Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?

10 best swimsuits for making a splash this summer

From ‘Baywatch’-style red designs to cut-out silhouettes, these are the pieces to add to your collection

Daisy Lester
Friday 27 June 2025 10:55 BST
From practical one-pieces to style statements, we’ve got you covered
From practical one-pieces to style statements, we’ve got you covered (The Independent)
Our Top Picks

Whether you’re off on a beach holiday or lounging at the local lido, the best women’s swimsuits are summer essentials.

While some people will be splashing around in a bikini, others may prefer the coverage and support one-pieces offer. Whatever your preference, a well-designed swimming costume isn’t just practical and functional; it can be a style statement in its own right.

A beach-ready way to nod to this summer’s hottest trends, the swimsuits to be seen in this season come in leopard print, polka dot, gingham and stripes. If you’re keeping it more neutral with a block colour, steer toward red, butter yellow and baby pink hues. A swimsuit can easily double up as a bodysuit when styled with denim jorts, mini skirts or poplin maxis, taking you from the beach to the bar.

As for silhouettes, cut-out styles offer a happy compromise between a bikini and a swimsuit, while high-rise fits are universally flattering.

When it comes to premium labels, Hunza G’s crinkle costumes continue to dominate the style set’s beach wardrobes for 2025, while Away that Day and Fruity Booty combine high-quality fabrics with flattering silhouettes. Elsewhere, M&S, New Look and Mango salute trends at affordable price points. Keep scrolling to discover my favourite styles.

How I tested

The swimsuits were tested during ocean dips, sauna sessions and trips to the pool
The swimsuits were tested during ocean dips, sauna sessions and trips to the pool (Daisy Lester)

While taking note of seasonal trends, I looked for pieces that offered all the comfort and support you’d want in a swimsuit, as well as designs you’ll dig out year after year. From steam rooms and saunas to swimming pools and the ocean, I’ve put each swimsuit through its paces, considering wearability, coverage and practicality.

Why you can trust IndyBest reviews

Daisy Lester is a senior shopping writer at The Independent. She specialises in reviewing fashion, so she knows what makes a well-crafted, comfortable and on-trend garment. Where swimsuits are concerned, she turns to the best brands that combine affordability and high-quality fabrics, looking for trend-led styles that are still timeless investments.

The best swimsuits for 2025 are:

  • Best overall – Nobody’s Child red ribbed jacquard swimsuit: £55, Nobodyschild.com
  • Best budget buy – New Look dark brown U wire swimsuit: £30.99, Newlook.com
  • Sporty style – Adanola tie back swimsuit: £40, Adanola.com
  • Leopard print design – Damson Madder Cheyenne shirred ruffle swimsuit: £33, Damsonmadder.com
  • Cut-out style – Hush Clare cut-out crinkle swimsuit: £80, Hush-uk.com

1
Nobody’s Child red ribbed jacquard swimsuit

Best swimsuit IndyBest review Nobody’s Child red ribbed jacquard swimsuit
  • Best: Overall
  • Size range: UK 4-18
  • Colourways: Red
  • Material: Recycled polyester, polyester, elastane
  • Why we love it
    • Practical towelling fabric
    • Flattering
    • Subtle embroidered detailing

Nobody’s Child is fast becoming one of the best labels on the high street for high-quality fashion at relatively affordable price points. As well as being a go-to for summer dresses, it’s now a reliable destination for swimwear. This ribbed red swimsuit features a square neck and flattering low back, thick straps for support and an understated tropical palm print.

Best swimsuit IndyBest review Nobody’s Child
The super-stretchy material hugs your body without feeling constrictive (Daisy Lester)

Made from a recycled polyester and elastane blend, it boasts a super-stretchy feel that hugs your body without feeling constrictive. I’m 6ft, but the swimsuit had enough give for my longer frame, with the wide straps sitting comfortably on my shoulders. The design dries quickly, too. If you prefer your swimsuits to cinch you in, the ribbed material might feel too thick, but there’s no denying the comfort and support it offers. The colour block design means that the swimsuit is easily styled up for the beach – just pair with denim jorts or a white maxi skirt.

Back to top

2
New Look dark brown U-wire swimsuit

Best swimsuits Indybest review New Look dark brown U wire swimsuit
  • Best: Budget buy
  • Size range: UK 6-18
  • Colourways: Brown
  • Material: Nylon, elastane, recycled polyester
  • Why we love it
    • Flattering design
    • Neutral brown finish
  • Take note
    • Too short for taller women

A figure-sculpting but practical choice, this swimsuit comes in an on-trend chocolate-brown finish. The style leans into the cut-out trend without being too exposing, featuring U-wire construction at the front and a small keyhole opening beneath. Complete with a stylish high-cut leg and thin straps, the swimsuit is fully lined for extra support and coverage. The U-wire and padded cups work to enhance your cleavage, though the inserts are removable, to offer more room.

