Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Summer is upon us, so it's time to make a splash. Of all the vacation swimwear to shop before another season of beach getaways and pool parties, the best high-waisted swimsuits can do no wrong. These bikinis accentuate your waist, provide full coverage, and keep everything in place, all with a fun, retro feel.
Designers from Alaïa to Zimmermann are carrying two-pieces with high-rise waistbands and higher-cut legs this summer. What sets the absolute best high-waisted swimsuits apart from the rest? "You want something that still feels fashion-forward and cool, since the silhouette can often feel conservative," says Bloomingdale's ready-to-wear fashion director Arielle Siboni. "I love the addition of an element like a belt."
Our Favorite High-Waisted Swimsuits for Summer 2024
Best Minimalist High-Waisted Swimsuit
Alaïa Cutout Seamless Two-Piece Swimsuit
Read more
Best Animal Printed High-Waisted Swimsuit
Tropic of C South Pacific Bottom
Read more
Best Shimmery High-Waisted Swimsuit
Oséree Lumière Stretch-Lurex Bikini
Read more
Best One-Size High-Waisted Swimsuit
Hunza G Nadine Bikini Set
Read more
Best Neon Green High-Waisted Swimsuit
Jade Swim Incline Bikini Bottoms
Read more
Best Tropical Printed High-Waisted Swimsuit
Johanna Ortiz Uganda Belted Leaf Bikini Bottom
Read more
Best Detailed High-Waisted Swimsuit
Vix Hadhi Hot Pant Bikini Bottoms
Read more
Best Reversible High-Waisted Swimsuit
Agua Bendita Alicia Java Bikini Bottoms
Read more
Best Multicolor High-Waisted Swimsuit
Camilla Away with the Fairies Pant
Read more
Best Retro High-Waisted Swimsuit
Alexandra Miro Ursula Printed Bikini Bottoms
Read more
While you can search for these features online, you may want to consider taking your cute swimsuit search to a store (or at least order a few sizes to your home). "Bathing suits need to be tried on," Siboni reminds us. "Every body is different. It’s all about what you feel confident in when you’re meant to be relaxing and vacationing!" The 25 best high-waisted swimsuits ahead are your start for hitting the beach in style—and comfort.
Best Minimalist High-Waisted Swimsuit
Alaïa Cutout Seamless Two-Piece Swimsuit
Best Minimalist High-Waisted Swimsuit
Alaïa Cutout Seamless Two-Piece Swimsuit
Now 55% Off
For the minimalist, this little bandeau bikini by Alaïa with laser cutout details is a timeless and full-coverage option.
Sizes: 2–12
Materials: Nylon, spandex
Colors: Turquoise, noir
Best Animal Printed High-Waisted Swimsuit
Tropic of C South Pacific Bottom
Best Animal Printed High-Waisted Swimsuit
Tropic of C South Pacific Bottom
Now 56% Off
Sophia Loren would have worn this suit today. The high-waisted style in animal print allows for a covered yet sexy look.
Sizes: XS–C+
Materials: Nylon, spandex
Colors: Cheetah, zebra, black
Complete the high-waisted swimsuit: Matching top $100 at Tropic of C
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Best One-Size High-Waisted Swimsuit
Hunza G Nadine Bikini Set
Best One-Size High-Waisted Swimsuit
Hunza G Nadine Bikini Set
Hunza G's one-size-fits-all bikinis are soft and stretchy, flattering all figures. On this high-waist bikini, the tortoise ring is an earthy detail.
