19 Best Travel Swimsuits for Women (Packable Swimwear for Your Trip)

I’ve traveled all over the world with just a black bikini. My strapless black bikini top has doubled as a sleek bandeau under various travel dresses so that bra straps wouldn’t get in the way of a picture-perfect travel photo opportunity. And that black bikini bottom? It never shows dirt, nor signs of wear. It’s the first bathing suit I pack in my bags when I travel.

But not everyone’s happy with a black bikini to wear over and over again. In fact, if you travel a LOT, and you need a new swimsuit (maybe one with a cool travel feature? Keep reading), I’m glad you’ve found this list.

I’ve found bathing suits for travel that do all sorts of things: swimsuits that have hidden pockets, ways to double as a bra, or a top to wear out, or ones that have fuller coverage for if you plan to be in the sun a LONG time at the beach.

Travel is full of all sorts of surprises, so let’s get into this list of the BEST travel swimwear for women who like to go places.

Thank you to Title Nine for collaborating with me on this travel swimsuit list so that I could try the Title Nine products included below.

One-piece bathing suits for travel

I used to turn away from one-piece bathing suits when I considered my swimwear for travel and adventuring, but now I gravitate TOWARD them. One pieces are sensible, convenient and comfortable! (Plus, they help lessen the chance of sunburn by default.) Here are some recommendations from brands I’ve tried.

Title Nine Better One Piece Swimsuit

I like this one-piece bathing suit because it keeps things together and has a comfortable racerback design on the backside. I appreciate that Title Nine makes it clear that this one’s built for women with B-DD cups, and when you check out the sizing, you can see that despite it not having underwire in the chest, it does come in specific D/DD sizing.

Title Nine is a women-owned brand that I like for all the travel features in their products. This one is a T9 exclusive, and I have it in size XS, where I found that it fits pretty true to size! (Phew)

As for sustainability, I got sucked into reading on their website about how to make your swimwear last longer with a few tips. That’s right - no fast fashion, and I’ll wear it for years to come on all my trips.

Check for your size: Title Nine Better One Piece Swimsuit at the Title Nine website.

Quince Italian Plunge One-Piece Swimsuit

In a world where swim suits are painfully expensive, Quince made an affordable one-piece option that I wear with pride. It’s the Italian Plunge One-Piece Swimsuit and it has UPF50 sun protection in addition to a timelessly minimal design with a nice dip in the back.

This one can look super cute as a “top” that I wear with a sarong, pool cover-up or maxi skirt, so I like the fact that it doesn’t scream “BATHING SUIT” if I’m going out to a beach bar or dinner at my hotel. I can even walk around a city in this one on a hot summer day as long as I’ve got a chic pair of shorts on with it.

Bonus: it now comes in regular (I got it in Regular-S) and Long sizing. I think I’m going to get it in a few more colors.

Try it here: Italian Plunge One-Piece Swimsuit in lots of colors.

Carve Designs All Day One-Piece Swimsuit

How cool is this one-piece swimsuit, honestly. When I think of one-piece swimwear, I sort of groan, but this flattering cap-sleeve style zip-down bathing suit is minimal and flattering.

In terms of why it works for travel: it’s great for water sports, lounging or a day at the beach, and doubles as a perfectly fine top to wear with a skirt, skort or shorts.

As a helpful sizing tidbit, it also comes in Tall sizing in addition to regular!

Try it: Carve Designs All Day One-Piece Swimsuit at REI.

Cupshe Crush Hour Slim & Sculpt One Piece Swimsuit

This one-piece bathing suit makes this swimwear style flattering and eye-catching, without showing any tummy or middle region. It’s like a true classic, perfect for the French Riviera, the Caribbean or Southeast Asia—or anywhere in between. I love the elevated straps and neckline.

It’s also shockingly affordable!

Check sizes at the Cupshe website.

Two-piece swimwear for travel

I’m not saying I am a pro, but I am maybe the reigning expert of using a bikini top as a bra for ALL TYPES OF TRAVEL since about 2012. Anyway, that’s my personal suggestion, because it’s hard to find a black bra for under all those strappy tanks and dresses, but when it’s a bikini top—bingo. 😊

Quince Italian Scoop Neck Bikini Top

I own this one, and I will tell you that I had to size up… um, three times. I wear an XS in shirts, but that’s not reflective of my bikini top size. I wound up getting a SIZE LARGE! (Keep this in mind when ordering, and more modestly-chested women may fare easier than I did)

The thing about this sleek bikini top from Quince, though, is that it is perfect for the type of trip when you’re at the beach or pool, then back at the hotel or resort, then out to dinner, and then maybe swimming again. Because this bikini top looks and acts fine under a shirt, under a dress, no matter how skimpy, and comes in timeless bold colors that I tend to wear again and again.

Try it for yourself: Quince Italian Scoop Neck Bikini Top (it’s also highly affordable).

prAna Summer Wave Reversible Swim Top & High Rise Bottom

Three cheers for a bikini top that is not skimpy, as well as a higher-rise bikini bottom that actually looks good. It is travel friendly because you only have to pack one swimsuit and it gives you two: each piece has a solid side and a patterned side.

