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Whether you are a full-coverage swimsuit gal or just prefer comfort and maybe some retro-inspired style, a swim dress is a great option. These suits are not the ill-fitting, uncomfortable styles you may think of that your grandmother may have worn back in the day – they are now made to flatter with slimming silhouettes and stylish designs.
Below are some great swim dresses of 2024 options that may give you the inspiration and desire needed to get out to the beach or pool. These skirted suits all have built-in shorts on the bottom to help you feel secure and hidden tummy control lining for a flattering fit.
They also come in a wide array of size options so you are guaranteed to find the one that works for you and varying necklines for a supportive and comfortable chest area.
Our Favorite Swim Dress of 2024 Reviewed in Detail
COCOSHIP Skirtini Swim Dress — Best Overall
This retro-style one-piece skirtini has an adjustable halter neckline with wide, supportive straps that tie at the neck. Wear this moderate coverage one piece wherever and whenever you want to wow as it is flattering for all body types and shapes. It also features soft, removable cups in the breast area, ample tummy coverage, and shorts underneath the skirt for comfortable coverage.
Pros
- This swimsuit comes in a ton of great patterns and solid color options
Cons
- The padding cups may be difficult to arrange
COCOPEAR One Piece Swim Dress — Best Pattern
Another great skirted swimsuit option is this printed number that is fully lined with molded, underwire, soft, and removable cups. Its crossover-style is very flattering to the tummy and chest area(s) and the skirt provides enough coverage and length that you can feel comfortable walking around a resort in public without feeling overexposed.
Pros
- This suit is available in a generous size range
Cons
- It is important to review the size chart carefully to ensure proper sizing
SHEKINI One Piece Swimsuit — Full Coverage
Swim, dive, surf, or paddle in this comfortable, one-piece skirted suit. Its slightly fuller coverage keeps you comfortably covered, yet exposes the necessary parts to ensure you get the swimsuit -style needed for a day at the pool or beach. This suit also features removable soft cups and center shirring for flattering, customizable coverage, and its wider straps are designed to give a personalized and secure fit.
Pros
- This swimsuit is fully lined
Cons
- If you prefer an underwire, another option might be better
Wantdo Vintage-Style Swim Dress — Best Vintage Style
This slim-cut swim dress provides a full-coverage style with a slimming design and tummy control lining. The breathable material will keep you comfortable and an adjustable chest drawstring can be customized for a perfectly flattering fit. Wear this suit to the beach, a pool party, or on vacation, and feel confident knowing you will be kept supported and stylish.
Pros
- This suit is available in regular and plus sizes
Cons
- This suit has minimal color options
Wantdo Flower-Printed Swim Dress — Best for Plus Size
With generous plus-size options, this swim dress is made to fit a variety of shapes and sizes. It has wider straps for controlled coverage and an adjustable gathering at the chest area to give a nice and supportive shape and its specialized design provides a slimming effect throughout the chest and stomach areas.
Pros
- This suit provides full coverage
Cons
- The breast padding is not removable
Zando One Piece Swimdress — Slimming Design
This ultra-flattering, one-piece swim dress has included tummy control and a unique wrap design in the middle to help slim the silhouette. This dress is made from high-quality materials that feel soft on the body and is breathable to make lounging, swimming, or partying all day a comfortable experience. This suit also has convenient built-in shorts underneath to help you feel secure and tucked in.
Pros
- Wide straps at the top help keep you supported
Cons
- The straps are not adjustable
Buying Guide: Choosing the Finest Swim Dress
How to Choose the Right Swim Dress Fabric
To choose the right swim dress fabric, you must keep these two factors in mind:
Fast drying
If you are someone who spends a lot of time in the water, it’s best that you opt for a swim dress that is fast drying. Not only do fast-drying fabrics dry up easily but also prevent chafing, thanks to their moisture-wicking properties. Fast-drying fabrics are usually thinner as thicker fabrics take more time to dry. Polyester is one of the most ideal fabrics for swimwear. Not only does it dry quickly, but it also comes with UV-resistant properties, helping to protect you from the sun's rays. Other than that, nylon is also a great option that is water-resistant and dries quickly.
Sun-protective
If you have sensitive skin or worry about getting sunburnt due to being under direct sunlight while swimming, then consider going for a swim dress made from sun-protective fabric. This type of fabric helps protect you from the ultraviolet radiation of the sun. You can find fabrics ranging from 15 to 50+ UPF. For sun protective swimwear, you might want to avoid anything made from nylon. PBT is a great choice for a sun-protective swim dress.
What Are the Different Types of Swim Dress Strap Styles?
While looking for a swim strap, it is essential that you look for a swim dress that comes with straps that are not only stylish but also functional. Some of the strap styles include:
Adjustable straps
These let you tighten or loosen the straps according to what feels better for you. These are very useful as they can adjust to any body size.
Back closure
These feature straps on the back. Swim dresses with back closure straps are easier to take on and off, especially when the swim dress is wet.
Racerback
This type of strap style comes in a criss-cross design. These offer a comfortable fit and help support shoulder and arm movement while swimming.
How to Choose the Right Swim Dress for Yourself
To choose the ideal swim dress for yourself, you must look into these factors:
Sizing
To ensure that your bodysuit is functional and effective, you must consider its size and whether it fits you or not. You can find different sizes of swim dresses for different body sizes. If you are shopping online, you should check the size chart to ensure that you are picking the right size for yourself. Other than that, it is also important that you keep sizing standards in mind, for instance, European sizing is different from US sizing.
Material and prints
The material that the swimsuit is made from determines how flexible, fast-drying, and comfortable it is. Do you want your swim dress to be breathable? Do you want it to be thin or thick? Do you prefer something that is loose or tight-fitted? These are a few things you must ask yourself to pick the right swim dress material for yourself. Other than that, also consider the durability of the material to ensure it does not rip easily.
Support
Swim dresses are designed to support your body while you are swimming. Some swim dresses come with in-built underwires to provide support whereas some come with separate underwires to maximize comfort and support. The ideal swimsuit should provide enough support for your upper body without being too tight or suffocating.
Comfort and fit
Swimming can be a tiring activity, especially if you are not wearing a comfortable swim dress. Hence, it is essential that you prioritize comfort while choosing a swim dress for yourself. Look for a swim dress that is flexible enough to support how your body sways while swimming. Other than that, the ideal swim dress should not have any strings or wiring that could scratch your skin. Lastly, choose the fabric that you would feel comfortable in.
Design
The fit and comfort of the swim dress also depend on its design. You can find countless stylish designs, however, not all of them are easy to swim in. The details of your swim dress can make or break your swimming experience. Consider whether you want it to have wide straps, padding, or adjustable straps. Likewise, you can also choose between a high-cut and full-body swimsuit. Other than that, some swim dresses also come with pockets that allow you to carry small essentials with you such as SPF cream, lip balm, etc.
Price and warranty
Swim dresses are available in different price ranges. The price of a swim dress basically depends on its quality and the type of material it is made from. Since you don’t go out to buy a swim dress every other day, it is better that you invest in your swimming routine once and for all by purchasing a high-quality swim dress. Though it might cost you a little more than the average one, it’s bound to last longer and be more effective.
Other than that, look for a suit that comes with a warranty. This helps ensure that the manufacturers are ready to compensate if there is a problem/issue with the swim dress.
