If you're not familiar with our series Take Back The Beach, which is dedicated to reframing the way people think and talk about body image and which encourages women to own summer fashion, now's the time to get acquainted. Hot weather should be something we can all enjoy, so we're embracing the rising hemlines and feeling inspired by how women make the season's style all their own.
One of the most polarizing summer pieces, of course, is the swimsuit. Shopping for the "right" bathing suit (the one you feel comfortable in and could basically live in all season long) is not the quickest of quests. But it can — and should — be. This season, we're looking back to the '90s and that decade's crush on the elegant, sleek, and kinda-grown-up one-piece, in all its downplayed-sexy glory. From cutout to full-coverage, backless to halter-neck, these 16 suits are exactly what you need to dive into summer head-first.
An adjustable shoulder tie adds an extra layer of comfort to this retro-style striped number.
J. Crew One-shoulder One-piece Swimsuit in Classic Stripe, $118, available at J. Crew.
Flattering all the way. This is elegance epitomized.
Odabash Madrid Classic Swimsuit, $230, available at Odabash.
Attention, Baywatch babes: Do you dare to wear a cut this high?
American Apparel Crisscross Overall One-piece Swimsuit, $44, available at American Apparel.
Just think how good this '80s number will look with short-shorts at a music festival.
Moschino One-piece Suit, $375, available at Moschino.
This gray option may be a swimsuit, but with its simple cut and lace-up back, it could easily work as a bodysuit or leotard, too.
Lonely Label Dita Swimsuit Gray Marle, $137.62, available at Lonely Label.
If you can't get on a tropical getaway, bring the tropical getaway to you.
Forever 21 Plus Size Tropical Print One Piece, $32.90, available at Forever 21.
Paging Lara Croft.
Prism London Samar, $272, available at Prism London.
A sheer-paneled waist gives this one-piece the illusion that it's two.
Zimmermann Eden Picot 1 PC, $315, available at Zimmermann.
A for color, A+ for the interesting wrap silhouette.
Ondademar Wrapped One-piece, $219, available at Anthropologie.
The asymmetry and major cutout make this one-piece a sleek option for lounging poolside.
Oysho Plain Reversible Swimsuit, $43.38, available at Oysho.
How to do tropical flowers without looking like a tourist.
Marysia Mott Printed Scalloped Halterneck Swimsuit, $319, available at Net-A-Porter.
#TBT to your swim-lesson days.
Nike Color Surge Swimsuit, $59, available at ASOS.
In the crinkle fabric that all '90s swimsuits were seemingly made from, Hunza G's cult status is best shown off in this simple cutout swimsuit.
HunzaG Coco Swim, $144.69, available at HunzaG.
Gingham gets an upgrade in this red-and-white all-in-one.
Solid & Striped The Anne-Marie Gingham Swimsuit, $168, available at MatchesFashion.
If you're not really into florals, try a black-based option that hits the perfect line between girly and edgy.
ASOS CURVE Meadow Floral Miracle Swimsuit, $59, available at ASOS.
Island dreamin'.
We Are Handsome The Bazaar String Scoop One Piece, $231, available at We Are Handsome.
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