Hey, hey, HEY, The Mom Edit’s 2016 Swim Guide is here!!! We started with one-pieces, but per reader requests, two-pieces will be coming out next week (and don’t forget my personal favs – wetsuits).
So keep on reading for our top one-piece picks from the Swim Guide – each member of The Mom Edit team has picked their favorites. These are the suits that make our hearts beat fast, the ones we can’t stop thinking about, the one-pieces we would be absolutely thrilled to wear. And just like last year, we’d love to hear about your favorites. (And, for the brave, some swim-selfies would be amazing – my favorite from last year was this one. Hands down.) Enjoy!
1. Bettinis Tie-Dye Lace-Up Back Suit, $176
Normally I’m all over the brights for summer, but there’s something about this pale gray (tie-dye!!) that feels really fresh.
2. Kortni Jeane V-Neck top, $70 and high-waisted bottoms, $30
Readers have been raving about Kortni Jeane’s suits – and while this suit is technically a bikini, I love how you can mix-and-match to create a really unique one-piece lookalike. Personally, I’d go mixed-prints all the way.
3. J.Crew Halter Cut-Out One-Piece, $110 (currently 25% off)
Last year I wore a very similar suit – there’s something about the cut of this suit that simultaneously hides any stomach softness, yet makes your legs look miles long. A truly sexy (yet still oh-so-practical) one-piece suit.
4. L*Space Wild Side Swim Suit, $138
This suit is insanely sexy. Like…whoa. I love this suit. Mike loves this suit. But I don’t know if I could actually rock this at the beach with my kids. Mike insists YES. And the back is honestly not as risque as it looks online….hmmmm…. Anyway, I had to include it because it is currently haunting my dreams. HAUNTING MY DREAMS.
5. Free People Libra One-Piece, $248
This suit I could easily wear on the beach – hits a nice mix of sexy and practical. Love the water-color stripes, and the low back.
1. Free People Sleeveless One-piece, $128
I’ve been digging the sporty/retro swimsuit styles recently…and this one takes the cake. I’m currently a bit self-conscious about my thighs, being three months postpartum (cellulite. we’ve all got it. I know). I’m not ready to go baring it all in a tiny string bikini…which is whyyyy one-pieces being all the rage right now makes me sososo happy. I can feel cool in a suit like this, all while hiding a few spots. Yay! #winwin The only thing about this one is that it’s not exactly nursing-friendly. You might be able to pull it down enough in the front to make it work?
2. Ted Baker London Ralinda Banded One-piece, $129
Seriously sexy. When I first saw it I thought, whoah. There’s one thing I don’t mind showing a bit postpartum and that’s my upper area, because I have some ta-tas right now! Sweet. It also makes for easy nursing (which I really do need for this summer, because we are about to join the Y…and with three kids, I’ll be happy to have a suit that covers the love handles and easily provides access to BOOB). I just made this suit sound even more sexy, didn’t I? ha ha.
3. Norma Kamali Bill Halter One-piece, $350
Another deep V, but this one looks to be even better at covering it all up a bit more. Rouching is a tough one, because while it does wonders for hiding pooches, it always seems to make things look…older. Ya know? However, in white…va va VOOM, baby. Think Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly. I love it. In fact, I want this one…even with my pale skin. I actually think it’s the new thing. Pale skin paired with white. I’m serious. OWN IT, all of you pale skinned sisters. 😉
4. Anthro. Ruffled Halter One-piece, $118
I tend to lean more towards edgy, but ya know…I have this soft spot for the delicate, feminine and preppy. I like to have a real GIRL moment sometimes, I guess (haha)…and this wrap suit is just so gorgeous. Think of it with a sweet straw hat and breezy white kimono. Mmmmhmmm. Also, again…easy nursing.
