found something to love every year at J.Crew.” In fact, she revealed she even still owns and wears some of those Easter gifts, which have held up incredibly well.

Recently, J.Crew has begun incorporating more eco-friendly fabrics and sustainable production methods into its collection, meaning you can feel better about purchasing a fresh new swimsuit while lessening your carbon footprint. As for cost, almost everything comes in under $130, and the brand frequently has sales going on so you can score major deals on high-quality pieces, especially toward the end of the season. (The site also restocks pretty often, so if you’re in love with a particular color or shade that’s currently sold out, give it a week or so and you might find you’re now in luck.)

Read on for our top J.Crew swimwear picks for 2024 to try out for yourself. Who knows, you might find you’re just as obsessed as the rest of us.

J.Crew

Universally Flattering

1. Ruched Bandeau One-Piece Swimsuit

J.Crew

This ruched one-piece is one of the brand’s absolute best-sellers summer after summer, and for good reason. The simple fit is supremely flattering on every body type (it also comes with a halter strap if you’d prefer some extra support up top) and even comes in a Long Torso length. Ali Gazan, Executive Producer of Video and Podcasts at PureWow, says her ruched one-piece has lasted through five summers, and shows no signs of breaking down any time soon. “I first bought this swimsuit after having my second child. He’s 5 years old now and I still wear the original, plus I added a second into my rotation somewhere along the way. The cut is super flattering and cinches you in all the right places. The top never rolls down and the bottom never creeps up—no one likes a beach wedgie.” Plus, there are multiple gorgeous solid hues to choose from, and a handful of fun prints—like green gingham, pink stamped floral, black-and-white polka dots, purple paisley and a bold pink-and-red floral print—as well.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: US 0 to 24 Classic, US 0 to 16 Long Torso
Level of Coverage: full

$118 at J.Crew

J.Crew

Classic String Bikini

2. String Bikini Top and String Hipster Bottom

J.Crew

PureWow’s Fashion Editor, Abby Hepworth is a big fan of a classic, adjustable string two-piece. “I like knowing my swimsuit is guaranteed to fit year after year because the straps are all entirely adjustable. But I also appreciate that J.Crew’s take on the string bikini isn’t nearly as revealing as so many other brands. It actually covers both my bust and my bum, and the strings haven’t warped or curled over time so they still drape beautifully even after a ton of wears and washes.” Some reviewers found this style ran a smidge small, so if you’re between sizes or want extra coverage, you may prefer to go up one from your usual size.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XXS to 3X
Level of Coverage: cheeky for the top, full for the bottom

$65 at J.Crew

$45 at J.Crew

J.Crew

Best for Long Torsos

3. Ruched V-neck One-Piece Swimsuit

J.Crew

There are a bunch of long torso-accommodating one-pieces available at J.Crew, but this sexy plunge silhouette is perhaps the most flattering of all. Why? The deep V and higher-cut legs help break up your frame better than a halter-neck or scoop ever could. Per one reviewer, who owns multiple colors of this same suit, “These suits are snug as you pull them on, but are very comfortable and look great when wet. I am a distance swimmer and I like these so much! [They have] decent coverage without being frumpy, they stay in place and I love that they are lined and have removable cups.”

FAST FACTS

Size Range: US 0 to 16 Long Torso, US 0 to 24 Classic
Level of Coverage: full

$118 at J.Crew

J.Crew

Best for Short Torsos

4. Ruched One-Shoulder One-Piece Swimsuit

J.Crew

Truth be told, this suit will look lovely on everyone, but for short torso gals the silhouette can help lengthen your frame in a super flattering way, especially if you opt for diagonal stripes like the ones pictured above. Of course, there are also lots of cool solid hues to shop, as well as a ruffled version ($128) and one with a bow on the shoulder ($118) for those who want a little extra something up top. “This is such a fabulous suit,” raves one reviewer. “I’ve received so many compliments when I wear it. And I’ve also recommended it to women of all age groups and it’s flattering on all of them.”

FAST FACTS

Size Range: US 0 to 24 Classic, US 0 to 16 Long Torso
Level of Coverage: full

from $118 at J.Crew

J.Crew

Best for Large Busts

5. DD-Cup Underwire Bikini Top

J.Crew

Finding a bikini that’s both supportive and chic when you have big boobs shouldn’t feel like an impossible task. Which is exactly why J.Crew makes a whole range of bathing suits specifically for those who wear a DD cup. Our favorite is absolutely this classic bikini top. It has a built-in underwire (reviewers say it’s shockingly comfortable despite the wire) as well as wide straps that criss-cross in back all to give you the support you need without looking dowdy or like a literal bra. One size 40DD reviewer writes, “Great support and a nice fit. I love that it doesn’t look like a matronly bra, like most [bathing suits in] my size. Doesn't look too provocative, but still very flattering.” (P.S. For those who prefer something simpler, there’s also a DD version of the iconic 1993 Underwire Top, $75, with thinner straps that are still fully adjustable.)

