Throughout our intrepid warm-weather shopping research, we’ve discovered that all we want to wear right now is dresses. The temperatures is steadily rising and a breathable dress is our go-to uniform for all occasions — including (but not limited to) logging endless work-from-home hours, running errands, and looking cute on Zoom.
To prepare you for a full summer of dress-wearing, we crafted a guide to the easiest and breeziest styles worth living in for the rest of this season — and in order to suss out the styles that everyone is currently carting, we headed straight for the review sections of our favorite sites. Once you’ve read — and shopped — this story, don't be alarmed if strangers stop and ask where you bought your summer dress, or if you and your best friend end up wearing the same viral cottagecore frock.
Ahead, click through everything from a funky leopard-print dress (that seemingly flatters all shapes and sizes) to a sunny mini dress with fluttery sleeves (perfect for a literal walk in the park) — or, just to peep what made customers’ cut on summer’s “best-frocked” list. Dressing for warmer temperatures has never been easier or more fun.
Welcome toHype Machine, our hit-list of the top reviewed products across the web — according to a crowd of die-hard shoppers. Call this your 4-star & up only club, with entry granted by our devoted-to-the-goods shop editors.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
If you’re anything like us, you may have finally gotten around to pulling out your bikinis for the warm-weather season just to discover that your swim drawer could use a refresh. While there is no shortage of swim labels to pick from, it can be daunting to find a style that is the perfect mix of fashion-forward, comfortable, and affordable. With that in mind, we did the work of testing out the most popular swimsuit brands on the internet for you.
Ahead, six swimsuit brands that made the cut, according to Refinery29 editors. Bonus: All the styles are under $150.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
“I never knew I would be interested in a holiday equivalent of swimwear, and yet I found myself reaching for Good American‘s Sparkle collection, which looks like something I would want to wear on Christmas if I were to spend it in the Caribbean.
While the one-shoulder one-piece and the bandeaubikini both look like they are made from tinsel, the fabric on the inside is smooth to the touch and the styles are more wearable than they look online; on the body, the suits were less holiday festive and more Studio 54-meets-Palm Springs pool party, which is not not how I want to dress this summer.
Both of the suits fit me perfectly — I go between U.S. size 4 and 6 which converted to size 2 in Good American, which has its own sizing — and were supportive enough in the chest area without being constricting. While the styles stood out at my local pool thanks to the shiny texture and bright pink and green colors, I loved most that they could double as eye-catching tops this summer. That said, the one-shoulder style is not one you want to skimp on sunscreen for.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
“I’m a fan of Everlane’s basics for their quality and timelessness, so while I already expected to love their swimsuits, I was pleasantly surprised with how well they fit me.
Both the bikini and one-piece felt really comfortable and supportive — something that I struggle with when shopping for swimsuits as I have E cups and a big butt. The deep V on the one-piece was a highlight for me, as the top provided enough support while also giving my boobs a nice push. Extra points for the adjustable straps on both and the wide range of colors to choose from.
Can you tell I’m really into green this season?” — Ebony-Renee Baker, U.K. Fashion Editor
“I’ve always loved one-pieces. In addition to being easier to splash around in (I’ve had my fair share of beachy wardrobe malfunctions), they’re also comfortable.
Andie’s Samoa suit has quickly skyrocketed to top-drawer status, and I’ll tell you why: For starters, the royal blue Lapis hue is beautiful IRL. I love how it gives a pop of color without being super loud. Then, there’s the fabric: The recycled nylon blend is buttery soft to the touch and feels as luxurious as my more-expensive designer swimwear. Lastly, the straps are adjustable, which is always a win for longer-torsoed folx like me.
My last tidbit of knowledge after wearing this during a Memorial Day Weekend beach trip in Miami: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the cutout area — you’ll thank me later.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Beauty & Wellness Market Writer
“Since I often rely on bikinis with ample cup support — I’m a 32C — I wanted to switch it up and try a one-shoulder style. However, I was skeptical about how supportive it would be. I’ve previously tried one-shoulder tops, and it always comes out to a 50/50 chance that it works or not. This swimsuit worked, but I could only see myself wearing it while lounging by the water, aka not participating in any strenuous aquatic activities.
Since there are no cups or lining, it was a bit see-through in the chest area under certain lights. In addition, it gave off more of an athletic feel than the flirty aesthetic that I thought it would have, but that’s a personal preference. Nonetheless, it’s a beautifully soft and stylish one-piece to have in your wardrobe. I could imagine myself wearing cutoff shorts or a loose button-up over it when I’m out of the water and grabbing a drink or snacks. The pastel hues match perfectly against the waves for a relaxing, laid-back summer day look.” — Vivien Lee, Affiliate Fashion Writer
“I tried three styles from Eloquii: a tankini two-piece with high-waisted bottoms and a lime green one-piece (both pictured), as well as a white one-piece with mesh detailing. The swimsuits are definitely strong enough to get the job done considering the affordable price, although I wouldn’t say that they are the best swimsuits I’ve ever tried. All three suits had cups in them, but only the white one-piece had removable cups. As someone who really doesn’t need the extra padding, this was a bit frustrating.
