Design by Bridget Burns
Take it from your elders: The high-waisted silhouettes of the '50s and '60s possess the superpower to enhance your curves and elongate your legs. So if you want to look sexy poolside—but with a bit more coverage than an itsy bitsy bikini offers—this is your comfortable (and stylish!) middle ground. Shop the best high-waisted swimsuits of this season, below, before your next beach vacation.
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1
A Ruffle Bikini
Seea top, $80
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Seea bottom, $85
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The pastel blue stripes and pale yellow ruffles on this bikini give it a sweet and feminine vibe. It's perfect for chilling in by the pool or for water-sport activities like paddle boarding. If you're going with the first option, accessorize your two piece with a pair of white shades like this one by Ray-Ban and woven raffia slides.
2
A Balconette Bikini
As a small-chested gal, I gravitate towards bikini tops with light padding and underwire, like this balconette style, which lifts what you have to create the illusion of a fuller bust. Meanwhile, the high-waisted bottom draws the eyes to the smallest part of your waist to accentuate your figure.
Tory Burch top, $148
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Tory Burch bottom, $138
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3
A Velvet Bikini
Aerie offers trendy and affordable swimsuits, so of course its high-waisted bikini options are seemingly endless. You can also mix and match any of their pieces for a completely new look. This navy top and velvet bikini bottom, for example, aren't part of the same set (could have fooled us, I know), but they pair perfectly together.
Aerie top, $18
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Aerie bottom, $18
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4
A Bow Bikini
You can spot a Lisa Marie Fernandez original from a mile away, thanks to the button details (so cute!). This particular whimsical style, made from sculpting stretch fabric, is comfortable and flattering. Pair it with the brand's yellow skirt as a cover up and go from beach to bar with ease.
Lisa Marie Fernandez, $395
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5
A Sporty Bikini
For extra support, invest in a sporty racerback bikini top like this one from Chromat. It'll hold everything in, whether you're playing volleyball on the beach or diving head first into the pool.
Chromat top, $176
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Chromat bottom, $149
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6
A Floral Bikini
Go for a vintage feel with this floral swimsuit by Zimmermann. The brand's known for their stylish vacation pieces that evoke Australian coastal vibes. It's time to book a trip to the land down under, yes? Don't forget to pack this bikini.
Zimmermann top, $165
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Zimmermann bottom, $210
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7
A Cutout Bikini
If you're going to buy another black bikini, find one that's not boring. The cutouts on the top and bottom of this style give it edginess and sex appeal. Plus, we're pretty positive you can easily mix and match both pieces with other bikinis in your wardrobe.
Mikoh top, $112
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Mikoh bottom, $112
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8
A Crochet Bikini
Kourtney Kardashian owns this swimsuit, so that means I should definitely buy it, right? The beauty of this crochet bikini top is that it can be worn alone with a maxi skirt or even denim shorts, effectively making it appropriate for swimming and then dinner by the boardwalk.
She Made Me top, $175
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She Made Me bottom, $165
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9
A Bright Bikini
This bikini reminds me of (really chic) wallpaper. The print comes from Liberty, the British print house that's known for making "mood-lifting" florals. This yellow is definitely making me feel all kinds of happy.
J.Crew top, $75
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J.Crew bottom, $65
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10
A Vacation Bikini
This foliage-print bikini is supposed to reflect designer Adriana Degreas' native home of Brazil, and the vibrant green colors do remind me of a tropical rainforest. But let me point out my favorite part: The high-rise briefs tie at the left side to form a sexy cutout.
Adriana Degreas, $365
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11
A Striped Bikini
This simple black-and-white stripe bikini is reversible—when you're not feeling the stripes, flip it inside out to find solid black fabri—which means your dollar goes further. This is the bikini to bring if you're only carrying a weekender bag.
Marysia top, $141
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Marysia bottom, $161
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12
A Lace Bikini
This ruffle swimsuit from For Love & Lemons, carries hints of elegance and romance—perfect for ladies who love lingerie and want to channel those same sexy energies at the beach. And we're talking sexy: The beige lining gives this bikini an almost completely sheer, naked look.
For Love & Lemons top, $106
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For Love & Lemons bottom, $106
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Marina Liao
Marina Liao is the fashion news editor at MarieClaire.com, where she covers celebrity style (from Meghan Markle to Katie Holmes), fashion trends, and shopping advice, plus conducts original interviews with industry insiders.
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