Sizes: One
Materials: Nylon, elastane
Colors: Fuchsia
Best Neon Green High-Waisted Swimsuit
Jade Swim Incline Bikini Bottoms
Best Neon Green High-Waisted Swimsuit
Jade Swim Incline Bikini Bottoms
Jade Swim's bikini comes with a high-cut bottom for an elongating effect. Plus, this neon green shade is having a moment.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: Nylon, elastane
Colors: Irlanda
Complete the high-waisted swimsuit: Matching top $90 at Mytheresa
Best Tropical Printed High-Waisted Swimsuit
Johanna Ortiz Uganda Belted Leaf Bikini Bottom
Best Tropical Printed High-Waisted Swimsuit
Johanna Ortiz Uganda Belted Leaf Bikini Bottom
Now 40% Off
Seeking a printed style? Look no further than Johanna Ortiz's palm-printed bottom with a tonal belt.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: Polyester, spandex, polyamide, elastane
Colors: Palm-printed
Complete the high-waisted swimsuit: Matching top $310 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Best Detailed High-Waisted Swimsuit
Vix Hadhi Hot Pant Bikini Bottoms
Best Detailed High-Waisted Swimsuit
Vix Hadhi Hot Pant Bikini Bottoms
The knotted side straps make this high-rise bikini bottom feel a little flirtatious. Sometimes, less is more.
Sizes: XS–L
Materials: Polyamide, elastane
Colors: Black
Complete the high-waisted swimsuit: Matching top $128 at Bergdorf Goodman
Best Reversible High-Waisted Swimsuit
Agua Bendita Alicia Java Bikini Bottoms
Best Reversible High-Waisted Swimsuit
Agua Bendita Alicia Java Bikini Bottoms
Can't decide on just one bikini? This reversible style offers two for the price of one, with a reversible component to give you the choice between bright green and pale pink.
Sizes: S–3XL
Materials: Nylon, spandex
Colors: Green
Complete the high-waisted swimsuit: Matching top $120 at Shopbop
Best Multicolor High-Waisted Swimsuit
Camilla Away with the Fairies Pant
Best Multicolor High-Waisted Swimsuit
Camilla Away with the Fairies Pant
Now 50% Off
This Australian label's floral print, high-rise bikini brings the energy wherever you're spending the summer. The high waistline and high-cut leg evoke vintage swimsuits to a T.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: Polyamide, elastane
Colors: Away with the Fairies
Complete the high-waisted swimsuit: Matching top $199 at Camilla
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Best Retro High-Waisted Swimsuit
Alexandra Miro Ursula Printed Bikini Bottoms
Best Retro High-Waisted Swimsuit
Alexandra Miro Ursula Printed Bikini Bottoms
A nod to its nostalgic roots, Alexandra Miro's tropical belted bottoms bring nature to the forefront. The bandeau top ties in the ring motif, too.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: Nylon, elastane
Colors: Tropical Print
Complete the high-waisted swimsuit: Matching top $210 at Mytheresa
Best Thong-Cut High-Waisted Swimsuit
Kamari Roze High-Waisted Bikini Bottoms
Best Thong-Cut High-Waisted Swimsuit
Kamari Roze High-Waisted Bikini Bottoms
A brilliantly pink swimsuit is an eye-catching choice. These give you a little less coverage, in a thong cut for a cheekier look.
Sizes: XS–XL
Colors: Berry
Complete the high-waisted swimsuit: Matching top $75 at Kamari
Best Seersucker High-Waisted Swimsuit
Lisa Marie Fernandez Seersucker Bikini Set
Best Seersucker High-Waisted Swimsuit
Lisa Marie Fernandez Seersucker Bikini Set
This bathing suit is detailed perfection. The seersucker composition touches on texture, and the scoop neckline with fixed straps gives a supportive shape.
Sizes: 2XS–L
Materials: Nylon, elastane
Colors: Black
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Best Detailed High-Waisted Swimsuit
Valimare Martinique Bandage-Trim Bikini Bottom
Best Detailed High-Waisted Swimsuit
Valimare Martinique Bandage-Trim Bikini Bottom
The bikini you need for tanning on a white sand beach. Crystal blue waters await.
