"Swimsuit shopping is so much fun," likely said no woman ever. And I'm no exception. My body saw a lot of changes over the course of the pandemic, so I wasn't looking forward to the search for a brand-new bathing suit. After 32 years of wearing bikinis, I finally decided to dip my toe into the one-piece pool.
Instead of ordering a bunch of expensive suits (and inevitably returning them all) or driving to a store and subjecting myself to those unforgiving fitting room lights, I decided to listen to the thousands of women raving about this bestselling monokini. And suddenly, the hunt for the perfect swimsuit I was dreading so much was over.
Hilor One-Piece Front Crossover Bathing Suit
- Affordable basic
- Slimming fabric helps it remain attractive yet modest
- Some reviewers had delivery issues
- Not designed for those with a larger bust
Sizes: 4-18 | Colors: 40 | Materials: Nylon and spandex blend
Why I like the Hilor One-Piece Bathing Suit
I think it's one of the best monokinis for women
This suit creates the ultimate hourglass shape. Even with a few extra pandemic pounds, I don't have a large chest area or "childbearing hips." However, because of the unique straps that crisscross at my neck, my bust now looks robust. The built-in "belt" (a cutout strip of stripes) at the narrowest part of my torso also enhances my waist. From the back, there's even a hint of a bum.
It's worth noting that this one-piece looks good on many shapes and sizes, which helps explain why it has over 18,000 five-star ratings.
It's the LBD of one-piece bathing suits
Unlike my bikinis, this swimsuit covers my midsection, thanks to a unique design built into the middle. The see-through stripes are made from a mesh material that is shockingly supportive. The surrounding slimming fabric perfectly hugs my body and smooths over any problem areas.
What I was surprised to like most about this one-piece is the complete coverage in the back. I'm used to picking wedgies every 10 minutes in my old swimsuits, which always showed a little bit of cheek. But this one completely covers my bottom. I also appreciate how high the style sits on my back. That's the trickiest place to apply my favorite sunscreen, but when I wear this suit, I don't have to worry too much about missing a spot.
More importantly, this monokini stays on when I dive into a pool or jump into the ocean. I can't say the same for my old two-pieces, which don't feature anywhere near the same snug fit.
It's an attractive but modest monokini
Don't get me wrong: I love a cute cover-up. But I'm noticing that I "forget" to pack it these days. Out of the water, I'm so confident in this suit that I don't feel the need to cover up my problem areas. In fact, sometimes I forget I even have them. With this swimsuit's extremely flattering design, I'm too busy looking — and feeling — good to be self-conscious about my body.
And even though I'm showing less skin when wearing the Hilor one-piece, I actually feel sexier. It took me a while to wrap my mind around this. For years, I thought bikinis were the most feminine swimsuit a woman could wear. This monokini, which comes in 40 different colors and prints, challenges that common misconception.
What to consider
I love everything about this one-piece bathing suit, except for one thing that may surprise you.
I'm an aspiring travel influencer, and I once had the chance to work on a photo shoot that happened to take place at the only rooftop pool in Montana. In other words, it's usually packed on a hot summer day. I felt silly taking photos in front of so many strangers (even while wearing my new confidence-boosting bathing suit) and just wanted to get it over with. The problem was so many onlookers wanted — no, needed — to know where I got my suit. Many didn't even ask who I was or what I was taking photos for. They just wanted to know what I was wearing and where they could get one!
This may be the only thing I don't love about this suit, but it's definitely a problem I can get used to. Truth be told, I love knowing I can help others find swimwear they can truly feel confident in without suffering through traditional swimsuit shopping. That said, I have a hunch this stunning one-piece would even look good under fitting room lighting.
More monokini swimsuits to shop
Holipick One Shoulder One-Piece Swimsuit
- Tummy-control design
- Functional and flattering
- Runs small; size up
Sizes: XXS-XXL | Colors: 33 | Materials: Nylon and spandex fabric blend
Cupshe Scallop-Trim Swimsuit
- Soft and stretchy material
- Durable; has lasted multiple times through the wash
- Has a high waisted fit some were thrown off by
- Runs small; reviewers recommend sizing up
Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: 6 | Materials: Polyester and spandex fabric blend
Summersalt The Perfect Wrap One-Piece
- Stylish; flattering
- Lightweight
- Runs small; size up
- Pricey
Sizes: 2-22 | Colors: 11 | Materials: Recycled polyamide and elastane fabric blend
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The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Katie Jackson is a freelance writer for Shop TODAY, previously covering home and beauty products and has also served as an expert during Shop TODAY's annual Travel Gear Awards.
