Shopping for bathing suits is the absolute f*cking worst. Especially when you’re shopping for spring break. Attempting to stay on trend but still be comfortable, wondering why some store’s sizing is so f*cked, trying not to break the bank for something you may never wear again after that week—it’s a lot. What’s with swimsuits suddenly costing an entire semester’s tuition??? Oh wait, that’s just for the top. If you want bottoms too you’ll have to give up buying your books this semester. All reasons why I usually end up waiting until the last possible minute to find a swimsuit and get stuck with whatever piece of fabric I can find that fits.
Thankfully, I’ve learned from my mistakes and know that right now is probably the best time to shop for swimwear, and to make sure that I find a suit that doesn’t force me to give up my weekly Thirsty Thursday margs. Here are eight different swimsuits that are all under $50 and aren’t ugly af.
Aerie Strappy Back One Piece, $31.46
Tbh, you can’t go wrong with a classic one-piece. Aerie’s swimsuits always have a flattering fit AND they have an option for long sizes for those of us with long torsos. The struggle is real. IYKYK. This suit will give you all the comfort of a standard one-piece suit with the bonus of a strappy back that gives it a chic touch.
ZAFUL Scalloped High-Waisted Bikini, $29.99
Leave it to Amazon to come in clutch for literally everything. I cannot even begin to express my admiration for high-waisted bikinis and their ability to hide the absurd amount of tacos I eat before I go swimming. This ZAFUL suit will be flattering on an array of body types (just make sure you check the sizing and read the reviews before you order). I find high-waisted bikinis give you the same ~security~ as a one-piece suit with the convenience of a two-piece.
ASOS Twist-Front Cut-Out Polka Dot Swimsuit, $45 
If you’re an indecisive betch like me and can’t choose between a one-piece and a bikini, welcome to the perfect combo: the monokini. This piece comes in both tall and fuller-bust sizing, making it more versatile than some other styles. I know, I know, monokinis have a bad rep for the ridiculous tan lines they leave behind, but this piece is so sleek and cute. And if you think about it, the cutouts are no different than if you were to wear a dress in a similar style, so just embrace it. I love this suit because it indulges my inability to make any choices for myself (something Pilot Pete and I have in common)!
Cupshe One-Shoulder Reversible Bikini, $24.99
I’m sorry, did you say a REVERSIBLE bikini? As in two bikinis for the price of one?? Please just take my money, I literally could not ask for more.
H&M Push-Up Triangle Bikini Top, $19.99 & Bottom, $12.99
This one gives off tropical vibes so you’ll actually feel like you’re going somewhere exotic, even if you’re actually just chilling at the public pool in your hometown because you and your friends didn’t have your sh*t together enough to plan a trip for spring break. This suit comes in a variety of colors and patterns, but tops and bottoms are sold separately. Thankfully the full suit will only cost you about $35!
XhilarationWomen’s Ribbed Cut Out Tie Front Bralette Bikini Top, $14.99 & Ribbed Cheeky Bikini Bottom, $14.99
According to my sources (aka Google), texture is a big trend for swim this year. So if you’re planning on going on The Bachelor one day and want your feed to give off fashion influencer vibes, this ribbed bikini is the perfect choice. Like the piece from H&M, the top and bottom are sold separately, and the full suit will cost about $30.
Swimsuits for All Beach String Bikini, $19.98
Not only is this bikini on MAJOR sale, but you also get to mix and match the sizes of the top and bottom. It’s also really cute and tropical, so you should probably snatch it up before it’s gone.
ZAFUL Cross-Back High-Cut Swimsuit, $13.99
This one-piece is also on super sale and comes in a few different colors. The thing I really love about it is the tie-around waist. I imagine it’ll make me feel like Shakira dancing with that rope during the Super Bowl Halftime Show. And isn’t that kind of what we’re all going for, at the end of the day?
You don’t need to drain your bank account for a fire swimsuit you’ll actually want to bring on your spring break trip. Just use the critical thinking skills you’ve been neglecting to apply in class all semester. Now you can use all the money you saved on what really matters during spring break: dangerous amounts of alcohol and 3am trips to McDonald’s.
Images: Ben Parker / Unsplash
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