Swimsuit Shopping Guide
Summer means spending time by the pool, so I decided it was time for a swimsuit shopping guide. Considering I swam in high school, I don’t take advantage of our apartment pool or the beach very often. Even if going to the pool or beach isn’t my go-to summer activity, I’ve found it’s important to have a good bathing suit available for when an opportunity presents itself.
Case in point: we recently went to Jacksonville for a summer opening party. I did not plan well and did not bring a swimsuit. Luckily, there was a Target down the street from our friends’ house, so I was able to pick something up there last minute.
Before this impromptu shopping trip, I never realized how many great swimsuit options Target has available. My friend and I both were able to find new bathing suits that were cute and affordable. The trip inspired me to come up with this swimsuit shopping guide.
Buying Swimsuits Can Be Overwhelming
I’ve found that bathing suit shopping is a lot like jean shopping. Women’s clothing sizes are notoriously out of whack, and swimsuits are no exception. Luckily, a lot of places have caught on to the fact that, for two pieces, people often need different sizes for the top and bottom.
Target had so many great two-piece options. I was able to find one set that matched (a black crochet style that I need to return because I bought the wrong size and didn’t end up needing it) and one mix-and-match, which I’m keeping.
Updating Your Swimsuit Collection
Even if I had planned better and brought a swimsuit with me to Jacksonville, I probably would have wanted to update my collection anyway. A lot of the two-pieces I have are holdovers from high school and early college. Besides the suit I bought in Jacksonville, the newest suit I have is a year old Solid & Striped one-piece which I love.
Swimsuit Shopping Guide
So, if you’re looking to update your swimsuit collection, here are some great options and ideas:
Xhilaration from Target Women’s Crochet Bralette Midkini Bikini Top ($19.99)
I wanted to buy this option from Target — an obvious choice for me because (1) crochet and (2) green — but they did not have my size. I guess it’s been popular, which is understandable, since it’s super cute!
Madewell Second Wave Sport Bikini Top ($49.50) & Bottom ($45)
I love Madewell so much. Their swimsuit selection this season does not disappoint. This striped option is super cute and comes with adjustable straps. I love the colors in this one — they’re a good mix of neutral pastels and bright summer shades.
Xhilaration from Target Women’s Lace-Up Back Bralette Bikini Top ($14.99)
This is the bikini top that I ended up going with in Jacksonville. It’s pretty great. I would 100% recommend sizing up in it, though; if I had the time, I probably would have swapped it out for the larger size, but it is nicely adjustable thanks to the lace up back. Make sure you use adequate sunscreen, though, because you will get lace-up-lines if you burn!
Shade & Shore from Target Women’s Sun Coast Cheeky Strappy Bikini Bottom ($17.99)
I was pretty happy with these bottoms. Typically, I’d go for a black bottom and not think much of it. This army green color is a nice neutral alternative. They fit really true to size, too, which was nice. I had been a little concerned because they didn’t have ties at the hip that could be adjusted, but they were super comfortable all day anyway!
Kona Sol from Target Women’s Lace-Up One Piece Swimsuit ($39.99)
I love a good one-piece suit, and this one is high on my list. How cute is the pattern and front lacing details? This option would be great for a beach or pool day, of course, but also for a theme park — how cute would it be with a pair of jean shorts? You’d be all set!
Minkpink Anise Lace-Up Scoop Top ($49) & Bottom ($39)
I love the tie detail on the top for this option. The florals are pretty and not the typical bright-flower you usually see on bikinis. There’s also a decent amount of coverage, considering the deep-v neck. The top and bottom are sold separately here.
Solid & Striped The Veronica in Leopard ($168)
How cute is this leopard one-piece!? I love how simple it is at first glance, but it has some great features, like the unique neckline and flattering paneling on the sides. I don’t normally gravitate towards leopard print, but I like this one a lot. It’s a little pricy, but I’ve always been impressed with Solid & Striped’s quality. They fit true to size, as well.
Xhilaration from Target Women’s Dot Texture Tie Back High Waist Bikini Bottom ($17.99)
This higher-waisted option has a cute-yet-subtle pattern to it and unique detailing on the back. The whole set is cute! I didn’t see this one in person, but I feel like it’d be super flattering and comfortable to wear all day.
L Space Rebel Bikini Top ($88) & Bottom ($99)
This striped and color-block option seems like a flattering and easy-to-wear option. They’re definitely more expensive than the Target options above, but you could totally mix-and-match this top with different bottoms and vice versa.
Something Navy Classic Ribbed Swim Bandeau Top ($29.40) & Bottom ($26.98)
The soft pastel options for this Something Navy bandeau bikini set are so pretty! I love the blue option — Blue Gulf — but the pink is great, too. The top and bottoms are sold separately, but both are on sale now, making it a pretty affordable option!
Ted Baker Tekeria Flourish Bikini Top ($41) & Bottom ($61)
I love Ted Baker. Not only do they have fantastic dresses, but their swimsuits are unique styles with sophisticated designs and fabrics. This deep green option is absolutely stunning. The top and bottoms are sold separately at Bloomingdale’s.
Solid & Striped The Lucy Black Colorblocked ($158)
I have this style in green, which I bought on sale last summer. I love the cut and shoulder detailing, especially with this black color block option. It is simple without being boring. My green version of this fits true to size and is super comfortable. Love it!
