I don’t know about you guys, but it’s pushing 90 degrees today here in Austin, Texas. I’m spending the day in my bathing suit — in the shade of course — but it’s last year’s bathing suit. While I have bathing suits that are a few years old, something about my Florida upbringing taught me that it’s not spring yet until you’ve gotten a new swimsuit. So this year I decided to mix it up. Sure, I’ve got plenty of bikinis swimming around in my dresser, but sometimes you just have to go for a one-piece. And thank goodness some of my favorite brands have me covered this season, pun intended. Take a look. 

Beach Blanket Bingo One Piece in Black, $89.99 from ModCloth

Modcloth, how do you know me so well? A little rouching around the hips, a retro shape, no crazy cleavage, and no freaky tan lines. This is a swimsuit I could imagine lounging in all day, even after a couple of margaritas.

Rust Tassel Front Cut Out Swimsuit, $48.34 from Asos

I love this suit because, in spite of a really unconventional silhouette, this swimsuit still shows off the back and allows for a little sexiness. It’s a way to rock the tribal trend poolside. And an identical one at Urban Outfitters sells for $140. Asos wins.


Wild One Hammered High Neck Maillot, $34.99 from 6pm.com

Nothing like some animal print to camouflage a bloated day at the beach. And the price is right, too.

Billabong Desert One-Piece Bathing Suit, $88 from Urban Outfitters

Can’t beat a blue sky on your swimsuit. I dig the old ’90s cut on this, too. Reminds me of being a kid.

Zebra Print Strapless Cut-Out One-Piece Swimsuit, $45.00 from American Apparel

American Apparel’s photos always make their clothes look too small and extremely skimpy — the truth is that their suits are pretty practical. I have a few of their swimsuits and, in dark colors or patterns, they’re great suits that last a long time.

Feather paisley blouson tank, $88.00 from J.Crew

If you’ve never worn this silhouette, it’s so incredibly freeing. I was first introduced to it when I worked for American Apparel and I had the pleasure of discovering their comfortable onesie in this shape. Easy, flattering, and still technically a swimsuit, although I wouldn’t attempt a high dive in it.

Skeleton One Piece, $150.00 from Revolve Clothing

Okay, over-the-top pricey, but this suit has something special. Suffice it to say, if you’re the girl this suit was made for, price isn’t an object.


Beach Honeycomber One Piece, $89.99 from ModCloth

Ah, some color. Talk about a sunny suit. You could throw a skirt over this and have an outfit, no water necessary.

ASOS Plunge Backless Suit, $62.67 from Asos

Oh, hello elegance. It’s not often I see something so incredibly feminine when shopping for swimsuits without it being overtly sexy. I love this suit.

The season has hardly begun. Soon we’ll be inundated with more swimsuits than we’ll know what to do with, so don’t get discouraged — get empowered. There’s a swimsuit out there for every body, and there’s something to be said for a little modesty now and again. A one-piece suit is unexpected, so have fun with it.

Which of these suits your fancy? Are you a one-piece gal, or do you stand by bikinis? 

[image source]