By AEMILIA MADDEN - published
Photo: Mara Hoffman
The 22 Best Low-Back One-Piece Swimsuits for Showing a Little Skin
The sun is hot. The pool is cool, blue, and awaiting your crisp dive in. In this moment, the last thing you want is a swimsuit that’s going to bunch, twist, or even tug off as you make your big entrance. As an alternative to a bikini, consider the best low-back one-piece swimsuits, styles that show off a bit of skin while still remaining snug, whether you’re swimming laps or simply sunbathing.
Related article: Gigi Hadid Designed Swimsuits For Frankies Bikinis
These revealing one-piece swimsuits are a go-to choice for style experts like Alison Bruhn, co-founder of The Style That Binds Us. “Since you’re wearing a one-piece, the suit will have more coverage anyway, so it’s nice to have the back showing a little extra skin,” she explains. “It’s a very graceful look with the eye following the curve of the back.” When you’re done swimming, these suits can do double duty as a top—no need to throw on a bunch of soggy layers. (See Rosie Huntington-Whitely and her collaboration with It-girl swim label Hunza G for an inspiring example of beach-to-dinner swimwear styling.) Bruhn suggests styling yours with a skirt or shorts if you’re headed out. “It’s really pretty to have a sarong tied at the waist or hip, because then, even when you’re wearing your cover-up, the elongated back area can still be a focal point,” she adds.
Just as with any vacation swimwear, fit will make the difference with a low-back one-piece. Shoppers with a long torso should consider ordering a size up, as sometimes suits may be too short (though the brand Left on Friday, featured below, includes a tall sizing option). Also, keep in mind the cut of the suit. For those with fuller chests, you’ll still want to make sure you’re supported with thick straps or even a bustier-style design.
Whatever your size or poolside style, shop the 22 best one-pieces designed to show off your back ahead.
The name Bond-Eye is a play on the famous Australian suburb Bondi Beach, where this brand’s suits are made. This style is made of comfortable, crinkled fabric, and has adjustable straps, a feature you don’t always find in one-piece swimsuits.
Size: One size
Colour: Purple
Material: 55% recycled polyamide, 35% polyamide, 12% elastane
Punctuated by a subtle interpretation of Gucci’s signature interlocking-G logo, this belted suit is made for poolside selfies and lounging at the country club.
Sizes: XS–XL
Colour: Red
Material: 80% polyamide, 20% elastane
For those who struggle to find a one-piece that fits just right, Left on Friday makes suits that come in not just standard sizes, but also regular and tall, for those with longer torsos. This one also has a square neck and high-cut leg.
Sizes: XXS–XL
Colour: Bronze, pink, green, purple, black
Material: 46% nylon, 38% polyester, 16% Lycra
What reviewers are saying: “I have literally never, in my 26 years, felt hot in a swimsuit...until this one. I took mirror selfies, ran around the beach and just generally felt amazing in this bad boy.”
This Zonarch style comes recommended from Bruhn. “I love that it’s low enough in the front to feel glamorous, and low in the back too, but it still gives you plenty of coverage and holds you in,” she says. “This brand is sustainable and affordable and very well-made.”
Sizes: XS–XL
Colour: Black
Material: 74% recycled nylon, 26% spandex
What reviewers are saying: “I feel confident, strong, and sexy in this suit! It fits perfectly in all the right places, and is still comfortable enough to surf in.”
A ditzy floral is the perfect suit for styling with a floaty white skirt and Birkenstocks—a go-to summer outfit. It’s the look editors break out for brunch by the beach and post-meal swim time.
Sizes: 1–5
Colour: Blue
Material: 80% recycled nylon, 20% elastane
Strapless low-back suits seem like an impossibility, but supportive ones exist! Three cross-back straps make this one’s low-cut silhouette possible.
Sizes: S–L
Colour: Pink
Material: 85% polyamide, 15% spandex
Sporty simplicity with a bold twist. This oversize floral print from Mikoh is the kind you’d want to whip out on vacation somewhere tropical.
Sizes: XS–XL
Colour: Multi
Scalloped edges have become a signature for Marysia. (The brand’s tennis dresses with the same detail are a must-have.) It’s a small feminine touch on an otherwise simple suit.
