I’m a wild swimmer and these are my 9 favourite swimsuits, including one I’ve owned for 15 years

Sian testing the Zone3 swimsuit in the European alpine lakes

I’m sure every woman will agree that shopping for great swimwear that you can actually work out in is a tricky business, no matter your shape or size. You want something supportive and streamlined while still looking good.

I run an outdoors blog, The Girl Outdoors, and I’m a keen wild swimmer and enthusiastic (if not skilful) surfer. I also swim outdoors for fitness year-round. I set out to find swimsuits and bikinis that look and feel flattering and are comfortable to wear on every body. I also needed swimwear that I can swim laps, snorkel and surf in with confidence, as well as lounging by the pool.

From affordable costumes to designer numbers, I’ve included something for every budget below. These are the best one pieces and bikinis that are comfortable, long lasting and aren’t going to accidentally flash everyone as you ride a surfboard or dive under the waves.

The best swimsuits: At a glance

How to choose the best swimsuit

First up, decide how much coverage you’d like and what kind of swimming or water sports you want to use your new swimwear for. For wild or cold water swimming, look for something that fits well, is flexible and offers some warmth. It should also be easy to get off post-swim when you’re changing outdoors with chilly hands.

If you’re planning on surfing, paddleboarding or diving, a high-neck swimming costume or bikini top will stay put as you move, and high-cut legs will give you room to kick through the water. Pick a suit with decent coverage for a bit more sun protection, and avoid suits with random cutouts if you don’t want a diamond-shaped sunburn.

If you’re looking for eco-friendly materials, consider Finisterre and Zone3, which both use Yulex, a plant-based rubber material which is a more environmentally friendly alternative to neoprene. I also rate M&S’s affordable Good Move range and Hunza G, whose one-size-fits-all crinkle suits will fit most body shapes and are good for pregnancy.

How I test swimsuits

I tried out each of these swimsuits and bikini sets during swimming sessions at my local lido in the Cotswolds and in the Cornish sea. I also took them all on holiday to the French Alps for dips in glacial rivers (my baggage allowance was not happy).

When in the water, I tested each suit for limited drag and an unimpeded range of movement. I looked for decent stay-put coverage even when I was moving, a lack of tight straps or digging in, and rated each style for comfort even when worn all day – you should barely notice you’re wearing the best swimsuits.

I made sure that every suit and bikini preserved my modesty during water sports, as nobody wants a wardrobe malfunction mid-beach day. I swam regularly in each model across three weeks. Where possible, I checked they washed well, were chlorine resistant, quick drying and easy to look after.

The best women’s swimsuits of 2026

Best Buy Swimsuit: Speedo Endurance+ Medalist Swimsuit

Best Buy Swimsuit

Speedo Endurance+ Medalist Swimsuit

Score: 5/5

Pros

• Classic cut

• Long lasting

• Affordable

Cons

• The open back

Where to buy

Speedo £31.00 Buy now

A classic for good reason. If you’re after a fuss-free sporty swimsuit, you can’t go wrong with Speedo. Its simple Endurance Medalist is great for swimming indoors and out. This is a suit I’ve been able to try out over a few years, and the fabric still feels durable yet comfortable when I wear it, with zero sag after many chlorine sessions.

The classic cut of this swimsuit gives great shoulder freedom for front crawl, and it stays put whether I’m diving or sprinting, with decent coverage and no slipping, but no digging in, either. I like that the eye-catching red hue seems to resist fading, and it’ll also make you more visible in the water when you’re swimming outdoors (there are more subtle black, navy and striped versions available).

You’ll need to stick sunscreen on your back, but besides that, I think the Endurance Medalist punches above its price point. My size M is slightly on the small side, so consider sizing up if you’re usually between sizes. A plus size version is also available.

Key specifications

Fabric	ECO Endurance fabric
Size range	28-42
Padding	No

Best Value Swimsuit: Marks and Spencer Goodmove Active Zip Through Swimsuit

Best Value Swimsuit

Marks and Spencer Goodmove Active Zip Through Swimsuit

Score: 4.5/5

Pros

• Zip front

• Hidden padding

• Tummy control

Cons

• Padding can move about

Where to buy

Marks and Spencer £36.00 Buy now

We all know you can’t beat Marks & Spencer for knickers, and the high street favourite’s swimwear is just as brilliant. M&S’s Goodmove collection is sportier than most of its swimwear offerings, and my pick of its fitness-ready range is this zip-up number.

