13 One-Piece Swimsuits for Summer

Just add water.

summer esentials
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Welcome to The Essentials, our weekly series highlighting a must-have classic, key to building a timeless, pulled-together closet.

One-piece swimsuits aren't relegated to the lap pool. With a reputation that's skewed matronly in the past, the maillot has been allotted new, modern sex appeal. A one-piece can make you a sultry Baywatch babe, all without the pitfalls of a twisted-up string bikini. Plunging necklines, swooping backs, and intricate strap details are just a few variations on the classic one-piece, giving butt-cheek baring two-pieces a dose of friendly competition. Built with a practical framework, the one-piece wins on beach days, and scores big on summer beach nights. Sport one with a breezy maxi skirt or pair it with a high-rise jean. Skeptics should envision themselves in an elegant one-shoulder version on the Italian Riviera or a gingham check for fireworks off a pier. There are so many options, you'll forget you ever owned a two-piece! Below, 13 to choose from.

Sara Holzman
Style Director

Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, covering runway trends and tracking down the latest finds to buy and wear. When she’s not writing about fashion, she pens about the best places to jet-off to. Over her six years with Marie Claire, Sara has reported on the ever-evolving world of fashion— covering both established and emerging designers within the industry. Sara has held fashion positions at Lucky and SELF Magazine and was a regular contributor to Equinox’s Furthermore website, where she wrote across their style, wellness, and travel verticals. She holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and currently resides in Manhattan. Follow her along at @sarajonewyork.