"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
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. That's why it has over 14,000 five-star ratings and is ranked a top seller on Amazon's list of Women's One-Piece Swimsuits.
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.
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It's a sexy 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 45 different colors and prints, challenges that common misconception.
Prepare to get noticed
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.
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More bestselling monokini swimsuits
Shade & Shore Ribbed Plunge One-Piece Swimsuit
For those comfortable with showing some skin, this cheeky bathing suit is a stylish option. It comes in two colors, Sea Green and Burgundy, and in sizes XS-XL. The high-waist fit is designed to hug curves and flatter your figure whether you're wearing it in the water or in a beach chair.
Rxrxcoco Cut-Out Bathing Suit
Ruched detailing on this swimsuit makes it an eye-catching piece, but the design of the fabric is also meant to give it a slimming effect, according to the brand. "One pieces have come such a long way!! This one is super flattering and compliments all the areas you want shown while camouflaging the rest," wrote one verified reviewer. "I sized up to a large and am happy with the fit."
Old Navy Tie-Front Keyhole Bandeau-Style One-Piece Swimsuit
Now is the time to catch this stylish swimsuit from Old Navy on sale for less than $18 in select prints — we're loving this pineapple and palm leaf design. The fabric is quick-drying, fully lined and also features built-in UPF sun protection — it's a win all around!
Cupshe Scallop-Trim Swimsuit
Over 1,300 verified reviewers have given this swimsuit a five-star rating, with some calling it "super cute and super comfortable." It comes in five different colors that are perfect for summer, including orange and dark blue, in sizes XS-XXL. "So glad I got a size up because it fits so perfectly! Very comfortable and not too tight or too loose!" one verified reviewer wrote.
Shade & Shore Ribbed Cut-Out One-Piece Swimsuit
Go bold with this swimsuit that Target shoppers are also loving right now. It's a cheeky style that has a high-leg cut and rib-knit detailing that gives the suit some texture.
For more stories like this, check out:
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