This design offers a bit of tummy control around the middle and has padding in all the right places. It doesn’t look frumpy, though, and you can choose where to wear the zip, which also makes it quick to pop this suit on and off.

I found the racer back comfy when clocking up lengths of front crawl for fitness, with no noticeable drag and no digging in or rubbing anywhere on the body, and the high neck keeps this suit modest for water sports. This suit is made with chlorine-resistant, quick-drying fabric that M&S claims will “keep its stretch and colour for longer”.

After two weeks of sun, sea and chlorine, mine is currently looking good as new and holding its form-fitting shape. This is a great first suit if you’re getting into swimming as an adult and you want something with structure.

Key specifications

Fabric	Polyamide and elastane
Size range	6-24
Padding	Yes

Best Yulex Swimsuit: Zone3 Yulex Sleeveless Swimsuit

Best Yulex Swimsuit

Zone3 Yulex Sleeveless Swimsuit

Score: 4.5/5

Pros

• Yulex rubber keeps you warm

• Well-cut and designed

• Stays snug and buoyant

Cons

• Too thick for casual swimming

Where to buy

Zone3 £110.00 Buy now

Zone3 makes great women-specific swimming and triathlon wetsuits, so I wasn’t surprised that this sleeveless swimsuit was effective for open-water swimming. 

Crafted not from petroleum but from Yulex rubber for plant-based warmth, this 1.5mm suit repels ocean brine and keeps your torso and chest warm. Meanwhile, the sleeveless racer-back cut and mid-cut bottom give shoulders and legs the freedom to move freely in the water in any stroke, without any chafing even over longer distances.

Thoughtfully designed flatlock seams, a well-cut neck and a front zip ensured this suit stays snug and buoyant when I swam in cold English seawater. There’s zero shifting of the suit even if you dive, jump or kick about too, so it’s great for surfing and paddleboarding.

This costume instantly traps warmth around your chest and stomach, and I felt comfy in the cold for far longer than in a thin fabric swimsuit. This suit does fit slightly on the large size, so consider going down if you’re usually between sizes. All in all, a great swimsuit for open water swimming from spring through to autumn, especially if you feel the cold and want the feel of a wetsuit without the extra weight and coverage.

Key specifications

Fabric	Yulex
Size range	6-20
Padding	No

Best Period Swimwear: Wuka Swim Shorts

Best Period Swimwear

Wuka Swim Shorts

Score: 4.5/5

Pros

• Period proof

• Good coverage

• Affordable

Cons

• Can’t be used on heavy flow days

• Look a little basic

Where to buy

Wuka £28.99 Buy now

Having your period shouldn’t mean missing out on swimming or water sports, and one option is to buy period swimming bottoms. Like period underwear, period swimwear is specially designed to be absorbent enough to allow you to swim without using tampons, pads or menstrual cups.

Most of the brands on the market do a decent job, but my favourite on test were Wuka’s bikini shorts, which are made from recycled nylon and are designed for use on light to medium flow days. They’re easy to wear, will go with whatever bikini top you fancy and offer good coverage for swimming, surfing and other active adventures. They don’t move at all during swimming or water sports and feel comfortable around the waist.

The Wuka bottoms are reusable

They do look and feel thin and basic, with no standout performance features. I tried them towards the end of my period and they performed brilliantly. I loved the freedom and confidence of not worrying about using disposable products while I swam.

This is a more environmentally friendly option too, since you can wash and reuse the bottoms. Just rinse in cold water after use and air dry. These shorts are affordable and are also available in teen sizes.