Sizes: XS–L
Colour: Pink
Material: 88% polyamide, 12% elastane
Related article: Sexy Swimsuits To Buy Now, According To Your Dream Vacation Destination
An LBO (little black one-piece) is a must-own for someone building out a collection of swimsuits. It’s effortless, easy to style, and looks good on everyone.
Sizes: 2XS–4XL
Colours: Onyx, cocoa, pink, and more.
Material: 76% recycled nylon, 24% spandex
What reviewers are saying: “The swimsuit really compliments the figure, snatches the waist, and elongates the legs. The scoop neck might look quite low if you have small breasts.”
A balconette silhouette feels inherently dressier than a standard suit without cups. While “dressy” may not be a requirement in your search for swimsuits, this is great for trips with friends when you’ll be posing for lots of photos.
Sizes: XS–XL
Colour: Pink
Material: 71% nylon, 29% Lycra
If you’re looking for a minimalist suit you can swim in, this high-cut style with thick straps fits the bill. For surfing, this swimsuit’s wide, supportive straps are reliably slip-free.
Sizes: XS–XL
Colour: Brown
Material: 80% nylon, 20% spandex
Calling all serious swimmers! This supportive style still has a low-cut back, but cross-shoulder straps offer additional support as you freestyle your way through the pool.
Sizes: XS–3XL
Colours: Black, red, white, blue
Material: 82% nylon, 18% spandex
What reviewers are saying: “It’s the best one-piece I’ve ever had. I was looking for a cross-back style with a low back. I like the combination of support and exposure to the water. The cut of the leg is just right, as is the neckline.”
For a casual trip to the coast, use a black swimsuit in the same way you’d style a sleek bodysuit. Try throwing one on with denim cutoffs.
Sizes: XS–XL
Colour: Black
Material: 80% nylon, 20% elastane
What reviewers are saying: “My husband gifted this one-piece swimsuit with the pareo. It’s a beautiful set. One thing I would say, take one size up as it runs small and be mindful that if the torso is short it’s because you wear this swimsuit high.”
Solid & Striped has been one of the best swimsuit brands for years, thanks to their fun prints and trendy cuts. This white-and-blue color combo instantly transports you to Greece.
Sizes: XS–XL
Colour: Blue
Material: 86% recycled polyamide, 14% Lycra
Norma Kamali has carved a space for herself in the fashion industry with her ability to make sexy pieces also feel comfortable. This suit is no exception.
Sizes: XS–XL
Colour: Red
Material: 72% polyester, 28% spandex
Marni’s bold colors are playfully reimagined in this Galactic Paradise print, created in collaboration with No Vacancy Inn. This suit is at the top of fashion insiders’ summer wish lists because it evokes an unquantifiable feeling of lighthearted ease.
Sizes: 36–48
Colour: Multi
Material: 80% polyamide woven, 20% elastane woven
Emilio Pucci’s signature swirling print gets the swimsuit treatment. This low-cut suit is made in Italy and features a deep back cutout.
Sizes: XS–L
Colour: Pink
Material: 90% viscose, 6% polyamide, 4% elastane
Hunza G’s stretchy suits always hold onto their spot in the swimwear zeitgeist. They're comfortable, colorful, and never constricting. In a new collaboration with Rosie Huntington-Whitely's brand Rose Inc., they're also updated with nautical ring straps, a higher thigh cut, and a cool desert palette.
Size: One size
Colour: Rosewood, Pearl, Spice
Material: 96% nylon, 4% elastane
You’ve probably seen JPG’s body-silhouette dresses and tops popping up on celebs all year long. Now, you can embrace a swimsuit with the same eye-catching design.
Sizes: XXS–XL
Colour: Blue
Material: 80% polyamide, 20% elastane
Related article: Demi Moore Is Tired of Swimsuits with “Barely Any Cloth”
Everlane is known for its mastery of great basics. This sleek black swimsuit is a simple staple you’ll want to reach for over and over again.
Sizes: XXS–XXL
Colour: Black, blue, herb, tiger stripe
Material: 82% ECONYL regenerated nylon, 18% elastane
What reviewers are saying: “I am legitimately surprised! The fit is flawless, who does that with a swimsuit!?!?! I’m 5'1, 125 lbs and it’s extremely difficult for me to find swimsuits and jeans. This suit is beautiful, extremely flattering, and comfortable.”
This article originally appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR US.