Welcome to Hype Machine, our hit-list of the top reviewed products across the web — according to a crowd of die-hard shoppers. Call this your 4-star & up only club, with entry granted by our devoted-to-the-goods shop editors.
If you’re like us, you just barely survived January’s arctic blasts, snow squalls, and plummeting temperatures. Our bodies might still be enduring the dread of winter (thank you, puffer coats and fleece vests), but our minds are already on a sandy beach somewhere curing these seasonal blues. With warmer weather and vacation destinations on the brain, we’re planning out the essential bathing suit shopping required to address our winter-induced vitamin D deficiencies. That’s why, for our latest installment of Hype Machine, we’re thinking about one thing and one thing only: the little black one-piece swimsuit.
Much like the reliable little black dress, this bathing suit style will be your go-to swimwear essential. It’s simple, flattering, and easy to wear. To help you make the best choice without the nightmare of swimsuit shopping IRL, we’ve scoured the internet using the consumer comment section as a guide. Expect nothing less than the top-vetted suggestions from your fellow internauts as you prepare for your next warm-weather getaway or stock up for swimsuit season.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
The Adjustable Suit
This sleek monokini proves that your bathing suit can be sexy and practical all at the same time. While it features a plunging neckline and open back, the adjustable neck and lace-up straps allow for optimal support and a comfortable fit.
The Hype: 4.3 out of 5 stars and 64 reviews on Target
What They’re Saying: “By far the best bathing suit I’ve ever purchased. Having larger breasts, I was skeptical of the low cut, but the way it’s tied in the back definitely keeps them in place.” – kp, Target review
Sunn Lab Swim Women’s Double Halter Strappy Back One Piece Swimsuit, $39.99, available at Target.com
The Style That Loves Your Curves
The simple silhouette of this one-piece is designed to flatter your figure. There’s lots to love about the ample shirring at the waist for a super-flattering fabrication that moves with you.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 12 reviews on Nordstrom
What They’re Saying: “Great suit.. Shapes you without binding you.. Wish it was offered in more colors.” – Corbin3, Nordstrom review
La Blanca One-Piece Swimsuit, $109, available at Nordstrom
The Cutout One-Piece
For a look that’s equal parts elegant and fun, tease a bit of extra skin with a this swimsuit’s sneaky little cutout just below the chest. Bonus points for the adjustable straps.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 6 reviews on Loft
What They’re Saying: “I’m not usually for a one-piece but this one caught my eye for its simplicity. Well, let me just say I’m pleasantly surprised by how well it fits and how flattering it is. The top has just enough padding and the bow can be cinched to lift the bust just a bit.” – Faye75, Loft review
LOFT Beach Bow Cutout One Piece Swimsuit, $89.5, available at LOFT
The Bandeau One-Piece
Nothing is sweeter than a sweetheart neckline. And although this flattering bandeau-style suit already has reinforced side boning, there’s also a detachable halter strap for the moments where you want a little extra bust support.
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars and 24 reviews on Zappos
What They’re Saying: “Felt like a goddess in this! Gorgeous suit!” – Anonymous Zappos customer
La Blanca Bandeau One-Piece, $109, available at Zappos
The High-Cut Style
You won’t just walk in this swimsuit — you’ll strut. Because the style is dramatically high cut above the waist, it immediately elongates your legs.
The Hype: 4.3 out of 5 stars and 38 reviews on Revolve
What They’re Saying: “This item is just amazing, you feel like a star!” – Silvia, Revolve review
Norma Kamali One Piece In Black, $150, available at Revolve
The Not-Quite-As-High-Cut-As-The-Previous-Suit Style
While there’s still a high cut on the leg of this suit, the stretchy material also dips low with a dropped armhole and deep neckline. Designed for the cheekiest of beachgoers, this option has got just the right amount of scoop. Plus, it’s more affordable at less than $40.
The Hype: 4.3 out of 5 stars and 102 reviews on American Eagle
What They’re Saying: “I think this is a timeless bathing suit that any body shape can wear and feel comfortable and sexy at the same time! I love it. It’s the best suit I’ve ever bought! Definitely worth it!” – Victoria, Aerie review
Aerie Super Scoop One Piece Swimsuit, $31.46, available at Aerie
The Affordable Option
If you’re a fan of the one-shoulder top, why not try out the trend for your swimwear? The stylish asymmetric neckline of this under-$30 option looks sophisticated (read: expensive) while the ruffled trim adds a flirty touch.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 186 reviews on Amazon
What They’re Saying: “This is so cute. I’m actually kind of excited to wear a swimsuit, which is not something I normally say. It’s so hard to find a swimsuit that supports and covers my chest but is still stylish, but this does just that!” – Meagan, Amazon review
Hilor One Shoulder Asymmetric Ruffle Monokini, $29.99, available at Amazon
The Suit With Surprising Support
Ok, you’ll likely get weird tan lines from this one but it’s totally worth it. The criss-cross side detailing is super sexy, and the hidden underwire bra adds secret support for all kinds of beachside adventures.
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 411 reviews on Swimsuits For All
What They’re Saying: “This swimsuit is the real deal. It just arrived and I couldn’t wait to try it on. Hands down the best swimsuit I have ever bought! Thank you for making my curves look awesome! I can’t wait to wear it!” – DoreneD, Swimsuits For All review
Ashley Graham x Swimsuits For All Black Cut Out Underwire One Piece Swimsuit, $62.4, available at swimsuitsforall
The Halter-Top Fit
The halter neckline and supportive body of this monokini is just what you need if you want something classic and comfortable. Also, the ruched detailing distracts from the stomach region for those of us who are a bit self-conscious and want the fabric camouflage.
The Hype: 4.3 out of 5 stars and 36 reviews on ModCloth
What They’re Saying: " Really great quality suit. The ruching and cut makes it comfortable and flattering. I love the halter. I’m over 60 and a bit squarish in build, but I like that it makes me look curvier than I am." – Angela, ModCloth review
Kenneth Cole One-Piece Swimsuit In Black, $109, available at ModCloth
Kenneth Cole One-Piece Swimsuit in Black, $109, available at ModCloth
The Athletic Option
If you’re an active swimmer and need a little black swimsuit that can keep up, consider this athletic option featuring secure straps and a classic cut. The long-lasting, chlorine-resistant material makes this a stylishly durable choice.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 209 reviews on Swim Outlet
What They’re Saying: " I like this suit a lot. It has great support and doesn’t ride up in the back or front. I swim lots of laps most days, so it has stood the test of my swim workouts!" – Ellen D., Swim Outlet review
TYR Solid Maxfit Swimsuit, $44.99, available at Swim Outlet
The Vintage-Inspired Fit
Hate dealing with bathing suits that are always riding up in the back? Keep everything in place with a retro, full-coverage swimsuit like this little number offering ruched detailing and a boy-short bottom fit.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 107 reviews on Anthropologie
What They’re Saying: I avoided swimming in public until I discovered this suit! It’s so flattering! The cut is comfortable, and I get compliments every time I wear it.” – ArcticAnthro, Anthropologie review
Seafolly Boyleg One-Piece Swimsuit, $128, available at Anthropologie
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Source: Refinery29