FAST FACTS

Size Range: 32DD to 42DD
Level of Coverage: medium

$75 at J.Crew

J.Crew

Most Flattering Bottom

6. Ruched High-Rise Bikini Bottom

J.Crew

We love a good high-waisted bikini bottom, but this one has two details that really solidify its status as a must-have in our book. First is the subtle ruching all along the waistband, which helps smooth your silhouette from all angles without adding too much extra fabric. J.Crew’s take on the classic style uses a lightweight material that won’t feel heavy or saggy when wet, so those gentle folds in the fabric maintain their slimming qualities even after multiple laps in the pool. Speaking of fabric, that is the second reason we fell so hard for this J.Crew style. The recycled nylon/elastane blend doesn’t dig in at the waist or on the legs, further helping to accentuate your natural figure. “These give me perfect rear coverage,” writes one reviewer, “and I don’t have to adjust and pull at them constantly to move them back into place. The top edge skims gently along my waist and feels secure even though it doesn’t squeeze. I now own them in three colors.”

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XXS to 3X
Level of Coverage: full

$70 at J.Crew

J.Crew

Most Flattering Top

7. French Bikini Top

J.Crew

This simple cut, inspired by bikinis first made popular on the beaches in southern France, works well with so many different body types and bust sizes. In fact, the top two reviews are from women with a 32A cup and a 34D cup, both of whom rave about how well this bikini fits their chests. PureWow’s Senior Editor Dana Dickey loves hers so much, she sometimes wears it as a bralette. “It’s so comfy with just the right amount of support, and the lining is much appreciated,” she notes. “Paired with the classic full-coverage bikini bottom, it bares the right amount of skin to get a good tan going, but is substantial enough to hold up to a swim in the waves, too. Mine have lasted for many, many seasons.” Hepworth also raves about the French bikini top. “It’s got enough coverage that I feel comfortable wearing it around my family, yet still looks cute. And the support is pretty impressive given those skinny straps.”

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XXS to 3X
Level of Coverage: medium

$75 at J.Crew

J.Crew

Best for Wide Hips

8. Ruched Ruffle One-Piece Swimsuit

J.Crew

For those with wide hips, finding a bathing suit that draws the eye up while providing enough coverage on bottom can be a great way to complement your figure. And this ruffled one-piece is an ideal example—the legs are cut high enough to lengthen the look of your leg without going too high on the hip, and the ruffles along the bust and shoulders are incredibly flattering. It also comes with removable cups and that seam just below the bust offers a bit of extra support. As we’ve come to expect with most J.Crew one-pieces, this one does have subtle ruching along the bodice to smooth your your silhouette. Multiple reviewers were also impressed by how comfortable the suit is, and it reportedly fits true to size.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: US 0 to 24 Classic, US 0 to 16 Long Torso
Level of Coverage: medium

$118 at J.Crew

J.Crew

Trendiest Simwsuit

9. Cutout Halter One-Piece Swimsuit

J.Crew

Cutouts have been trending for a few summers now, but we appreciate that this design still offers a decent amount of coverage. Even better, the adjustable halter and full cups mean you don’t have to stress that your boobs might accidentally pop out from the material. You can tie the halter a number of ways, and the hole can be cinched further closed or made larger, whichever you prefer.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: US 0 to 24
Level of Coverage: medium

$118 at J.Crew

J.Crew

Editor’s Pick

10. Balconette Underwire One-Piece

J.Crew

“This is my go-to swimsuit when I don’t want to wear a ‘mom’ swimsuit but feel like I need to,” says Gazan. “I love the simplicity of the suit. It feels elevated and chic even though the only detail is the underwire. The adjustable straps are also key, especially for me since my torso is on the longer side. It’s a little more high-cut than most suits I own, but it doesn’t reveal too much.” Reviewers generally found this suit runs a little small, so you may be more comfortable going up one size from your usual.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: US 0 to 24
Level of Coverage: full

from $118 at J.Crew

Abby Hepworth

Editor

Covers fashion, trends and all things running
Received certification as an RRCA run coach
Has worked in fashion for over a decade

read full bio

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