Summer is here! Well, almost. College graduations are underway, schools are starting to let out and the sun is finally starting to stay out past 7 p.m.
From the beach, pool, water park, lake, or backyard slip 'n' slide, swimwear and swim accessories are must-haves for summer.
That's why we decided to create an Ultimate Summer Swim Guide: a list full of items sure to make this summer memorable and effortless, from sunscreen with an easy-to-maneuver applicator, to swimsuits that prioritize tummy control, fast-drying features and more.
On-air fashion expert and stylist Jasmine Snow stopped by TODAY to share items that make up our Ultimate Summer Swim Guide, starting at $10.
Ultimate Summer Swim Guide: Swimsuits
Aidonger One-Piece Swimdress
You don’t have to sacrifice style for a full coverage fit, according to Snow. This swimdress has built-in bottoms and a tie skirt that sits over top, giving it a “vintage glam” look, says Snow.
Ruffle sleeves and a plunging V-neck help add to its more fashionable features, without compromising on coverage.
Old Navy Matte Tankini Swim Top
ICYMI, tankinis are back! And they’re trending, with searches for this silhouette up 60% last month. Snow calls this “the best of both worlds,” easily combining the full coverage you get with a one-piece and the versatility of a bikini.
Available in five colors and a range of sizes, this halter top can be tied as loose as you want, helping it fit securely when you’re sitting poolside.
Summersalt The Perfect Wrap One Piece
This Shop TODAY award-winning pick (it earned a Travel Gear Award in 2024!) is a go-to for tummy control. Our editors raved about how lightweight it is and how secure and stable the straps feel.
"I love that the wrap is an illusion but still has a full one piece underneath," says social video producer Anita Chomenko. "Even if the tie comes loose, you wouldn't have to worry about the whole thing coming undone. The color is bright, vibrant and very flattering."
Cupshe One-Piece Tummy Control V-Neck Swimsuit
With over 3,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, it's easy to see why this one-piece is well-loved. Snow says it provides a "chic, wrapped look that flatters every body." It's also currently less than $40, which helps give it a "designer look" on a budget, according to Snow.
Old Navy Matte High-Waisted Bikini Swim Bottoms
High-waisted bottoms are oftentimes flattering, and provide full coverage. This pair is also affordable, ringing in at $12, making this swim set for under $30.
Snow says a tankini set is great for moving around in — should you happen to join a game of beach volleyball on vacation.
Left On Friday Top Shelf Bikini Top
Made for D-G cup sizes, this top was designed with women's bodies in mind. They're "supportive for larger busts and flattering on everyone," says Snow. A square neck top provides ample amounts of coverage, helping you feel confident and stable.
"You can really feel the quality of Left on Friday’s suits when you put them on," adds social media editorial assistant, Annie Shigo. "You feel secure and confident because the fabric is just that good. I wore mine for an active weekend at the beach and loved how secure I felt in my suit.”
Left On Friday Double Scoop Top
Meant for cup sizes A-C, Snow says that these swimsuits are worth the splurge. "They're on the higher end, but they'll last season after season and won't stretch out or fade," she claims.
This specific top boasts a "no-dig" band, meaning it'll sit comfortably no matter if you're lying out or wearing it underneath a wetsuit.
Left On Friday Hi Tide Bottom
This is the brand's bestselling swim bottom, they say. It's made out of a polyester, lycra and nylon fabric blend, helping it remain buttery soft and smooth.
Old Navy 7 in. Inseam Swim Trunks
Whether he's into solids or stripes, tomato patterns or sailboat prints, these swimsuits are affordable enough that he can sport them all throughout the season.
They're crafted with a recycled polyester and spandex fabric blend, lending to their fast-dry qualities.
Fair Harbor Anchor Stripe Swim Trunks
Snow says these swim trunks can be worn to brunch and the beach without missing a step. They have a boxer-brief lining that helps them remain comfortable and chafe-free, while a drawstring elastic waist ensures you can adjust them for a preferred fit. Plus, there's even an included back pocket for storing essentials — keys, a wallet, or a phone.
Now through 5/21, TODAY readers can save 25% off sitewide with code TODAY. The code is not applicable on collaboration styles or sale items.
Yonique One Shoulder One-Piece Swimsuit
A mesh fabric surrounding the torso and one shoulder strap help this swimsuit look flattering, while features such as removable padding and tummy control near the waist help it to remain dependable.
Reviewers rave about the “supportive” top, “striking” colors and how “stylish” the overall silhouette is.
Ultimate Summer Swim Guide: Everything But the Suit
Hoxis Mesh Beach Tote
Leave the elements where they’re supposed to be (the beach!) with this carefully designed bag that’s made out of mesh, allowing water and sand to seep through.
“It’s deceptively spacious — fits towels, snacks, water bottles, sunscreen, even toys for the kids,” says Snow.
