Your Ultimate Guide to High-Waisted Bathing Suits
“Beach” and “body.” When put together, for so many of us, the two words have an almost terrifying power to ignite the worst of our insecurities. And while, of course, we’re all about embracing your bod, it can be easier said than done, which is why high-waisted bathing suits are basically our summer savior.
You want to show a little skin (it is summer after all) but you don’t want to spend the day at the beach with a coverup carefully draped over your stomach (something this writer isn’t proud of but has done) — enter the high-waisted bottom. They accentuate the waist and flaunt just a sliver of skin — it’s a win-win.
This isn’t just about feeling comfortable, though that’s of the utmost importance when heading to the beach, this style is undeniably chic. Part of the appeal is the retro fashion kick this style adds to your beach look. Picture Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot…and get inspired. Grab a sunhat, remember that there are no excuses when it comes to SPF, and get ready to channel your inner pin-up girl. Shop our 30 picks here, ranging from the more demure and covered-up, to ones that might be high-waisted but manage to show skin in other ways (i.e. sexy cutouts)…pick your poison.
Asos Motel White Daisy Cut Out Bow Bikini, $39.87; Asos Motel White Daisy Cut Out Bow High Waisted Bikini Bottoms, $32.62; at Asos
Carine Gilson Origami Bandeau Bikini, $561; at Nancy Meyer
Urban Outfitters Out From Under Ruched High-Waist Bikini Bottom, $24.99; at Urban Outfitters
Flagpole Swim Perry Color-Block Bikini, $400; at Net-a-Porter
Marysia Swim Palm Spring High Waist Bikini Bottom, $141; at Shopbop
Mara Hoffman Reversible Printer Triangle Bikini, $96; at Net-a-Porter
New Look Strapping Mesh High Waist Bikini Bottom, $18.10; at ASOS
Forever 21 Macramé Tie-Dye High-Waisted Bottoms, $17.90; at Forever 21
ASOS Mix and Match Contrast High Waist Bikini Pant, $27.18; at ASOS
Forever 21 Crisscross High-Waisted Bikini Bottoms, $17.90; at Forever 21
ASOS Geo Print Mesh High Waist Bikini Pant, $36.24; at ASOS
Tory Burch Lipsi Underwire Bikini Top, $130; Lipsi High Waist Bottom, $125; at Bloomingdale's
Athleta Colorblock High Waisted Bottom, $54; at Athleta
Pour Moi Aloha Control High Waist Bikini Bottom, $39.87; at ASOS
BCBGeneration 'Sun & Surf' High Waist Bikini Bottoms, $58; at Nordstrom
Topshop Tile Print High-Waisted Bikini Set, $65, at Topshop
Roxy X Pendleton 'Northern Post' High Waist Bikini Bottoms, $44.40; at Nordstrom
Lolli Swim High Waist Bikini Bottoms, $99; at Nordstrom
New Look Gingham Highwaisted Bikini Bottoms, $21; at ASOS
Lisa Marie Fernandez Poppy Textured High-Waisted Bikini, $395; at Moda Operandi
Mara Hoffman Lasercut High Waist Bikini Bottoms, $132; at Free People
Shoshanna High Waisted Bottom, $99; at Zappos
Lisa Marie Fernandez 'Genevieve' Bikini, $338.81; at Farfetch
Mara Hoffman Reversible High Waist Cut Out, $122; at Free People
Know an Eccentric or Two Swimsuit Bottom, $39.99; at Modcloth