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The Insider Pick:
If you like to stay active at the pool or beach, a functional swimsuit is a necessity. Our top pick is Athleta's swimwear, but we also love swimsuits from Sweaty Betty, ADAY, Land's End, and Speedo.
While itty-bitty bikinis and strapless one-pieces look great, they aren’t exactly the most practical swimsuits, especially when you like to stay active at the beach or pool. In the past, finding an option that’s not only stylish but also handles more than just lounging in the sun has been problematic.
Thankfully swim designers have started to tap into the athleisure market and are now producing flattering performance pieces that allow you to look chic and stay active. The latest swimwear features activewear technology like compression fabrics, moisture-wicking materials, and UPF protection. New swimsuit designs will actually let you show off your athletic abilities.
Whether you are looking for a sleek rash guard to catch some waves in, a one-piece that won’t budge as you swim laps, or even a bikini that stays in place while you partake in some beach volleyball, these swimwear options will ensure you never have to sit out on a seaside sweat session again.
Here are the best active swimsuits you can buy:
- Best overall: Athleta’s Shirrendipity Tankini Top and Shirred Bottoms
- Best bikini: Sweaty Betty's Offshore Training Bikini Top and Bikini Bottoms
- Best one-piece: ADAY's For The Win Swimsuit
- Best rash guard: Lands’ End's Swim Tee Rash Guard
- Best performance-grade swimsuit: Speedo's Pro LT Super Pro One-Piece
Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.
SEE ALSO: The best swimsuits for women
The best active swimsuit overall
Why you'll love it: In the market for a swimsuit that is not only comfortable and stylish but also is designed for being active? Try Athleta’s swimwear.
Athleta is known for producing high-quality workout gear that is equal parts functional and stylish. The company also has a line of excellent active swimsuits that look as good as they feel whether you're swimming, playing beach volleyball, or turning cartwheels on the shore. The swimsuits range from functional bikinis to tankinis and one-piece suits that offer more coverage.
Our favorite functional swimsuit from the brand is the Shirrendipity Halter Tankini Top and the matching Shirred Bottoms because both pieces are made with ultra-resilient Lycra Xtra Life Spandex that is said to last five to 10 times longer than your average swimsuit.
Each piece also has UPF 50+, which keeps your skin — and the swimsuit's fabric — safe from the sun’s harmful UV rays. The stylish tankini is perfect for water sports including swimming, surfing, and paddle-boarding, thanks to its adjustable halter neck, a supportive band located under the bust, and the stretchy, breathable fabric that moves with you.
The Shirrendipity Top is one of the most popular items on Athleta's site with a 4.1-star rating and more than 1,400 reviews. One shopper named Nicole raved, “I am a 43-year-old with an 8-year-old and 5-year-old twins. I was in the ocean with all 3 and this suit stayed right where it was supposed to.”
A few reviewers did note that the top runs a bit small in the chest, so you if you have a large bust size, we recommend going up a size. The shirred bottoms are true to size, though. One reviewer named Tomi wrote, “These swimsuit bottoms are terrific! They fit so nice and they feel secure. I could move around a lot and they would stay.”
The tankini top comes in sizes XXS-XL regular and XS-XL tall, while the bottoms range in sizes XXS-XL. The top comes in five fashionable colors and the bottoms come in six shades, so you can mix and match them to make multiple suits. Some sizes are sold out, but Athleta has lots of other options if your size isn't available.
Pros: UPF 50+, ultra-resilient fabric, supportive, breathable suit, moves with you, multiple colors and sizes to choose from
Cons: Top can run bit small in the chest area so you may have to size up
Buy Athleta’s Shirrendipity Halter Tankini Top for $34.99 and the matching Shirred Bikini Bottoms for $26.99
Shop all Athleta Swimwear
The best active bikini
Why you'll love it: If you’re looking for a stylish bikini that will stay put as you move around, try Sweaty Betty's Offshore Training Bikini Top and Bottoms.
One-pieces not your thing? Opt for Sweaty Betty's Offshore Training Bikini Top and Offshore Training Bikini Bottoms instead. This sleek and stylish bikini is made with chlorine-resistant fabric that will keep it looking brand new, no matter how many dips you take in the pool.
Both pieces feature UV protection 50+ to protect your skin and the fabric, as well as quick drying properties to help avoid chafing. The sporty top is fully lined and features thick crossover straps to keep it in place. It also has mesh paneling for extra breathability and removable pads.
The best part? The bottoms are reversible, so you’re getting two suits for the price of one. Currently, 100% of reviewers on the Sweaty Betty’s website recommend the bikini with one buyer saying, “Tried this for a run-swim-run workout. The structure and fit can handle the activity, and it's stylish enough to be your leisure suit too.”
A few shoppers did note the top can be tricky to get on and off because of its snug fit, but most said it’s worth the struggle. Sizes on both pieces range from XS-XL.
If you're not sold on this bikini, Sweaty Betty has many more excellent styles for women who want to do more than lounge around at the beach.
Pros: Chlorine-resistant fabric, UPF 50+, fully lined, mesh paneling, reversible bottoms
Cons: Tricky to get top on and off
Buy Sweaty Betty’s Offshore Training Bikini Top for $75 and the matching Offshore Training Bikini Bottoms for $65
Shop all Sweaty Betty swimsuits
The best active one-piece swimsuit
Why you'll love it: Get more bang for your buck and buy a functional reversible one-piece like ADAY's For The Win Swimsuit.
ADAY is an activewear startup that designs high-performance wardrobe staples. Insider Picks recommends all of the brand’s workout gear in our buying guide, but we especially love ADAY's For The Win Swimsuit for beach or poolside activities.
The chic reversible one-piece is resistant to chlorine as well as sun creams and oils, ensuring that it will last for years to come. The suit fits snugly with a classic high neck that will keep everything in place. Meanwhile, the trendy deep scoop back shows off a hint of skin. The swimsuit also offers UV protection and is super stretchy.
The bonded seams ensure it won’t dig into your sides, while the suit's minimal design makes it sleek enough to wear as a bodysuit as well. After a day in the sun, go from the beach to the bar in a snap by throwing on your favorite skirt or pair of shorts over the suit.
Sizes range from XS-L and the suit comes in two colors: white and emerald or white and navy. ADAY also has a two-piece suit if you prefer.
Pros: Reversible, chlorine-resistant, sun cream resistant, UV protection, sleek minimal design
Cons: Expensive
Buy ADAY’s For the Win Swimsuit for $125
Shop all ADAY swimsuits
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