Look, I work in retail we were sell some nice-ass swim brands. So, I know better than anyone how expensive swimsuits are these days. Like, just the top alone can cost you $100. Which is UNREAL, and I’ll remind you again, I work in retail. Thus, my personal alotted swim budget is pretty minimal. But, finding on-trend swimsuits that are reasonably priced is easier than ever with all the online fast fashion brands we have access to nowadays. Look, it’s unlikely that your bright green neon swimsuit is going to be trendy come next summer, so why spend your life’s savings on something that’s just a passing trend? Here are this season’s swimsuit trends and affordable options for each.

1. High Cut

A high cut bottom is not only trendy, it’s v flattering. It has an effortless retro sex appeal for the ultimate summer vibe. It’s very vintage Baywatch-cool and allows for some variety with your summer tan lines. A flattering swimsuit that looks sexy, stylish, cool AND allows for a more even flawless tan? Could you ask for anything more???

Missguided Mix and Match Bikini Set, $24.50

Asymmetric Colorblock Swimsuit, $17.99

2. Animal Print

We already know animal print is super trendy in general for spring and summer. So it only makes sense that the trend would translate to swim as well. Whether you go leopard, snake, or any other print, pick one in a neutral color to ensure it looks expensive, not cheap. As Countess Luanne would say, “Money can’t buy you class,” so don’t go wasting yours on a pricey swimsuit. Rather, use your best judgement to pick one that just looks expensive. And, if you don’t trust your own judgement in doing so, I’m here for you, just take one of my suggestions below.

Leopard Print Bikini Set, $68

Snake Print Straight Swimsuit, $50

3. Underwire

This is another retro swim trend coming back this season. It’s an awesome trend for both small-chested and busty girls alike. For those who are smaller chested, it creates an illusion of fullness and depth. For those bigger chested, it gives added lift and support. So, regardless of your body type, this is def a trend worth getting behind.

Billabong Sol Searcher Underwire Bikini Top, $49.95 and Sol Searcher Hawaii Bikini Bottoms, $39.95

Out From Under Tulip Underwire One-Piece Swimsuit, $79

4. Belted

Belts are back, and they’re here to elevate your swim game now, too. The belted swimsuit trend gives your one piece more shape by accentuating your waist, and gives your high waisted bottoms an added element of fashion blogger-level style. Like, if your swimsuit doesn’t have a belt this season, do you even know “fashion” at all???

River Island Plunge Bikini Top, $38 and High Waisted Briefs with Belt, $29

Warehouse High Leg Swimsuit With Belt, $45.50

5. Textured

A great way to spice up your swim wardrobe this summer is adding some texture. Whether it’s through ribbed detailing or shirred smocking, an element of texture makes even the most simple bathing suit more feminine and cool. So bring on the texture, baby!

Rust Ribbed Bikini Set, $5o

Shirred Ring Plunge One Piece, $52

6. Neon

This season, it’s all about the bright neons, and this trend is the perfect complement to your summer tan. In regards to your swimsuit, it’s important to glam up your neon suit as much as possible so as not to look tacky. You want to look like Erika Jayne in the Bahamas, not like you got your bikini at one of those souvenir shops on the boardwalk.

Aerie Ribbed Side Scoop Bikini Top, $29.95 and High Cut Cheeky Bikini Bottom, $29.95

New Look Color Block Shirred Swimsuit, $40

7. Metallics

Done correctly, metallics are chic and add an element of glam to your beach day style. Of course, key words here are “done correctly.” If you go buy a slinky gold triangle bikini top from Wet Seal, I can’t guarantee it’s going to be the epitome of glam. Opt for a more subtle bronze or rose gold shade to ensure you look effortlessly beach chic.

Topshop Metallic Ribbed Triangle Bikini Top, $38 and Ribbed Bikini Bottoms, $28

Topshop Metallic Cami Swimsuit, $60

8. Knotted & Bows

Knots and bows add a feminine flair to any swimsuit. Additionally, they allow for another way to adjust your swimsuit to make it fit best to your individual body. Or, if you just want to tie your suit tighter to make your boobs look bigger, you do you, sis.

ASOS DESIGN Neoprene Bow Front Bandeau Bikini Top, $23 and Hipster Bikini, $18

Gidget One-Piece Swimsuit, $84

The official start of summer is right around the corner, so stock up on these trendy swimsuits now before all the good sizes are gone! This way, as you’re getting blacked out on random men’s boats, the one Sunday Scary you won’t be having is whether you looked good or not. Sure you got kicked out of the bar and called your ex 42 times, but we’re all about the small wins here, people.