Key specifications

Fabric	Recycled nylon
Size range	XXS-XL
Padding	No

Best Swimsuit For Cold Swimming: Finisterre Kaia Yulex Swimsuit

Best Swimsuit for Cold Swimming

Finisterre Kaia 2mm Yulex Swimsuit

Score: 4/5

Pros

• Great fit

• Warmth and sustainability credentials

• High neckline and good coverage

Cons

• Too thick for hot summer swims

Where to buy

Finisterre £140.00 Buy now

If you take swimming seriously and want a suit that can keep up with outdoor training sessions, surf trips and wild swimming adventures – and without looking like you’re kitted up for a triathlon – try Finisterre’s flattering Kaia swimsuit.

Made from natural Yulex rubber, a more sustainable alternative to standard neoprene, this thicker 2mm wetsuit-style suit offers a tad more warmth and coverage than a simple swimsuit.

On test, I found my core was warmer for longer in the cold sea and I liked the snug and secure fit, with a high neckline as well as good coverage on the bum that doesn’t ride up as you move. The racerback means you can front crawl unimpeded, too. This suit is designed to be close-fitting but I’d size up if you’re between sizes, especially if you have a larger bust.

Unlike many performance-minded suits, the Kaia feels considered and stylish. The clean lines and this season’s coastal colourway nod to Finisterre’s Cornish roots without veering into overly technical territory, and you won’t feel out of place wearing this on holiday. That said, this suit is too warm for a summer beach trip or a dip in a heated outdoor pool.

Key specifications

Fabric	Yulex
Size range	6-22
Padding	No

Best Budget Swimsuit: Decathlon Kamyleon Swimsuit

Best Budget Swimsuit

Decathlon Kamyleon Swimsuit

Score: 4/5

Pros

• Affordable

• Good quality

• Y-shaped back

Cons

• No compression or bust support

Where to buy

Decathlon £19.99 Buy now

Proof that you needn’t spend a fortune on a dependable swimsuit, Decathlon’s Kamyleon one-piece delivers great performance for a touch under £20. Designed with recreational swimmers in mind, this streamlined suit offers a comfortable, lightly supportive fit and simple, no-nonsense styling.

On test, I found the fabric felt soft against the skin and held up well to chlorine exposure. The straps are secure without digging in, making it a sensible choice for longer sessions in the pool or relaxed beach swims. 

The Kamyleon doesn’t offer the sculpting compression or premium finish of pricier brands, but for your weekly swim, it’ll punch well above its weight. The Y-shaped back is designed to leave your arms and shoulders free to move, and on test, did a great job of allowing unrestricted movement in the water.

I happen to own a 15-year-old Decathlon suit that still looks good as new, so if the brand has kept the quality up over the interim years, there’s no need to spend more for a simple yet long-lasting suit.

Key specifications

Fabric	Polyester
Size range	6-18
Padding	No

Best Swimwear for Pregnancy: Hunza G Tiffany Swimsuit

Best Swimwear for Pregnancy

Hunza G Tiffany Swimsuit

Score: 4/5

Pros

• Super stretchy

• Comfortable

• Suitable for pregnancy

Cons

• Can lose stretch over time

Where to buy

Hunza G £215.00 Buy now

Hunza G’s stretchy, crinkly swimming creations have been around since the eighties (and even starred in Pretty Woman), but I first discovered them when I was pregnant. The brand’s swimsuits and bikinis are one-size-fits-all for sizes 6 to 18, and so stretchy that they’ll fit around a bump but go straight back to their original shape once you’ve had your little one.

They are seriously comfy to wear (I’d say they were the comfiest on test), so while they’re pricey, I think Hunza G is well worth the investment if you swim regularly. This Tiffany suit is classic but if you’d prefer a bikini, the Julia offers decent coverage. I also own and love the high-waisted Nadine.

The Tiffany suit was great for swimming, but isn’t quite supportive enough for diving and water sports, when I felt like I was in danger of the straps falling down. If you have a larger bust, I’d look for a suit with a built-in bra or more structure so you can swim confidently.

Wash and dry your Hunza G swimwear carefully, as the pieces do eventually lose some of their stretch after lots of use in sun and chlorine.

