Finding the best beachwear means more than picking a print you like. It also means choosing pieces that fit well, layer easily over swimwear, and hold up wear after wear.
At Simply Beach, we hand-pick designer swimwear and beachwear from labels we trust. In our experience, the easiest holiday wardrobes start simple. One great cover-up, a supportive swimsuit or bikini, and a few pieces that work well together.
This guide runs through our current favourite cover-ups, swimming costumes, and bikinis. We also share what to check before you buy, so you can shop with more confidence.
The Best Beachwear
Good beachwear should do two jobs. It should cover you comfortably and still feel like part of your outfit. Look for breathable fabric, an easy fit, and a shape that suits how you like to dress.
Sunset Bandeau Dress
The Sunset Bandeau Dress from Sea Level is a relaxed take on the classic cover-up. It's made from soft cotton cheesecloth with a shirred bust for comfort and no need for a defined size. A cutaway detail at the back gives it shape.
Optional straps add extra support if you want it. We recommend it for lazy beach days when you want something that’s easy to throw on but still looks stunning.
Florima Sasha Long Cover-Up
If you prefer more coverage or something a little brighter, the Florima Sasha Long Cover-Up by ViX is a kimono-style piece. It’s midi to maxi in length and features a plunging neckline that ties at the front, and cap sleeves that keep it light on warm days while protecting your shoulders from the sun.
The unlined cotton is slightly sheer and works best layered over a swimsuit or bikini you're happy to show through.
Imperial Tropics Tunic
For something bolder, the Imperial Tropics Tunic from Charmline brings hibiscus, banana, and gold chain prints together on a black base. This mini-length, V-neck tunic has three-quarter sleeves and drapes beautifully thanks to its soft viscose fabric.
It's a strong choice if you want your beachwear to do more of the talking.
The Best Swimming Costumes
A good swimsuit should fit properly from the first wear, not after weeks of breaking it in. We look for shaping, structure, and fabric that keeps its stretch after repeated swims.
Here are some of the best swimsuits that are easy to layer under your beachwear.
Summer Infusion Moulded Swimsuit
The Summer Infusion Moulded Swimsuit from Charmline pairs a watercolour paisley print with a gold metallic detail. It’s a fun piece that’s perfect for beach days in the summer.
Moulded foam cups and ruching under the bust create shape, while light tummy control smooths the middle. The medium leg and moderate rear coverage make it easy to wear all day long.
Rock Solid Polaris Swimsuit
For more structure, the Rock Solid Polaris Swimsuit from Miraclesuit uses built-in underwire. Clever draping helps shape and slim. The stylish square neckline and adjustable straps add comfort, and the fabric offers all-over tummy control.
This is a strong pick if you want supportive swimwear that still feels elegant and modern.
Ombra Rosa Twist Bandeau Swimsuit
The Ombra Rosa Twist Bandeau Swimsuit from Jo Severin has a soft floral print that fades from cerise into pale pink. A front twist detail enhances the bust, while gentle gathering flatters the tummy.
Underwired, moulded cups fit B/C and D/DD sizes, and optional straps let you adjust the style through the day.
Buying fewer, better pieces pays off over time. Research from WRAP shows that keeping a garment in use for longer can meaningfully cut its environmental impact. It's one reason we favour quality over quick buys. The above picks are all designed to handle repeat wear, from the pool to the sea.
The Best Beach Bikinis
Bikinis work best when the top and bottom are chosen for fit, not just print. We like to mix support, coverage, and detail so you get a set that actually works for you. For more ideas, our guide on how to style a bikini breaks this down by shape.
Dahlia Ruched Bandeau Bikini Set
The Dahlia Ruched Bandeau Bikini Set from Roidal has a bright pink, orange, and green floral print on a white base. It’s colourful but not overpowering so it’s easy to style with coverups and other beachwear items.
The underwired top is bandeau-style. Ruching across the cups and a clip back keep things secure, and an optional halter strap adds versatility. The matching bikini pant gives good, moderate rear coverage.
Nadine Bikini
Hunza G's Nadine Bikini is a glamorous, crop-style bandeau bikini top. It has a tortoiseshell ring detail and wide straps for extra bust support. The high-waisted pant gives full coverage, and the crinkle fabric stretches to fit sizes 6 to 18 in one size. It's a classic black bikini that will go with anything.
Collective Halter Bandeau Bikini Top & Twist Band Hipster Panty
Seafolly's Collective Halter Bandeau Bikini Top has been a brand favourite for years, now updated in a new fabric. Soft cups, side boning, and gripper tape keep it secure. You can tie the neck strap at the front for a strapless look.
Pair it with the Collective Twist Band Hipster Bikini Pant. It adds full coverage and a pretty twist detail at the front.
What Are The Trendiest Beach Wear Styles?
Beachwear trends move fast. But a few things stay consistent each summer. Think bold prints, structured bandeau shapes, and cover-ups you can dress up or down.
We've found that classic silhouettes with a modern twist tend to last longest, like twist-front bikinis or kimono-style cover-ups.
Colour plays a big part too. Warm corals, deep greens, and crisp white are all having a moment this year. Metallic hardware, like the gold chain detail on our Imperial Tropics Tunic, adds a bit of polish without feeling fussy.
Textured fabrics are also on the rise. Crinkle finishes, ribbed knits, and soft viscose all bring extra depth to a simple shape.
What To Consider When Shopping The Best Beachwear
A few things make the difference between beachwear you wear all summer and beachwear that sits in a drawer.
Check the fit first. Swimwear should hold its shape without digging in, and cover-ups should layer easily over your swimsuit or bikini. If you're not sure what suits you, our guide on swimwear for your body shape breaks this down properly.
Think about fabric and coverage, too. Densely woven fabric can offer better sun protection than sheer or loosely woven styles. A longer cover-up or a higher neckline gives extra protection when the sun feels strongest.
If you like a coordinated look, matching swimwear is an easy option to reach for. That said, there's no rule that says your cover-up and swimsuit need to match. Wear whatever pairs well to you.
Finally, fewer, better pieces are a better investment than lots of cheaper swimsuits that don’t last more than one summer. At Simply Beach, we always tell customers to invest in pieces they'll wear for years. It's part of why we focus on hand-picked designer collections that are made to last.
Ready For Every Beach Day
The best beachwear works as a wardrobe, not a single piece. Start with a swimsuit or bikini that fits you well, then add a cover-up that suits your style. Build out from there.
If confidence is what you're after, our tips on how to look good in a bikini cover every angle.
Explore our full beachwear, kaftans, swimsuits, and bikinis collections. Find the pieces that'll take you through summer and beyond.