Images: Roberto Nickson / Unsplash; ASOS (5); Urban Outfitters; Free People; Topshop (4); Aerie; Nordstrom (3); Zara
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.

If there’s anything worse than trying on and buying jeans, it has to be finding a hot bikini. It’s easy to simply find cute styles when they’re everyfuckingwhere but when you have a bigger bust than all the junk in your trunk, it’s fucking hell. No one wants to strut the beach with like, no ass when you already have so many insecurities about your winter weight gain. Even though July literally starts this weekend, you still haven’t started your “summer workout plan” because if we’re being honest, you’re not stepping foot into a gym more than twice and you’re sure as hell not going to do a 30-day squat challenge at home when you have to take care of drinking and catching up on Bachelorette scandals other responsibilities. If you aren’t waking up with a 6-pack tomorrow (like, same), here are the best bathing suit bottoms to buy that will make you have the best J. Lo-looking ass on the beach. And the best part is, you don’t even have the exert energy to get it. Bless.

To Give Your Butt A Lift, Try…

Marysia Swim Broadway Scallop Bikini Bottoms

Scalloped edges give any flat ass a great lift by accentuating your hips with its edgy cut. The illusion gives your body just the right amount of curves without making you look wide.

SHE MADE ME Crochet High Waisted Bottom

Thank god for the high waist trend because this style gives your butt a big boost and hides any slight muffin top by hugging your hips. A ruffled crochet pattern adds volume to widen the bottom too. Although black is the only relevant color ever because it makes us look skinny AF, for an opposing thickening appearance, find the style in white.

MIKOH Kenya Cheeky Bottom

A cheeky fit does exactly what it says. By showing more skin, the high rise sides give your body an hourglass figure so your ass looks fuller with a lifting shape but like, without making you look like you have an awk wedgie.

To Make Your Butt Look Bigger, Try…

Billabong Dreamer Hawaii Reversible Bikini

Usually, stripes are a big no-no. However, to give the illusion that you have a nice ass, opt for this style with a little bit of scrunching and horizontal stripes to widen your bottom half. It has just the right amount of slutty with its slightly revealing cheeky cut, aka ideal for quality beach Instas.

MILLY Graphic String Bikini Bottom

The classic string bikini you probs wear every year is actually good for your booty if you have a style with a bright design. Bright colors and trippy patterns confuse the eye into thinking your ass looks larger than it really is—kind of like hypnosis shit or wearing “drunk goggles.” But for your butt.

For Love & Lemons Capri Scrunchy Thong Bottom

Similar to wearing underwear, I know, but you should know by now that in order to achieve max booty poppin’ results, you need to strut in the Kardashians’ fave style: the thong. With dainty straps and in clean white, this bottom will make any nonexistent ass look fucking amazing.

To Give Your Butt A Toned Shape, Try…

Pretty Little Thing Mix & Match Black High Waisted Bottoms

For the real deal, you’ll want a style that’s on the sporty side. Whether it’s block-colored or solid black, a simple high waisted style with full coverage enhances a small frame. More fabric adds shape, curve, and therefore, makes your butt look like you do a hell of a lot of lunges.

ASOS Spaced Floral Mesh Hipster Bikini Bottom

A hipster bikini is your go-to if you don’t want any booty flaws, like annoying cellulite, hanging all out on the beach. The mid-rise style still hides your lower stomach so like, no rolls, and hides your love handles so you can still look toned and athletic. This brief cut provides good coverage by keeping most of your butt inside, and making it look fuller.

The high cut leg look is definitely the most popular swimwear trend this summer, which is probably due to the fact that everyone’s obsessed with looking “slim thick” aka what Kylie Jenner’s post-surgery puberty body type is. Since you probably can’t afford butt implants, this style suit is the next best thing. If you have any confusion about what a “high cut leg” swimsuit is, just refer back to literally any thirst trap you’ve ever seen posted on Instagram with a peach emoji in the caption, and I’ll bet that the chick is wearing one of these. It’s inspired by the suits that the cast of Baywatch rocked. (Obviously, the cast with Pamela Anderson and not the new one with Zac Efron that you probably haven’t seen.)

Swimwear with a high cut leg is basically a subtle brag. It’s always super flattering, but it’s not an aggressive push-up bikini top with underwire. I do, have one complaint about this style. I have absolutely no idea what it’s actually called. Every store and designer has a tendency to give it a different name, or just not label it at all. Since they’re as difficult to find as a seemingly normal bro on Bumble, here’s a roundup of some of the best high cut suits on the internet.