If space is tight in your carry-on, you can pack this single bikini and make your travel photos look like you packed two. What an epic hack!

Try the top and bottom together at the prAna website.

Nike swim tops (Bikini, Midkini, Tankini)

Did you consider Nike for two-piece bathing suits that are handy to have on your trip? If you want to do any type of water sports, consider the athletics brand itself. Among the rotating styles they make year round are bralette bikini tops, midkinis (my new favorite style), tankinis and “cropped swim tops.”

Most are classics for low-impact water activities that you may be pro at, or try for the first time, like when you’re on the beach somewhere new and a vendor asks if you want to wakeboard (what’s that?). Nike makes lots of styles that’ll handle board sports, lounging, leisure swimming or days on a boat while you’re on vacation.

See what’s in stock at Nike: Nike swim tops (Bikini, Midkini, Tankini).

Land’s End Tankinis and Midkinis (on sale)

I’m linking you here to the main page for Land’s End swimwear for women because their styles constantly change and they have FANTASTIC sales. In fact, even during the regular summer season, the majority of their bathing suits are on sale.

For two-piece choices of bathing suits, they have great tankinis and midkinis, along with matching high-waisted bottoms and board shorts or swim shorts/skirts to pair. There’s so much to choose from and browse at the Land’s End website, and the biggest perk of all is inclusive sizing, with petite/regular/plus-size options, as well as cup sizes up to DD AND “Long Torso” sizing!

Find travel swimwear on sale now at Land’s End.

Title Nine Bikini & Midkini Tops

I like the styles and quality from Title Nine, so I explored their bikinis and chose one. Then I also saw that they make midkinis! It was actually my introduction to this swimsuit style.

Midkini is just fun to say, and Title Nine makes quite a few of them. As someone with a short torso, I think this is one of my ‘more favorite’ two-piece styles because a midkini has more coverage than a bikini, yet does not fall as long as a tankini. What a perfect hybrid style.

I have the Impossible Midkini Top (see below in the photo) and it has a fun macrame-design racerback, plus adjustable straps. I didn’t even bother with adjustments, though, as it fit the first time.

I recommend reading closely at the fit guidelines because a lot of these midkini styles are best for modest chests like A/B cups. The Better Bikini Top, on the other hand, comes in choices of cup size from B/C to D.

Title Nine says they’re “fadeproof,” which means more wear in the sun, and more durability through more travel through the years.

Find bikinis and midkinis at the Title Nine website.

Nani V-Neck Tankini Swimsuit Top

This tankini comes in super inclusive sizing from XXS to 3XL and you’ll find it at the REI website. It goes from beach lounging to “Oh, let’s do a water activity like paddle-boarding” and proves tankini designs can be cute.

The V-neck design also goes well under V-neck shirts or dresses if I’m wearing it under my outfit for the day on vacation.

See inclusive sizing for the Nani V-Neck Tankini Swimsuit Top at REI.

Swim shorts (as bathing suit bottoms) for travel

For years, I wanted coverage on the bottom, and I didn’t even know “swim shorts” are a real thing. I was just wearing water-friendly athletic shorts over a bathing suit and going in the water. But behold, swim shorts are a real product and they are for real women travelers who want to be versatile, going right into the water and then staying cool.

Title Nine Manta Swim Shorts

The first time I put on these swim shorts from Title Nine, I said, “Ohhh, I get it now.” Previously, I had worn literal athletic shorts over a bikini bottom, but these “swim shorts” ARE the bathing suit. They’re just shorts-style! What I like about them is that they’re a bathing suit, but for walking around in them before and after water activities, they’re perfectly natural as shorts.

These are perfect for me, as I like the coverage, and I’m in a phase where I’d prefer to wear swim shorts as my two-piece bathing suit bottom. Of course, if you want the option to take them off, wear a bikini bottom under them, and expand your options for the day. For fit, I do confirm they’re “true to size!” I got an XS.

See why I like them and check sizes: Title Nine Manta Swim Shorts.

Patagonia Wavefarer Board Shorts - Women’s 5” Inseam

These bring out the adventurer in me, because these board shorts for women are perfect for those hikes when you decide to jump in a waterfall. And that’s just one use case.

They’re made of recycled fishing nets and are made uniquely for water sports that involve a board or surfboard, with the gusseted seams and a self-draining pocket. There’s a key loop, too, so I think these pack in the travel features that are functional for a lot of women.

Check for your size: Patagonia Wavefarer Board Shorts - Women’s 5” Inseam.

Hoku Swim Skirt by Carve Designs

Okay, obviously not shorts, but do you prefer a skirt? It has an interior “brief,” which means that this is a real two-piece bathing suit swim bottom, and it is also a skirt to wear near the beach and on the beach.

It’s for women who want the added bonus of butt coverage and style while on a trip, and works well for some modesty at the water or the pool.