5. J. Crew Deep-V Wrap One-piece, $98
…and yet another deep V. I think I know what style I’ll be wearing this Summer. I like it in the pink and green color, but most of the colors now seem to be sold-out now. Darn! I did just found this Zella Front Zip Racerback One-piece…and I’d be all over this one. You can zip it all the way up, bring it down a bit (oo la la)…and easy nursing. I picture it with sweet Wayfair sunglasses, hair slicked back…zipper down just a bit…ya know, how all moms look while at the pool with all of their children (one nursing, one screaming about the water touching their toe, one wanting to dive off the diving board with the “big kids”). Soo…yeh. Totally.
1. Tommy Bahama Stripe One-Piece: LOVE. You know I’m a stripes girl and the shape of this suit is so good. The halter is sexy and helps lift the girls up and the ruching is way flattering for the tum. This would be a great suit to wear all summer for any swim occasion. $148
2. Ted Baker London Ralinda Banded One-Piece – Oh I adore so much. I love the sexy plunge paired with the graphic black and white. So classy while super sexy. This is obviously not for the play at the pool with the kiddos, but wow would your partner love you in this on your Hawaiian get-away, no? Gah. $129
3. Free People Teaehupo’o Full Piece Print – Ok, this one is super gorgeous swim goddess style…love love. I really like the print mixed with the crochet here. I think the halter top would still make it doable…it’s so pretty and amazing. This is for the secret hippie in me.
4. Becca Over the Shoulder One-Piece – This might be my favorite of the bunch. Sexy without being too revealing. I love the bit of crochet at the bust and then repeated over the hips. Oh man. I generally don’t go for the one piece suits but this one I really want to check out. It comes in black, too, which I’d probably go for but I felt I needed to throw a bit of color into my picks. Hahaha. $128
5. Banana Republic Scallop One-Piece – Love this suit. The scallops add just enough detail to an otherwise straight forward black suit. The back dips just low enough to be a little sexy and again with a halter…it’s a must for me on one-pieces to keep from having flattened boobs. $98
1. J Crew Ruched Bandeau, Was $98, now on sale for $80-$90
I love the flattering ruching of this suit and the colors are amazing. I personally like the bright red or yellow and think they’d look great with a maxi skirt cover-up. Shana owns this one and has no trouble keeping it up!
2. Victoria’s Secret Halter Shaping One Piece, $100
Shaping is always a good characteristic of a one piece and this one is crazy sexy. Love the plunging neckline that can be tied tighter or looser depending on your “needs.” 🙂 There’s also light padding for modesty (cold water, anyone??).
3. Magicsuit Scuba Sydney One Piece, $158
I LOVE this suit. It’s so different, so unique and it’s shapewear! Magicsuit says “look 10 lbs thinner in 10 seconds . . . ” I don’t know if I’d go that far, but the scuba fabric definitely holds you in and shapes your curves. And how adorable is the ruffle up top? (Bonus: no tan lines from straps!)
4. Anthropologie Ruffled Halter One-Piece, $118
The floral pattern, ruffles and tie all serve to camouflage a belly that’s not as flat (or add a little volume to a chest that is)! It’s not too high-cut in the leg and the low halter keeps it sexy.
5. Every Day Wrap One Piece, $210
This suit is HOT. You have to look at the back . . . it looks like a bikini from the back and a one piece from the front (which is perfect for women who want a little more coverage over bellies). The halter shape is flattering and the tie highlights a tiny waist while hiding a pooch.