1. Body Glove 80’s Throwback The Look

This one piece is a throwback to Body Glove’s classic suit from the 80’s. Kris Jenner wore it then and Kylie Jenner wears it now, and you know that there’s no one you can trust more than a member of the Kardashian dynasty when it comes to a swimwear recommendation.

2. Topshop Pamela One-Piece Suit

It’s kind of impossible to find a one piece with an open back that shows off side boob but doesn’t totally expose the whole front of your chest, but I just did the legwork for you. Plus, I’m pretty sure that it’s the exact same color as the pink polish on the nails emoji, so there are definitely lots of Instagram caption options for this one. You’re like, so welcome.

3. Somedays Lovin Restless Wanderer High Waisted Bikini

These high waisted bottoms are flattering on everyone, and this metallic burgundy color looks perfect on literally every skin tone, so this bikini is a safer bet than assuming that Bella Thorne is googling herself right now.

4. Lioness Bo Derek One Piece

This sweet little gingham one piece slightly resembles the tablecloth your grandmother yelled at you for spilling ketchup on at her fourth of July barbecue when you were a kid, so maybe your family won’t care about the thirst trap you posted with your entire butt showing if you’re wearing this.

5. ASOS Mix and Match High Waist High Leg Bikini With Eyelets

This high leg set is the swimwear equivalent of ordering a pomegranate mimosa instead of a regular one at brunch. Like, you’re kind of switching things up, but you’re still being pretty basic. (And that’s okay! Being basic is fun af if you do it well enough.) The eyelet detail in this suit is enough to make it look like you’re not wearing the same exact thing as every other girl at the beach without straying too far from this specific swimsuit design that Kourtney Kardashian keeps wearing.

6. Missguided Red Tropical Print Tie Side Swimsuit

Tie side swimsuits are the number one game changer for girls who love to eat. I swear to you. Just loosen up the ties on the sides after you’ve got a good bloat going from ripping through your snack cooler at the beach. Nobody will ever know.

7. Dolce Vita Reversible One Piece Tank

This one piece is reversible, so it’s basically like having two. One side is silver metallic and the other is apricot. I feel like wearing the silver metallic one on the inside will probably make you sweat, but it’s your life, so like, go for it.

9. Shop Betches x Private Party Sun’s Out Black Out Swimsuit

Let everyone know why you left the comfort of your air conditioner came to the beach in our adorbs and sexy one piece. It comes in the only two colors that have ever mattered: white and black. Featuring a high leg and a low back, this swimsuit is perfect for taking shadily thirsty Instagram pics in. Or wear it under some high waisted shorts to the bar and watch the free drinks rain down on you.

If shopping for bikinis is as unenjoyable as going to a spin class with that friend of yours that’s totally obsessed with spinning, then shopping for cover-ups is going to the gym and pretending to work out with your friend who is equally as lazy as you. Both scenarios are like, definitely not how you’d ideally like to be spending your time, but the latter is definitely less sucky. Beach cover-ups are usually pretty ugly and for some reason, everytime I see one, I just picture Luann from Real Housewives of New York City. IDK, there’s just something about a bad cover-up that makes me picture its wearer with a mom haircut and like, varicose veins. I don’t care if you’re wearing a really scandalous suit underneath it, that’s just how you’re going to look if you buy a frumpy cover-up. So like, obviously don’t buy a frumpy cover-up. Here are a few acceptable ones.

1. Maxi Chiffon Beach Sarong With Satin Tie From ASOS

This cover-up is perfect for when you feel hot AF in your bikini and don’t actually really want to cover up. It’s probably impossible to wear this without standing like Angelina Jolie in that dress with the crazy slit at the 2012 Oscars.

2. Lace Crop Top Cover Up & Lace Midi Skirt Cover Up Set From Topshop

Matching sets are cool as shit, so obviously wearing a beach cover-up set will make you cool as shit, too. A two piece cover up is barely any more effort than wearing a regular single-article cover-up, but it will definitely make it look like you have your shit together and planned a full trendy beach outfit.

3. BDG Uma Fishnet T-Shirt Dress From Urban Outfitters

You’re lucky I’m telling you to buy this so early in the season, because I’m sure that every Instagram “model” will be posting photos in this cover-up all summer. This way, even when you only get a third of the likes, you can still be excited that you had it first. You’re welcome.

