(Style)

Don’t Sleep On High-Waisted Bikinis This Summer

They always look so, so good.

May 10, 2022

Swimsuit trends come and go, but the best high-waisted bikinis will look chic forever. Need proof? Just close your eyes and picture Marilyn Monroe, laughing on the beach in a saucy, high-rise swim set. Now imagine a young Sally Field in a similar design in pink, perfectly poised on the set of her show ‘60s-era sitcom Gidget. Or perhaps you might conjure the image of Taylor Swift during her 1982 era wearing the look in flirty polka dots or stripes. The silhouette has had a lot of iconic moments.

What’s more, designers these days are pushing the high-waisted bikini beyond its retro roots with innovative new interpretations. There’s sleek and sporty options from MIGA swimwear, shiny, Ibiza beach party-ready creations by The Attico, and styles from Andrea Iyameh that are just begging to be accessorized with a rooftop pool and Cosmo (perhaps Sarah Jessica Parker’s new version?). And don’t even get the TZR team started on how cool some of Bondi Born’s strapless designs would look if you repurposed them with wide-leg jeans and a baggy blazer.

Now, with the Memorial Day holiday (aka the unofficial start of summer) just a few short weeks away, it’s prime time to start your swimwear shopping. And this season, especially, the market is particularly rife with striking, less expected takes on the timeless, high-rise two-piece — there truly is a perfect set out there for everyone. Find yours below.

We at TZR only include products that have been independently selected by our editors. We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article

MIGA Swimwear

Colette High-Waisted Bikini Bottom

$49

Mix and match these bold lime green bottoms with any bikini top in your swim wardrobe — or, for extra sun protection, layer them with an equally sporty tank top or rashguard.

Andrea Iyamah

MENASA LILAC HIGH RISE BIKINI

$168

This eye-catching ruched set is like the bathing suit equivalent of a summer party dress. Pack it for any vacation that might involve a cabana and fruity drink situation.

If you want to feel a bit like a Bond girl, go for this sultry metallic set. And if you really want to make an entrance, pair it with gladiator sandals.

JADE SWIM

Green Via/Incline Bikini

$180

$68

Jade Swim’s leaf green swim set is just the right option when you can’t decide between a skimpy string bikini or a full coverage two-piece.

Bondi Born

Purple Raina & Poppy Bikini

$315

This pastel lilac number reads very early aughts in the best kind of way. Pro tip: The top half can pull double duty as a tube top under blazers and light, breezy cardigans.

Christopher Esber

Khaki Looped Tie Bikini

$380

Extra straps mean head-swiveling impact when you hit the beach in this curve-enhancing suit (and, yes, it is 100% worth the weird tan lines).

adidas by Stella McCartney

Black TruePace Bikini Top

$95

Serious swimmers, this one’s for you: Stella McCartney’s athletic-minded design withstands laps at the pool without sacrificing on style.

Play up the sweet lettuce trim detail and coral color on this one with accessories that are just as feminine, like espadrilles and a wide brim hat.

Bikini Beach

Hamilton Island Bikini In Liquid Black Reversible

$139

Understated but bold, this streamlined bikini is ideal for minimalists looking to make a statement. A cute outfit idea? Mixing it with board shorts and slides.

Haight

Black Crêpe Camila & Highleg Bikini

$260

$73

Between its classic color and sophisticated sculpted cut, this LBB (“Little Black Bikini”) is sure to last you for years.

ANDREĀDAMO

SSENSE Exclusive Brown Halter Bikini

$230

A metallic brown cut-out bikini may sounds weird in theory, but doesn’t it look amazing IRL?

OSÉREE

Yellow Eco Basic Bikini Top

$165

Nothing screams summer like a bright and sunny yellow swimsuit. This one also has the added bonuses of supportive underwire and material made from recycled nylon.

Paco Rabanne

SSENSE Exclusive Black Daisy Bikini

$320

Play up the ‘90s-esque daisy motif on this bikini by going for a cover-up that’s just as cool, such as a sheer button-down or witchy black maxi dress.

ELLISS

SSENSE Exclusive Black Ditsy Floral Cut-Out Bikini

$250

$63

Made entirely of recycled materials, this take on the high-waisted two-piece is both chic and eco-friendly.

@TZR Shop is The Zoe Report’s shoppable guide to editor-approved buys in fashion, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle. Here, you’ll find the picks we can’t get enough of and think you’ll love, too. Best of all, you can checkout right on this page — no clicking out to multiple retailers required. We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through this article.