So, I didn’t realize when I was picking my top 5, but I obviously have a thing for cut-outs. They’re a great way to show some skin but also cover problem areas. This one is the most revealing of my picks but I love the unique design and the color! At Anthropologie for $198
2. Kore Swim’s Rosa Marble One Piece
Another favorite trend is colorblocking, which I think helps to accentuate natural curves by breaking up lines at the waist. Plus I love the sky blue and marble colors. At Revolve Clothing for $249
3. Volcom’s Simply Solid One Piece Cut Out
I’ve oogled over this one for a while now, the colors are perfect, bright and modern. I also love the high-waist which will actually cover alll of my love handles and allow me to move more freely without feeling self-conscious at the beach. Also comes in an all-black version. On Amazon for $71.45 – $80.51
4. Billabong Women’s Tropical Daze One Piece
I’m crazy for this palm leaf print and the halter neck. And for the price, I have been pretty impressed with the quality of Billabong’s swimwear. At Amazon for $65
5. CM CIA Maritima Coutout Atame Swimsuit
Oh heyyy sexy lady. This is one seriously fierce AND flattering one piece that proves one pieces can be sexier than bikinis. I love the waist band and the harness style shoulder straps and it will look flattering on anyone! At Amazon for $148
6. Champagne Charmaine One Piece
So this one is my bonus pick because although it’s my favorite style of the bunch, I don’t know if it will cover and contain my tatas but it was too good not share! At Nordstroms for $253.00
1. Ted Baker London Underwire One-Piece Swimsuit
Gorgeous moody print with a modern tie-dye vibe that would look amazing on any beach (I prefer those where dipping your toes in doesn’t cause instant brain freeze – I’m lookin’ at you, Maine – but on the upside, your blue lips will match the suit smashingly.) Underwire & optional straps offer more support for fuller busts. (32A/B – 36DD/E, Lists both UK/US sizing)
2. Fig Leaves Malibu Underwired Bandeau Tummy Control Swimsuit
Work! The bustier trend looks great on curvy ladies, plus added tummy support, a bright modern graphic print and stellar reviews – at a price that’s unbelievable. (30D-38FF)
3. Wolf & Whistle Bustier Lace Swimsuit
Yes, it’s a black suit but it’s anything but basic. The delicate but beyond-sexy mesh panels are everything. They don’t wrap around the back, so it gives the illusion of showing off a lot more skin than you actually are. Optional straps in case of handsy toddlers like mine – she heartbreakingly abruptly stopped nursing a year ago, now they’re interesting?! (Sizes 8-16 in larger cup sizes)
4. Fig Leaves Icon Underwired Strapping Swimsuit
Bond-Girl-bombshell style while being supportive – underwire for the win! Cute back, too and also available in red if you’re aiming for borderline-illegal sexy. (30D-38G, UK sizing)
5. Mod Cloth Lagoon Goddess One-Piece Swimsuit
Such an interesting, unique suit – the draping is so beautiful, it’s definitely fit for a tropical goddess. The structured bodice got great reviews from a DD/E cup size customer.
1. Free People Kalea Striped Sleeveless One Piece
I’m not sporty – at all. Buuut this rocks. Kind of obsessed with its relaxed, Cali vibe. I’m that girl who’s always cold (yep, even on the beach) so I like the idea of a thicker suit to rock all day long with some surf pants.
2. Agua Bendita Marea Reversible One Piece
Two bathing suits (pretty much) in one? Sold. Especially when it’s a splurge. Sometimes a scallop cut can look juvenile but here not so much. Check out the back too for some cute ruched detail.
3. Becca Show & Tell Openwork One-Piece
This is subtle yet sexy and looks AMAZING on. My friend already snagged it in black for the summer but I’m so tempted to get the white. In a perfect world I’d pair this with uh, a great tan. But for now I’ll do some turquoise jewelry.
4. Michael Kors Collection Cross Front Maillot
Channeling my inner bathing beauty with this. It’s classic and that’s always something I tend to gravitate toward. Can’t you just picture that perfect coral color next to some warm golden sand?..or a Mojito. Either way, yes.
5. Mara Hoffman Diamond Twist Front One Piece
Mara Hoffman suits are so, so good this season. Ditch the typical stripes or floral and upgrade to a geometric print. This cut and pattern is way less expected. Toss on a pair of white, high waisted shorts + sunnies and call it a day.
To access the full swim guide, use the drop-down boxes at the top (on mobile, look for the three horizontal lines right above the slideshow):
Happy swimming!!!
xo,
The Mom Edit Team
First, this is a fabulous post. Second, I love that the anthropologie suit I just purchased (in the navy, not white floral) was the only suit to be selected twice. I feel like I’ve been learning something since reading the mom edit! One note about the suit, I sized up because leg openings were tight.
