Swimwear
Jun 25, 2023

I Grew Up On The Water—36 Well-Priced Swimsuits I Highly Recommend

by Ana Escalante

Photo:

Zara

As an actual Miami native (and one who's visited frequently since moving to New York City), I know a thing or two about good swimwear. I grew up on the water, where heading to the beach was basically like clockwork. After nearly 22 summers going to the beach for hours on end, I'm practically a swimwear expert. Naturally, there's only one cardinal rule I swear by when shopping for bikini sets and one-pieces: if they're too expensive, they're not worth it.

Sure—a luxury, splurge-worthy piece enters my swimwear drawer every once and a while, but for the most part, the swimsuits I wear almost daily while living in Miami were well under-$100. When you're logging hundreds of hours in the sand and salt-water, there's no use in dropping thousands on five sets you'll wear every week (and subsequently, end up throwing out due to fading and wear-and-tear).

If you won't take my word for it, take my group-chats: all of my friends living on the shoreline can agree: sometimes, the best bikinis are the ones that don't cost an arm and a leg. Below, scroll for the best under-$100 bikini tops, sets, and one-pieces I can't get enough of this summer. Into the beach bag they go!

Zara Strapless Cut-Out Swimsuit

Strapless Cut-Out Swimsuit

I'm going to get flack for playing favorites, but this might be my top pick.

Out From Under Ula Cutout One-Piece Swimsuit

Ula Cutout One-Piece Swimsuit

This entire 'fit feels incredibly cool—all you need is a matching bandana and a pair of gold hoops.

Alohas Loop Toile Underwire Bikini Top

Loop Toile Underwire Bikini Top

This swimsuit print is the definition of an Italian summer.

Alohas Alohas the Cube One-Piece Swimsuit

Alohas the Cube One-Piece Swimsuit

My life suddenly feels complete after ordering this ultra chic one-piece on sale.

Becca Coast Ring Halter Neck Bikini Top

Coast Ring Halter Neck Bikini Top

The gold ring detail is a classy and subtle touch.

NA-KD NA-KD X Josefine Hj Bandeau Swimsuit in Beige

NA-KD X Josefine Hj Bandeau Swimsuit in Beige

Wear this on it's own or under a pair of cute jeans for the ultimate versatile vacation piece.

River Island Metallic Wrap Swimsuit

Metallic Wrap Swimsuit

This belongs on the shores of Miami Beach.

Mango Bandeau Bikini Top

Bandeau Bikini Top

This playful top from Mango's Simon Miller summer collab comes well under $100. Score.

River Island Plunge Buckle Bikini Top

Plunge Buckle Bikini Top

Tulum is calling and I'm definitely answering.

Topshop Strappy Cutout One-Piece Swimsuit

Strappy Cutout One-Piece Swimsuit

This strappy one-piece is doing a number on me.

Ookioh Como Underwire Bikini Top

Como Underwire Bikini Top

Ookioh has to be one of my favorite swim brands as of late.

Nastygal Recycled Paisley Beaded Triangle Bikini Set

Recycled Paisley Beaded Triangle Bikini Set

I wouldn't be surprised if you see this on Kendall Jenner later this summer.

Zara Ruffled Bikini Top

Ruffled Bikini Top

No thoughts, head empty except for this jaw-dropping yellow fantasy.

Mango Cut-Out Detail Swimsuit

Cut-Out Detail Swimsuit

I think I've died and gone to swimsuit heaven.

Salome Bikini Top Maiya Paris

Salome Bikini Top

Run, don't walk—this bikini top is deeply discounted at the moment.

Zara Jewel Bikini Top

Jewel Bikini Top

This simple 'kini top is calling my name.

Zara Bikini Top

It doesn't get prettier than this pick.

Mango Textured Swimsuit

Textured Swimsuit

Rosettes are still a major trend this summer.

Zara Pleated Bikini Top

Pleated Bikini Top

This is such a fun statement piece.

Mango Textured Bikini Top

Textured Bikini Top

This textured top reminds me of one cult-favorite swimwear brand at a fraction of the price.

H&M Padded Triangle Bikini Top

Padded Triangle Bikini Top

A ruffle detail always makes everything better.

H&M Non-Padded Bikini Top

Non-Padded Bikini Top

This color is so sweet to me.

H&M One-Shoulder Padded Bikini Top

One-Shoulder Padded Bikini Top

I don't know if you're sensing a pattern here, but I'm really digging one-shoulder bikini tops this year.

H&M High-Leg One-Shoulder Swimsuit

High-Leg One-Shoulder Swimsuit

Name something cuter than this affordable one-piece. You probably can't.

H&M Flounced Shaping Swimsuit

Flounced Shaping Swimsuit

I'll never say no to a timeless black swimsuit.

Mango Brazilian Textured Bikini Bottoms

Brazilian Textured Bikini Bottoms

This color and 'kini combination is practically forcing me to book a tropical getaway ASAP.

Alo Alo X Frankies Bikinis Benji Top

Alo X Frankies Bikinis Benji Top

My two favorite West Coast brands have collabed: what can be better than this?

Mango Underwired Bikini Top

Underwired Bikini Top

This kind of playful black and white print will never go out of style.

Onia Kamryn Bikini Top

Kamryn Bikini Top

Lush jewel-toned sets are going to be major this year.