Many swimsuits of years past looked good on land but weren’t practical in the water. With today’s range of styles, patterns, and silhouettes—from tankini to one-piece—it’s easier to find a suit that’s functional and flattering. Plus, features like built-in shelf bras and back closures help keep everything in one place while you’re out having fun. We dove in with various styles and came up with the four best contestants—on the beach and off.
The Winners at a Glance
Patagonia Sunny Tide
Carve Camari
Prana Tulum
Body Glove Mylene
How We Test
Number of Testers: 3
Number of Products Tested: 8
Number of Bodies of Water in Which We Tested: 5
Number of Wardrobe Malfunctions: 3
For those who dream of watery adventures, flattering swimsuits designed to perform well in water (where they belong) shouldn’t be hard to find. This crew of three testers with different ages and backgrounds—from an open-water swimmer to a surfing and SUP fan—tested swimwear in a variety of conditions, from the swimming pool to large saltwater bodies, stillwater to surfable waves, and even hot springs. We evaluated each suit for…