Oooo…good to know! Thanks for the feedback…..
This is my fave one-piece this season – great pattern & a low back! http://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/moroccan-medallion-1pc/4242455?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=BLACK%20MULTI
Thanks, Babe!! Great pick! I added it to the Swim Shop……
Where has OE gone?
OE had a health issue (and general life craziness with three kids under 7) come up…..but no worries – she’s doing really good! I don’t know when (if) she’ll get back to posting but the girl is always welcome…..
Aww so sorry to hear that. I miss her posts!! Give her our love <3
Thank you Amanda for including some bra-sized swimwear for us busty ladies! Figleaves seems like a great website to bookmark. I found a couple on their site that have great patterns and am excited to see how they turn out.
Definitely let us know how they work! I think I’m going to order too, they have the best selection!
I love the Swim Guide every year! Will y’all be sharing rash guard picks? I am a crazy pale mama who takes my three kids under 5 to the pool regularly. I have to be covered up because there is usually no one to help me apply sunscreen.
I don’t know what it is, but I always feel so uncomfortable in a one piece. I know, weird right? I think it’s because of my boobs–too big. That’s why the halter with a high waisted swimsuit works for me. It’s like almost a one piece. You asked for selfies in a swimsuit. I did it last spring and post this swimsuit scenario over on Kremb de la Kremb. I felt so brave! Here’s the link: http://www.krembdelakremb.com/bikini-for-over-40/
Out of these glorious suits that are all sooooo sexy I think these are the ones that would work for my DDs ;P 1 and 4 from Gwen; 4 from Jess; and 3 from Shana. Gotta keep the girls in and supported. I did steal my sister’s J.Crew suit when I saw her over Christmas. It was perfect for the hot tub, and now it’s perfect for the HK beaches!
But, truth be told I actually feel more supported in a two piece. Seems so crazy, but it’s true!
Thanks for the roundup. I’ll be looking forward to the next one. And I’m wishing I could pull off how sexy one pieces are lately!
Love, Ann from Kremb de la Kremb
BTW, Shana! I just checked out the back of that L’Space suit. And yes!! I agree with Mike. You are going to rock that suit!! I can’t wait to see…. ;P A x
I love that Free People suit (and so did my husband) but it looks like there’s some weird bagginess going on in the back. Did you notice that or am I just seeing things?
I love a lot of the swimsuits at Albion Fit. Some really great one pieces with ruching that are still cute and sexy.
Love all these suits! I love seeing how awesome one pieces are because not long ago they were the frumpy “old mom” suits that no young Mama wanted to wear. Glad to see that so many awesome brands are on board with the onesie suit!
Heads up that all swimwear from Modcloth is 30% off… including the Esther Williams retro looking one pieces recommended on this site a while back!
For those who don’t already know — Modcloth’s return policy is quite strict! Look at the policy before you buy. Hoping to save others from getting burned like I did. And on that note — FYI the two piece version of the retro suit has a very narrow waist band that I found gave me a muffin top even though the suit was otherwise the right size.
I am 5’11” with a very long torso. How about some mom bikinis so my suit covers my boobs and doesn’t chafe my undercarriage. Plus, not all moms want to hide their tummies.
It looks like they’re doing a two piece post next, so stay tuned and good luck with your swimsuit search!
I’ve been waiting so patiently…. When do we get the two pieces? 🙂
Cat, just for you: http://themomedit.com/bikinis/
It’s not the full set (it’s taken waaay longer trying to cull out the cheeky bum suits haha), but it’s a pretty solid start. Am hoping to have it all done by the end of the week.
Thanks so much! There are some great looking suits there!!
Love this post! Just wanted to add another piece I just fell in love with, from trusty ol’ gap: http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1031998&vid=1&pid=179475032 I got it in dark knight, which is navy with white stripes, and it’s all kinds of flattering and I feel so chic in it! The cups are sewn in so they don’t have to be scrunched around each time you wash them, and the low back feels so young and wild, haha. Hope others will love it and get excited for summa-time!