Sizes: S–XL
Materials: Polyamide, elastane
Colors: Off-white
Complete the high-waisted swimsuit: Matching top $160 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Best Floral High-Waisted Swimsuit
Peony Gathered Hi Pant
Best Floral High-Waisted Swimsuit
Peony Gathered Hi Pant
In this seventies daydream of a swimsuit, a modest cut gives way to a delicate floral print in light orange and green pastels. The ruched sides cinch the silhouette to further the meticulous construction.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: Nylon, elastane
Colors: Lilium, periwinkle
Complete the high-waisted swimsuit: Matching top $105 at Peony
Best Cheeky High-Waisted Swimsuit
MIKOH Muliki Metallic Cheeky Bottoms
Best Cheeky High-Waisted Swimsuit
MIKOH Muliki Metallic Cheeky Bottoms
A glitter finish makes this violet swimsuit even more striking. A hybrid of nylon and spandex delivers stretchy comfort.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: Nylon, spandex, metallic
Colors: Violet
Complete the high-waisted swimsuit: Matching top $146 at Shopbop
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Best Black High-Waisted Swimsuit
Summersalt The Ruched Bottom
Best Black High-Waisted Swimsuit
Summersalt The Ruched Bottom
A black bathing suit is a staple. This one isn't as high-waisted as the others, but it still brings about desired coverage.
What reviewers are saying: "I love this sleek, classic two piece! It holds everything in and yet does not feel constricting. Perfect all around!"
Sizes: 2–22
Materials: Polyamide, elastane
Colors: Sea urchin, hydrangea, nectarine orchard, terrace floral, garden floral, garden party, amber, sea glass
Complete the high-waisted swimsuit: Matching top $50 at Summersalt
Best Sporty High-Waisted Swimsuit
Madewell x OOKIOH Surfrider Bikini Bottom
Best Sporty High-Waisted Swimsuit
Madewell x OOKIOH Surfrider Bikini Bottom
The sporty style that you've been waiting for. Made from recycled items (like discarded fishing nets), the sustainability component makes this retro swimsuit irresistible.
Sizes: XS–2XL
Materials: Nylon, spandex
Colors: Shell
Complete the high-waisted swimsuit: Matching top $65 at Madewell
Best Terrycloth High-Waisted Swimsuit
Beach Riot Highway Bottom
Best Terrycloth High-Waisted Swimsuit
Beach Riot Highway Bottom
When you want a change from a traditional nylon suit, terrycloth is a great way to go. The geometrically woven design subtly stamps the blood orange fabric.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: Polyester, spandex
Colors: Blood orange
Complete the high-waisted swimsuit: Matching top $118 at Revolve
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Most Sophisticated High-Waisted Swimsuit
Zimmermann Devi Eyelet Bikini Bottoms
Most Sophisticated High-Waisted Swimsuit
Zimmermann Devi Eyelet Bikini Bottoms
Zimmermann's bathing suits almost transcend swimwear. Laced grommets trim the waist-band to elevate this piece.
Sizes: 0–4
Materials: Elastane
Colors: Green
Complete the high-waisted swimsuit: Matching top $170 at Bergdorf Goodman
Best V-Cut High-Waisted Swimsuit
Agua Bendita Kiana Sustainable Bikini Bottom
Best V-Cut High-Waisted Swimsuit
Agua Bendita Kiana Sustainable Bikini Bottom
Now 50% Off
A twist-front banded waist fades into contrasting florals of sunset hues. The V-cut is a complimentary contour of the suit.
Sizes: S–3XL
Materials: Polyester, elastane
Colors: Multicolor
Complete the high-waisted swimsuit: Matching top $130 at Agua Bendita
Andrea Zendejas
Senior Accessories Editor
Andrea Zendejas is the Senior Accessories Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she has worked for 5+ years. Andrea handles fine and costume jewelry, shoes, and bags for all cover and fashion stories in addition to overseeing the front of book shopping pages. She also styles beauty well stories and various fashion stories for digital. Andrea previously worked at CR Fashion Book, SELF Magazine, and Women’s Health and has contributed to digital sites Harper's BAZAAR and Marie Claire. Follow her on Instagram.
Gaby Keiderling
Gaby Keiderling is a freelance writer, working on fashion, lifestyle, travel, and sports features.