Try this style: Hoku Swim Skirt by Carve Designs at REI.

Surf-friendly swim suits for travel

While I don’t surf, I’m always inspired by women who do. After I came back from Sri Lanka and Nicaragua, I ran into lots of women travelers who were seeking out surf beaches for their next adventure. Swimsuits like these are surf-forward and sure to be good choices.

Free Fly Women’s Wavebound Long Sleeve Suit

I tried this one, and I want to let you know first that IT RUNS VERY SMALL! Make sure you order one size larger than your typical size. I couldn’t believe how snug it was!

Fit aside, this swimsuit for water activities has a half zipper and UPF 50+ sun protection, which you’ll need if you’re surfing or boarding. A tip from the Free Fly website I picked up is that you can actually wear it over a bikini top for some more support in the chest, or if you want to keep it zipped down for a surfer-vibe look.

Try the Wavebound Long Sleeve Suit from Free Fly Apparel.

BODEN Rash Guard Swimsuit

Bonus points for the fact that it comes in Petite, Regular and Long! I’m so impressed!

This VERY popular surf-style bathing suit for travel has a raglan style in the shoulders, removable cups at the chest and a deep zipper. The color choices are like, way too fun. I want them all, and I wish I could actually surf!

Try the BODEN Rash Guard Swimsuit before it sells out (it will).

Roxy Geo Flower Surf Swimsuit - Women’s (at REI)

Think surfing, paddle-boarding, kayaking, canoeing and more. This long-sleeve one-piece from Roxy is best for activities at the beach. Of course, it doubles as a long-sleeve top if you pair it with some jean shorts, when you are at the beach tiki bar later on.

It has UPF 50 protection for tropical sun rays.

Check sizing availability for the Roxy Geo Flower Surf Swimsuit - Women’s (at REI).

Long-sleeve rash guard-style travel swimwear

I never considered rash guards (long-sleeve bathing suit tops) as a possibility for travel, but having had a fair share of sunburns that busted up my trip memories, they’re a solid idea. Here’s why: rash guards protect skin from burning, and they’re sensible for engaging in water sports like diving, kitesurfing and paddle sports.

Free Fly Women’s Offshore Rash Guard

Rash guard but make it cool? This rash guard from Free Fly actually exudes “cool” for something that might not be so cool until you dunk into water. It has a slight high neck, and a slight crop, so your belly might peek out if you have a low-waisted swim bottom.

I wish I could pull this one off. If the Long Sleeve Suit from Free Fly is any indication of fit, you might want to size up as you buy.

Check availability for the Free Fly Women’s Offshore Rash Guard.

Vuori Crush Long-Sleeve Rashguard (at REI)

Vuori makes a rash guard, and it’s a good-looking one! When I pair this with a low-rise swimsuit bottom or even swim shorts, I kind of feel like a surfing model.

I’m kidding, but in all honesty, the travel features of this one are a small slip pocket and a higher neckline for some sun coverage. It’s a very cool overall look, and the cropped style is elevated (for a style that a lot of people don’t think of when they think “travel swim suit”). You can get surfing and paddling vibes with this choice of a rash guard for at trip.

Check for available sizes at REI: Vuori Crush Long-Sleeve Rashguard (at REI).

Athleta One Piece Rash Guard

Athleta’s long-sleeve one-piece rash guard swimsuit has raglan sleeve seams and a zip-down design. It has full butt coverage and before I tell you anything else, I am HYPE because it comes in Regular, Petite and Tall sizing!!!

Athleta’s inclusive sizing also runs from XXS to XL, and one final thing to know about this brand is that they have excellent sale opportunities on the site. So, if you see that this rash guard is sold out, check into all the other great rash guard and full coverage products as well as the sale swim section (hot tip!).

Check for your size at Athleta: Athleta One Piece Rash Guard.

How I chose the travel swimsuits for this list

Like I mentioned in the beginning, I’ve been the girl who took the same black bikini on every single trip for a decade. But I know that not every traveler will settle for this!

I wanted this list to cover a wide array of swimsuits that cover different types of travel. I chose to cover:

• One-piece bathing suits
• Two-piece bathing suits like bikinis, midkinis and tankinis
• Swim shorts and skirts (that are also bathing suits)
• Surf-friendly swimwear
• Rash guard style swimsuits for women who want more skin coverage from the sun, or, a style for active sports while traveling

I also wanted to include:

• Options for modesty at the beach or pool
• Options for short women (petite sizes), tall women (long torso sizes) and inclusive sizing for plus-sized women
• A variety of budget options (so I’m pointing out sales, and affordable brands!) and elevated premium brands at a higher tier
• A combination of flashy prints and muted solid colors
• Swimsuits that have lots of butt coverage as well as those with skimpier bottoms

How did I do? Since my days of the single black tube top bikini that I wore as a bra under my dress around the world, I’ve expanded much more into one-pieces I wear on repeat as well as new styles like midkinis and swim suits that I’m trying out this year.