Best swimsuit IndyBest review New Look dark brown U wire swimsuit
The padded cup inserts are removable (Daisy Lester )

The fabric – a blend of nylon, elastane and recycled polyester – is super stretchy with a lot of give, though we wouldn’t entirely recommend this one for taller women, as it can dig in a little around the crotch.

Back to top

3
Fruity Booty Carmen swimsuit

Best swimsuits Indybest review Fruity Booty Carmen swimsuit
  • Best: For smaller busts
  • Size range: XS-XL
  • Colourways: White polka dot
  • Material: Nylon, elastane
  • Why we love it
    • Adjustable straps
    • Removable padding
  • Take note
    • Comes up a little small on taller women

Fruity Booty is best known for its vintage-inspired, delicate lingerie. Spanning one-pieces and bikinis, its new swimwear collection is infused with a similarly timeless feel. The Carmen swimsuit is simple yet sophisticated, boasting a universally flattering square neckline and thin spaghetti straps that don’t dig in to your shoulders. Made from a polyamide and elastane blend, the fabric is beautifully soft and double-lined for extra support.

Best swimsuit IndyBest review Fruity Booty Carmen swimsuit
The Carmen is simple yet sophisticated (Daisy Lester )

Stick to your usual size – the design is tight enough to accentuate your figure but relaxed enough for all-day comfort. The playful print features micro white polka dots on a navy base with contrasting aqua blue straps and panelling. Between swimming sessions, pair with denim shorts or a cotton white skirt, just like you would a bodysuit.

Back to top

4
Away That Day Cannes one piece red

Best swimsuits IndyBest review Away That Day Cannes one piece red
  • Best: Luxury swimsuit
  • Size range: XS-XXXL
  • Colourways: Red, black/ivory, espresso, ivory monochrome, ivory, espresso/ivory, vintage geo print, white
  • Material: Econyl
  • Why we love it
    • Super flattering
    • Stretchy enough all body lengths
    • Inclusive size range
  • Take note
    • Expensive

I was in love as soon as I unwrapped this Cannes style, which is inspired by Nineties silhouettes. Characterised by timeless balconette cups, gathered detailing and front U hardware, it offers medium coverage without compromising your figure. The slightly oversized and ruched straps are designed to sit further out on your shoulder, flattering your decolletage.

Best swimsuits IndyBest review AWAY that day swimsuit
I love this swimsuit’s Nineties-inspired silhouette (Daisy Lester )

As for the material, the econyl fabric cinches you in but doesn’t feel constrictive. Econyl is made from recycled nylon, so while this swimsuit isn’t biodegradable, it at least reuses nylon. The Baywatch-style high-cut leg completes the design, and the swimsuit is available in seven colourways – from classic red to an espresso and ivory mix – ensuring there’s a finish to suit everyone. Yes, it’s an investment, but you’ll wear this high-quality swimsuit for years to come.

Back to top

5
Adanola tie-back swimsuit

Best swimsuits IndyBest review Adanola tie back swimsuit, mango
  • Best: Sporty style
  • Size range: XXS-XXXL
  • Colourways: Black, mango orange
  • Material: Polyamide, elastane
  • Why we love it
    • Comfortable and stretchy fabric
    • Minimalist design

Sporty and stylish, this swimsuit features slim adjustable straps that cross over at the back, creating a halter-neck silhouette. Crafted from a polyamide and elastane blend, it’s super soft and lightweight, with a double lining to help sculpt your figure. From the subtly scooped neckline to the slightly high-cut leg, the design is simple and unfussy, with just the Adanola logo detailing the chest.

Best swimsuits IndyBest review Adanola tie back swimsuit, mango
I can’t get enough of the vibrant mango colourway (Daisy Lester)

It offers medium coverage and wicks moisture fast, making it a practical choice for swimming in the local lido or braving UK beaches. I can’t get enough of this swimsuit’s seasonal colour: a vibrant mango orange hue that’s perfect for matching with your sorbet this summer.

Back to top

6
Damson Madder Cheyenne shirred ruffle swimsuit

Best swimsuit IndyBest review Damson Madder Cheyenne shirred ruffle swimsuit, leopard
  • Best: Leopard print design
  • Size range: UK 6-20
  • Colourways: Leopard print, green stripe
  • Material: Recycled polyamide, elastane
  • Why we love it
    • Statement print
    • Doubles up as a bodysuit
    • Comfortable
  • Take note
    • Only a few sizes left in stock

The attention to detail in this Damson Madder swimsuit lends it to more than just swimming and sunbathing. Finished in an all-over leopard print, the swimsuit boasts a curved frill neckline, front tie fastening and exposed low back. With a regular cut leg and scoop neckline, it offers support and medium coverage, with the shirred fabric hugging your curves.