Key specifications

Fabric	Polyamide and elastan
Size range	One size
Padding	No

Best Swimsuit for a Large Bust: Anita Rosa Faia Flowers of Bali Elouise Swimsuit

Best Swimsuit for a Large Bust

Anita Rosa Faia Flowers Of Bali Elouise Swimsuit

Score: 4/5

Pros

• Good bust support

• Great size range

• A new colourway every year

Cons

• Limited sizes for petite women

Where to buy

Amplebosom £77.00 Buy now

Blessed with a larger bust? It can be hard to find swimwear that looks good that you can actually work out in, but Anita Rosa Faia manages it with the Elouise swimsuit. This suit is so popular, the brand releases a new print or colourway every year (I tried out the classic black).

It's described as a “sporty one-piece swimsuit with stylish refinements” and I’d agree. The zip front looks rather cool and hides the fact that there’s plenty of built-in support for your breasts, thanks to a wide elastic underband and great lining. Sizing is by cup, too, and goes up to 42I, so no matter how large your bust is, you’ll be covered. Adjustable straps help get a good fit and there’s a flattering, low-cut back.

Best of all, there’s no uncomfortable underwire. Those with smaller breasts can still wear this suit, with sizes starting from 30B. This suit stayed put brilliantly when swimming outdoors, with no digging or chafing when I was snorkelling and diving. I’d also wear it for water sports, possibly with a long-sleeved rash vest popped on top. A liberating and confidence-inducing choice for larger-chested ladies, but those with smaller busts won’t need all the support being offered here.

Key specifications

Fabric	Polyamide and elastane
Size range	30B – 42I
Padding	Yes

Best Swimwear for Fitness: Instant Swim Karma Onepiece

Best Swimwear for Fitness

Instant Swim Karma Onepiece

Score: 3.5/5

Pros

• Good range of movement

• Recycled fabric

• Felt soft against skin

Cons

• Sizes run small

• Minimal coverage

Where to buy

Instant Swimwear £70.00 Buy now

Instant Swim is big on social media thanks to its eye-catching suits, so I was excited to get my hands on the brand’s Karma one piece in “go-faster race car red”. This is a sort of suit/bikini hybrid, with decent coverage on the front and a fully open back with criss-cross straps to hold it snugly in place.

This design is made with recycled materials sourced from ocean plastics which feel nice and soft against the skin and it has a good opaque lining for modesty. I’d like to see more brands using recycled fabrics as standard and I liked the quality feel of this suit.

My only issue here was sizing – I’m usually a size 12/M and Instant Swim’s medium felt far too small for me, riding rather high for modesty (despite the brand saying the Karma offers ‘medium bum coverage’). I’d probably order two sizes up next time.

However, I can see how this suit would work well for swimming lengths. I tested it in the pool and in open water and I liked having my legs free – the bottoms may be high-cut, but they stay put as you move and don’t dig in. The straps stay snug and allow a full range of arm movement through the water. A tall version is also available.

Key specifications

Fabric	Recycled ocean plastic
Size range	XXS-XXL
Padding	No

Swimsuit FAQs

What is the best material for a swimsuit to resist chlorine?

Polyester or a polyester blend are the most chlorine-resistant and hold up for a much longer time than nylon, Lycra or spandex. Regular exposure to chlorinated pools can quickly degrade fabric.

How do I properly care for my swimsuit to make it last longer?

Rinse the suit in cold, fresh water immediately after use to remove chlorine, avoiding the use of a washing machine or dryer, and let it air dry in the shade.

What to look for when buying a swimsuit?

Prioritise fit, support, and fabric quality. Check for stretch and an opaque lining, and see how the straps fit. Consider UV protection and chlorine resistance if you’ll swim frequently, and always try a swimsuit on or check online return policies before your holiday - fit can vary hugely between brands.

What is the best colour swimsuit to wear?

Darker shades like black, navy or deep green are the most flattering and slimming on most body types, but you shouldn’t be afraid to try bold colours and prints.

What swimsuit is best for my body type?

There’s a suit for every shape out there. As a rough rule, pear shapes suit high-cut legs and halter tops; apple shapes may get on well with ruching or wrap styles. Athletic builds can get away with bold prints and cut-outs, while hourglass figures may suit belted one-pieces or supportive bikinis. But if you like the style and shape of the suit, you should wear it.

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