Breast cup situation aside, I loved the lime-green color of the cut-out swimsuit, which just screams summer. The tankini two-piece also has a really cool pattern, and I’d wear the halter as a regular summer top. I just wish it was more of a bikini than a tankini and covered up a little less especially in the torso area. I did have to get my roommate to tie the back of the top for me because it was hard to do it on my own. I also had to adjust my breasts occasionally in this one.
My ideal swimsuit is a bikini with a bit of chest support; I’m all about showing my midriff alongside high-cut bottoms. With that said, Eloquii swimsuits are worth checking out. However, I’d implore the brand to make more bikinis and skimpier bathing suit options. I feel like less is more in the blazing summer sun!” — Chichi Offor, Affiliate Associate Writer
“I’ve always been a fan of Aerie for its comfy and affordable selection of undies and loungewear, but I had never tried the brand’s swimwear. When I find a comfortable and stylish bikini, I tend to wear it for years because venturing out into trying out new styles to show off my body during the summer is always a complicated process.
I was pleasantly surprised when I tried this Aerie set on. First, the print is my kind of colorful, merging two neutrals in a fun pattern. Then, there is the top’s double adjustability: Not only can you can adjust the straps like you would with a bra, but the back can also be tied to your desired fit. Lastly, the high-waisted bottom made me feel better about being in a bikini at the beach (low rise is just not my thing) and made for a stylish look in the sand.
Overall, this is a set that I know will likely enter my small bikini rotation for years to come.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Even as we continue to adjust to hybrid life, one non-negotiable remains: We are not giving up comfortable clothes. Elastic waists, soft fabrics, lounge-ready silhouettes — it’s still a vibe two years deep into the pandemic. Perhaps the most natural evolution of the matching-sweatsuits look is simply pajamas as regular clothes. This time, the fashion TikTokkers have come after men’s boxers as the shorts for summer. Styling videos have invaded FYP fashion feeds where the billowy underwear is paired with blazers and loafers for a cheeky take on the put-together ‘fit or sneakers and a hoodie for a more laid-back take on athleisurewear. Boxer shorts even popped up in spring 2022 fashion shows with designers styling low-rise bottoms with visible boxer waistbands.
With what’s sure to be a steamy summer on deck, I recently gave the boxers-as-shorts trend a go in public, which turned out to be a much airier alternative to, say, wearing jorts. Best of all, I didn’t have to change my bottoms all day — even after I wore the boxers to bed the night before.
My current fave is the swishy, shimmy-ready, 100% washable-silk skivvy from Simply Boxers, an NYC-based men’s boxers brand that supports homeless shelters like The Bowery Mission. During the first weekend of 90-degree weather in Brooklyn, I wore my gray silk boxers with a simple black tank and colorful sneakers and brought an oversize linen button-down to throw on for when the sun set.
Currently, Simply Boxers has two main collections you can shop: the lightweight cotton styles of The Manhattan Collection and the washable silk colors of The Brooklyn Collection. As an owner of a boxer from each collection, I can vouch for how well they both fit. Unlike other boxers I’ve worn before, these are uniquely tailored to cover the upper thighs (as opposed to flaring out) so as to not accidentally expose your private area if you catch my drift.
You don’t have to take my word for it, either: The actual men who wear Simply Boxers have also sung its praises. “Most comfortable, form-fitting, silk boxers on the market,” wrote reviewer Michael. “I take my boxers seriously because an undergarment shouldn’t need to be tugged at or uncomfortable by any means. Simply Boxers is sleek, comfortable, and is taking over my wardrobe.” And, with Father’s Day quickly approaching, I’d be remiss to mention these boxers make for a cool gift for a cool dude in your life. “Got these as a gift for my boyfriend who usually sleeps in boxers. These are his new favorite. The silk feels amazing,” wrote one astute shopper. (Psst, use the code DADSDAY22 for 15% off through June 16.)
If you were to ask for my final verdict on the boxers trend, I’d say it’s a fun and insouciant clothing item to try wearing this summer. It’s light, breezy, affordable, and as a non-male, it’s radically freeing to wear what is considered men’s underwear as regular shorts. (You couldn’t get away with wearing any other intimates in public.) Opt for a silk pair if you want a more subtle option (these are far easier to style, IMO). Or, if you enjoy pushing sartorial boundaries a bit more, wear a pair of cotton boxers with contrasting pieces like a crisp button-down or girly shoes. And, if maintaining comfort is your North Star, you can always slip these on indoors — even if they’re for your eyes only.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?