4. Blue Tie Dye Beach Playsuit From Missguided

The best thing about this beach playsuit, besides the fact that it offers lots of cleavage options, is that it comes in a blue tie dye print—so when you inevitably spill on it while you’re drinking a fishbowl at a boardwalk bar, it will probably just blend in.

5. Embroidered Off-The-Shoulder Cover-Up From Anthropologie

This cover-up is one of the few cover-ups that actually covers up (say cover-up again), which can be your excuse for purchasing something from Anthropologie that’s probably going to get thrown in the bottom of your beach bag or used to cover your face while you’re laying in the sun. You can also totally get away with wearing this in a couple of different social settings, so when drinks at the pool turn into an all day event, you won’t look like a Jersey Shore cast member wherever you go.

6. Isabell Blue Chambray Shift Dress From Tobi

So you felt really good when you went to the beach, but then you caught a whiff of fried dough and obviously had to get some. Enter this chambray shift dress. It will literally solve all of your problems. (It might solve like, two or three of your problems. But that’s still pretty good.) Any shift dress that gives you the chance to show off your bikini top is perfect for creating optical illusions, aka showing off your boobs and hiding your food baby.

7. Lira Marina Off-The-Shoulder Romper From PacSun

If we’re being honest here, (which, duh, we always are) the first thought that popped into my head when I saw this romper cover up was “that looks like a nightmare to pee in.” The second thought was “that’s gonna give me weird tan lines,” but I promise that “I actually really like that” was definitely number three.

I would just like to go one day where I don’t want to throat punch someone for sporting the latest dumbass “fashion” trend. But sadly, today is not that day because I just found out that someone is trying to ruin my life just came out with a Disney princess bikini line.

We’ve already established which bathing suits are best for your summer bod, and trust us, these will not be making the list. Whoever came up with this idea to personally victimize me capitalize on the Disney Princess trend is going in my personal burn book. Because now this heinous trend is invading a v important aspect of my life: the beach. The beach is a sanctuary, people. Someplace where I can do two very important things: nap and day drink. I need this place so I can forget the fact that we live in a world where people wear flower crowns and drop crotch pants of their own volition. But now, because we can’t have nice things, the beach isn’t even a safe place anymore.

But back to the bikini line. Enchanted Bikinis has taken it upon themselves to create their own line of Disney-themed swimsuits even though no one fucking asked them to. There will be a bikini for each of the major Disney Princesses including Snow White, Belle, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jasmine, Ariel, and Pocahontas. As if I didn’t have enough of a complex with my summer body, now you want me to squeeze into a bikini that channels my childhood heroes? That’s asking a lot of someone who just spent the last four months binge eating cheese and drinking red wine.

Also, grown women wearing princess costumes at the beach IS NOT OKAY. I mean, I get that we’ve all had that fantasy of being a princess and having Prince Charming come and sweep us off our feet, but like, I left that dream behind after my first jungle-themed frat party. Something about watching a guy shotgun a beer in a leopard print skirt really kills that dream for a girl. Sighs.

My favorite part about this bikini line—if you were to like put a gun to my head, threaten my life, and force me to choose—is probs the mission statement: “…To let the princess in you glow and enchant everyone and everything around, when you wear your Enchanted bikini. We believe that every woman can feel this way without putting on a costume.” Lol k. Let’s just see about this, shall we?

Okay, every girl in this picture is legit wearing a wig to the beach. And that one girl on the end is carrying a braid larger than my body rn. How is this not a costume again? HOW? Seriously. I’ll wait…

Jesus. This girl needs to hi-ho her ass back to the castle because if I see this shit on the beach I’m not sure I can be held responsible for my actions.

It’s like the people at Enchanted Bikinis thought, “have we humiliated the Native American people enough with this false narrative?” and they said, “no, let’s put her in a bikini!”

Tbh I’m surprised they didn’t just use her hair as a substitute for a top. This seems like a brand that would cut corners. Also like a brand that fosters my rage issues.

I think Pocahontas’ face in the saddest group picture ever just about sums up all of my thoughts regarding this bikini line.

The look of someone who’s contemplating how many drinks it will take her to forget that she’s a twentysomething woman wearing a child’s costume in public.

It’s unclear as to how many actual female women will wear such a thing in a public, but then again people sell laxative tea for Instagram followers, so there’s no limit to the amount of desperate shit people will pull. The one thing I know for sure is that Halloween costumes are about to be a whole lot sluttier. People were already wearing bras as tops, so I can only image what my sorority sisters people will be wearing this year now that bikini costumes are a thing. So should I start drinking now to prepare myself or…?