Victoria’s Secret Swim Is Back! Here Are the Best Bikinis and One-Pieces to Buy Before Summer Arrives

• Size Range: XS to XXL
• Pros: universally flattering silhouette, under $35
• Cons: run a little large

As a person with a short torso, I’ve never liked how high-waist bikinis look on me. They usually compress my torso in such a comical manor that I wind up looking like an apple on toothpicks. Not this bottom, however. I was very skeptical upon seeing it—the large looked enormous and like it might actually come all the way up to my boobs—but once I put it on it was undeniable how flattering it looked. The V front helped prevent my torso from appearing squished and the higher sides gave my hips a smoother silhouette that I loved. Other reviewers suggest these run on the larger side, so you may want to consider going down one from your usual, but I found I was very comfortable in my usual size large.

• Size Range: XS to XXL, with S to L DD options as well
• Pros: lots of support, under $40, adjustable straps
• Cons: takes a while to dry after swimming

The old VS was well known for its aggressive push-up bras and bikini tops. You know, the ones that supposedly bumped you up two cup sizes but that also inevitably looked obviously padded, especially once wet. This new and improved push-up rectifies all those issues, and is incredibly flattering to boot. The lift feels natural, giving your gals a subtle boost, and the padding holds up really well when wet (although it does still take longer to dry than non-padded tops). The built-in underwire also offers great support for larger chests and the straps in back are adjustable to give you a more custom fit. I have little patience for swimwear I can’t run around in, and this top made me feel confident my boobs were both staying put and looking great.

• Size Range: XS to XXL
• Pros: runs true to size, subtly sexy, comes with removable padding
• Cons: some reviews suggest it runs small, not adjustable

This was another suit that I would not usually gravitate toward, but as one of the current best sellers I figured I’d give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised by how flattering it looked on, and how comfortable it was. Some reviews suggest this one-piece runs small, but I found my usual size large was the perfect fit. The cutout is ideally placed to offer full coverage around the belly and doesn’t come up too close to the bust so I didn’t have to worry about any accidental underboob situations, even on active beach days. The back also hit a Goldilocks point between cheeky and full coverage, making me feel sexy without exposing my entire rear. It also didn’t ride up to become a thong, something I find happens much more often with one-pieces than bikinis (go figure).

• Size Range: XS to XXL
• Pros: comes with removable padding, ruching at the middle is super flattering
• Cons: not adjustable

In honor of Pamela Anderson’s renaissance moment, I recently began watching Baywatch on Amazon Prime. Unsurprisingly, this has led to my number one summer goal being to find the perfect red one-piece bathing suit. This plunging one-piece is much more overtly sexy than Pam’s iconic lifeguard uniform, but the color is spot on and a shade of red that looks great on such a wide range of skin tones. I sized down to a medium because I was concerned about the top half being too big and making me feel self-conscious about accidentally flashing my fellow beach goers. I was pleased to find the bottom, while definitely more snug than a large, still fit well and I did feel quite secure up top. I also loved the knot detail at the middle which cinched in my waist and gave the illusion of a smoother overall silhouette.

• Size Range: XS to XXL
• Pros: under $40, comes with removable straps and padding
• Cons: not available in cup sizes

I definitely owned an old Victoria’s Secret version of this U-front bandeau top back in high school, so I was very excited to try out the new and improved version in 2023. And reader, it holds up. Literally. I typically wear a size 34C or 32D and found this strapless cutie was very supportive, partly because there are multiple hook options in back, so although the top does not come in specific cup sizes, you do have some level of adjustability with the fit. (I wore a size medium, for reference.) It also comes with straps that can be worn a number of different ways—as a halter, over the shoulders, crisscrossed in back, etc.—if you want to try switching up your look. Some reviewers with larger chests said they didn’t feel adequately supported, even with the extra straps, so if you want something with lots of support up top, you’re probably better off choosing a different VS style.

• Size Range: XS to XXL
• Pros: under $35, lots of color options, doesn’t ride up in back
• Cons: minimal coverage may not be for everyone

This exact combo—a cheeky, minimalist bottom and simple, sporty top—is basically my go-to combo when it comes to shopping for bikinis. And I am glad to say, this VS version is definitely going be worked into my regular rotation for the summer. These Brazilian-cut bottoms are just the right amount of cheeky and I love that the sides come up a bit higher and don’t dig in, creating a flattering V-front that gives me more of an hourglass shape. The back is pretty cheeky (but has much more coverage than a thong bottom), but luckily didn’t ride up on me except for once after I had to run after an escaping beach ball. If you’re between sizes, I would suggest opting for the larger to ensure a wedgie-free fit, but otherwise I found these bottoms ran true to size.

• Size Range: XS to XXL
• Pros: dries quickly, under $35
• Cons: may be too short for some

This adorable swim skirt is great for anyone who prefers a bit more coverage, or if you are bopping straight from the pool to brunch with friends. It does not have a built-in gusset and is intended to be layered over your bikini bottoms or one-piece, which means you can pull it up for a more high-waist silhouette or down for a low-rise fit if you prefer. It comes in just about every color and pattern to match PINK’s other swim offerings, so you can mix and match as you like, and I found that it dried very fast, so I didn’t feel like I was just sitting around in a wet skirt for half the day. One thing to note: It did feel pretty short when I pulled it up to cover my belly button, which was fine for hanging at the beach, but I don’t know that I would’ve felt comfortable wearing it like that for lunch on the boardwalk.