Anrabess Swimsuit Cover Up
Snow dubbed this the "it" cover-up of the summer, saying it "gives a boho-chic vibe that instantly elevates any swimsuit look." Swimsuit cover-ups are trending, with searches up 190% in the past 30 days.
This one is available in a range of colors — white if you're celebrating on a bachelorette beach vacation, solids, if you want a fun swimsuit to peek through underneath, or stripes for completing a coastal grandma 'fit.
Monday Swimwear Florence Sun Hat
These hats are the perfect blend of style and sun protection — providing you with an accessory you'll be reaching for all summer long.
This sun hat in particular has wispy straw edges that flare out over a wide brim, helping you feel protected from every angle. Plus, TODAY readers can save 30% off sitewide with code TODAY now through 5/21.
Monday Swimwear Exuma Hat
Available in three different colors, this straw hat mimics the look of a cowboy hat, but with a straw pattern that makes it beach-friendly. The material itself is flexible, meaning you can bend it to a preferred shape. And, TODAY readers can save 30% off sitewide with code TODAY now through 5/21.
Voboom Quick Dry Baseball Cap
It's everything he knows and loves in a traditional baseball cap, but with a breathable backing that dispels heat while golfing, at the beach or spending time outside. A quick-drying sweat band lines the rim, and it also includes a snap-back closure that allows him to adjust it as needed.
Snow calls this cap an elevated basic, saying it's "more polished, but just as easy to wear."
Atolea Jewelry Double White Beaded Bracelet
Similarly, this 2-in-1 bracelet features two different style of band, one thin gold bracelet and another one adorned with pearls. It's made with the same stainless steel and 18k gold materials that help it be irritant-free on sensitive skin, and all their products come with a lifetime warranty should they tarnish or have coloring issues.
Plus, TODAY readers can save 25% off sitewide with code TODAY, now through 5/22.
Atolea Jewelry Pearl Huggie Hoops
Made to go from swimming to a shower afterwards without tarnishing, these earrings have a pearl detail, hoping to play into the coastal trend — no matter if you're aiming to achieve a coastal cowgirl or grandmother look.
TODAY readers can save 25% off with code TODAY, now through 5/22.
More Atolea Jewelry products to shop:
- Atolea Jewelry Large Hoop Earrings, was $28, now $21
- Atolea Jewelry Wave Bracelet, was $38, now $28.50
- Atolea Jewelry Isle Ring, was $51, now $38.25
- Atolea Jewelry Beaded Ring, was $51, now $38.25
- Atolea Jewelry Mini Pearls Ring, was $56, now $42
- Atolea Jewelry Sun Pendant, was $58, now $43.50
- Atolea Jewelry Santorini Necklace, was $60, now $45
- Atolea Jewelry Baroque Pearl Pendant, was 61, now $45.75
- Atolea Jewelry Ocean Necklace, was $63, now $47.25
- Atolea Jewelry Tahiti Necklace, was $63, now $47.25
- Atolea Jewelry Ios Necklace, was $63, now $47.25
- Atolea Jewelry Gemini Stackable Rings, was $67, now $50.25
- Atolea Jewelry Starlight Cuff Bracelet, was $75, now $56.25
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Roll-On Sunscreen
A roll-on applicator makes this sunscreen mess-free and easy to apply. It's also TSA-approved, stowing away easily in a toiletry bag for any upcoming summer vacation.
Snow calls Sun Bum's signature scent "vacation in a bottle," noting that it's "coconutty, warm and nostalgic," unlike others that have a more chemical fragrance.
More summer items to shop
Baublebar Take It Away Storage Pouch
Don't let a wet swimsuit soil everything else in your suitcase. Keep it separated from other items with this neoprene pouch, that easily zips shut.
Towel Crabber Towel Bands
If your towels constantly slip and slide down the rubbery chairs at waterparks, strap them into place with one of these six bands, which stretches to fit over most beach chairs, according to the brand.
Plus, it comes with a storage pouch to make them easy to pack for any beach vacation or cruise.
K'lani Inspire Hair Tie Bracelets
These elastic bracelets double as hair ties when not in use, adding a boho touch to any bracelet stack.
K'lani Shimmer Hair Tie Bracelets
Never be left without a hair tie for the gym again! These bracelets serve as elastic hair ties as well — meaning one is never far away once added to your daily accessories.
Rothy's x Fair Harbor Men's Flip Flop
Shop TODAY editor-loved brand Rothy's recently collaborated with coastal brand Fair Harbor to create a line for men, including shoes, swim trunks and tops.
These flip flops were crafted with casual wear and comfort in mind, and are even machine washable should they get muddy or dirty.
Meet the experts
- Jasmine Snow is a stylist, on-air fashion expert and editor.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers. The picks in this article were chosen by Jasmine Snow and Shop TODAY.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