Best swimsuit IndyBest review Damson Madder Cheyenne shirred ruffle swimsuit, leopard
On-trend and quick-drying, it’s certainly not style over substance (Damson Madder)

The design is quick to dry after a dip, and the shoulder straps stay up while you swim. Taking you from poolside lounging to a rooftop bar, the swimsuit easily doubles up as a leopard print bodysuit – just add a cotton white skirt and flip flops.

Back to top

7
Hush Clare cut-out crinkle swimsuit

Best swimsuit IndyBest review Hush Clare cut-out crinkle swimsuit
  • Best: Cut-out style
  • Size range: UK 4-18
  • Colourways: Coral pink, black, oxblood/white
  • Material: Polyamide, elastane
  • Why we love it
    • Quality fabric
    • Beautiful colour
  • Take note
    • Unwanted tan lines

The tan lines might be questionable, but there’s something so flattering about a cut-out swimsuit. This style from Hush is less risque than most on the market, with the design offering the look of a bikini but the support of a one-piece.

Best swimsuit IndyBest review Hush Clare cut-out crinkle swimsuit
The coral pink colourway screams summer (Daisy Lester)

The crinkle fabric creates a flattering textured finish, and I love the summery coral pink colourway. Complementing the asymmetry of the cut-out, the swimsuit boasts a stylish one-shoulder design. A great choice for those looking for less coverage this summer, the Hush swimsuit works equally well when paired with floaty maxi skirts or under a crochet mini.

Back to top

8
Pour Moi St Barts push-up boost padded underwired tummy control swimsuit

Pour MoiBest swimsuits IndyBest review  St Barts push-up boost padded underwired tummy control swimsuit
  • Best: Tummy control design
  • Size range: Band 32-38, Cup B-F
  • Colourways: Black
  • Material: Recycled polyamide, elastane
  • Why we love it
    • Supports your stomach and bust
    • Good range of cup sizes
  • Take note
    • Doesn’t come in different lengths

If you’re looking for extra support around your bust and stomach area, the St Barts swimsuit is classic enough to invest in now and wear for years to come. It features stomach-control panels and moulded cups to accentuate your natural cleavage, the straps are adjustable, and the cup size goes up to 38F. Gold hardware on the belt and straps adds luxurious detailing, too.

Best swimsuits IndyBest review Pour Moi St Barts push-up boost padded underwired tummy control swimsuit
The underwired design gives your bust a lift (Daisy Lester)

It’s a dream to wear, with the swimsuit cinching you in around the waist while lifting your bust, thanks to the underwire. However, it feels like there is some risk of spilling over, so it’s not the best choice for an active holiday. It’s just a shame the swimsuit doesn’t come in length sizes to really perfect the fit for different body types.

Back to top

9
Mango printed swimsuit

Best swimsuit IndyBest review Mango printed swimsuit
  • Best: Tie-back design
  • Size range: XS-L
  • Colourways: Brown sun print
  • Material: Polyester, elastane
  • Why we love it
    • Generous length in body
    • Flattering cut
  • Take note
    • Fabric could be a little thicker
    • Hand wash only

If you want a nod to summer, this sun-print swimsuit from Mango ticks all the boxes. The bottom half is cut like Brazilian underwear, so it sits mid-cheek, while the cut-out in the back makes for a flattering high-waist effect (that cinches exactly where you want it).

Best swimsuit IndyBest review Mango printed swimsuit
This swimsuit is hand wash only (Daisy Lester)

The fabric is lined, and the self-tie bra adjustment ensures you can raise the upper edge of the bra cups for more/less modesty. It’s comfortable and, despite being hand wash only, it launders well without bobbling or thinning.

  1.  £35 from Mango.com
Prices may vary
Back to top

The verdict: Women’s swimsuits

Nobody’s Child’s swimsuit is both fashionable and functional. It’s a dream to wear, thanks to the supportive towelling fabric and flattering square neckline. The red finish is timeless but the subtle palm tree motifs add a playful touch. If you’re looking for an investment piece, Away That Day’s Cannes swimsuit is superb quality and effortlessly enhances your figure. Meanwhile, if a budget high street option is what you’re after, New Look’s swimsuit is a winner.

Want more recommendations? We’ve rounded up the best sunglasses for women

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in