Non-Scary Bikinis Exist, and I Found Them
I was once a bikinis-only person, but my tastes have changed over the years, and I've found myself becoming more and more of a one-piece person over the last couple of years. (Which is something I never predicted I'd say back when I was in my string bikini-wearing high school and college days.)
Truth be told, I don't love wearing swimsuits in general, despite living in California for most of the past decade. I'm pretty sure I could count the number of times I put on a swimsuit last year on one hand. But my interest in swimwear has been significantly higher than usual this year, as my honeymoon in Mexico is quickly approaching.
I'm determined to not have to wear a swimsuit twice on my tropical vacation, so I came to the conclusion that I need to bring eight swimsuits. But that's a lot of one-pieces, folks. So I made it my new mission in life (well, one of them) to find the cutest, least scary bikinis on the internet, devoid of the words "string" or "cheeky" in the description. What I discovered are tons of flattering options, including high-waisted and bloomer (trust me—they're cool) bottoms, modesty-friendly ruching, and bandeau tops. Below, shop 15 of my favorite non-scary bikinis so that you, too, can give your one-pieces a break every so often this summer.
Complete the set: H&M Bottoms ($13)
Your eyes do not deceive you—this is truly affordable.
Complete the set: Madewell Bikini Bottoms ($45)
So retro. So cool.
Finish the set: ModCloth High-Waist Bottoms ($20)
The sleeves on this one are very chic.
Shop the matching top: Mila Bandeau Top
You can't go wrong with animal prints.
Complete the set: Solid & Striped The Brigitte Bottoms ($88)
The snakeskin print is incredibly fashion-forward.
Finish the set: Wolf & Whistle Bikini Bottoms ($14)
Simple and elegant.
Shop the matching top: Morgan Bikini Top ($115)
Ruching is trending so hard right now.
Complete the set: & Other Stories Briefs ($25)
This green hue is where it's at.
The cutouts and criss-cross details make this color-blocked swimsuit particularly "of the moment."
Complete the set: L*Space Bikini Bottoms ($99)
The V accent brings something special to this bikini.
Complete the set: Robin Piccone Bikini Bottoms ($74)
The tie accent is quite cute.
If you're up for a splurge, this one is more than worthy.
Still looking? Shop more modest swimsuits next.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
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