We demand a lot of our swimwear: it needs to look good, dry fast, stay put, and perform when the waves are big or the beach games heat up. These fresh pieces—the best swimsuits and boardshorts—kept us covered after countless pool laps, bridge jumps, raft days, and lazy paddles.
Nike HydraLock Fusion Racerback One Piece ($90)
If you want to feel fast, Nike’s Fusion is your pick. Its quick-drying polyester-spandex blend has a firm stretch for maximum support (“It locks everything in,” said one DD-cup tester), and its grippy, triangular interior pattern prevents fabric creep during activity. All this performance comes in a Baywatch-esque silhouette with high-cut legs and a scoop neck. (XS–XL)
Patagonia Hydrolock Boardshorts ($129)
When the waves are big, testers reach for this pair of stretchy poly-spandex trunks. The key is the drawstrings, which attach to strips of beefy recycled nylon that run through the waistband and are sewn into the rear. It’s one of the most secure and chafe-free fits on the market. (28-40)
Saxx Betawave Boardshorts ($80)
Most boardies with built-in underwear have seams that chafe, mesh that irritates, or a cut that’s too baggy. Enter Saxx’s first pair of boardshorts, which feature the brand’s signature pouch for the tender bits. The tight fit and flat seams yield all-day comfort, wet or dry. And the stretchy poly-elastane fabric and liner provide exceptional range of motion, whether we were running, swimming, or doing beachside yoga. (28–40)
Prana Seleina Top, Willow Falls Reversible Top, and Gemma Reversible Bottom ($69, $70, and $55)
Together, this reversible bikini set and cropped long-sleeved rash guard can take you from casual beach hangs to adventurous paddlesport outings. The chlorine-resistant bikini set held up to repeated pool use, and the long-sleeve’s thumb loops and wide bottom band keep your sun protection in place. (XS–XL)
TomboyX Swim Racerback Zip Top and Swim 4.5-inch Shorts ($69 and $49)
TomboyX offers swimwear in androgynous athleisure cuts, with an impressive size range that’s actually been tested on plus-size bodies. Both pieces are made from a UPF 50 poly-spandex blend. The top’s front zipper has a protective fabric flap and hook-and-loop closure for added comfort and security, while the bike-style shorts boast a wide and flat waistband. (XS–4X)
Quiksilver Original Arch 18-inch Boardshorts ($60)
We love the Original’s throwback 18-inch length, ultradurable polyester-hemp-spandex blend, and iconic checkerboard pattern, which is synonymous with the rise of professional surfing. We also dig the polyester fabric, made out of recycled bottles. Of all the swim shorts on this list, these ones will last the longest. (28–40)