Ride or Die Swimsuits

A hotel you didn’t think had a pool, a hot tub, an unexpected cold plunge opportunity—it always seems like the time you didn’t pack a swimsuit is when you need one the most. That’s why we always keep one in our carry-on, regardless of the season or destination. Of course when you find a great-fitting and versatile one, it works for any situation (including doubling as a sports bra in a pinch!). If you don’t have a go-to or you just want to add something new to your rotation, this list is for you. We asked some stylish friends to share their favorite swimsuit that always has a spot in their suitcase. 

1. My Left On Friday bikini is my undisputed favorite: the fit is flawless (think Eres but surf-proof), the fabric feels like second skin, and it refuses to be confined to hot summer days—it’s my back-up when all my sports bras are in the wash, doubles as lingerie under sheer clothing and, of course, flexes its sexy magic in my LA backyard and on tropical getaways. My go-to: sandy top and wear to bottom in jet.—Marlien Rentmeester, style editor, founder of the Le Catch website and her Substack of the same name  

2. I love Anouk. She is my ride or die, my everyday all the time one piece bathing suit. The Anouk is incredibly comfortable and supportive with a flattering v-neck and a higher cut leg. There is an under seam that keeps everything in place and these genius straps that can criss cross in back for even more support. She is magic. Malia Mills bathing suits last a lifetime. —Sarah Meikle, fashion consultant and style editor

3. I am die-hard for the Eres Aquarelle in black. It doesn’t show too much butt—just enough, you can actually swim in it, my kids can’t pull the neckline down, and the neckline looks great with jewelry. It’s a true classic. —Laurel Pantin, stylist and author of Earl Earl on Substack

4. As someone who has worked in fashion media my entire career, I have very strong opinions on swimwear. My all-time favorite brand is Left on Friday, specifically their Sunday Top and Hi Tide Bottoms. I have owned both pieces for years, and they are absolutely the most chic, comfortable, high quality, and long-lasting suits on the market, and I love that they come in a zillion incredible colors. They are an essential purchase, and always in my carry-on bag, no matter where I’m going. —Hillary Kerr, Co-founder of Who What Wear and author of Hi Everyone on Substack

5. For years it was always a classic two piece from Eres in black, but since this is a swimsuit that I often pull out in the depths of winter for an unexpected hot tub or sauna opportunity, or a hotel that has a great indoor pool I didn’t know about, I now prefer this one piece that has more coverage. I first discovered the Dnud brand at Galeries Lafayette in Paris, and I think it really competes with Eres. Their fabrics are great (they last like Eres does), their colors and shapes are classic, and the prices are a fraction of Eres. —Yolanda

6. My ride or die swimsuit that I never forget to pack on any trip (even if there is no swimming guaranteed) is the Gooseberry Intimates’ So Chic One Piece Tank in Royal Blue. While the name is a bit silly, and the website is very much targeted for a specific audience, this is the best swimsuit ever. It is incredibly comfortable and flattering, holding you in and offering great support, with a nice high (but not too high) hip, and thick fabric. I’ve had mine for two summers now with nonstop wear, and only now is it starting to show. The price point (around $100) is also great and you don’t feel guilty about wearing it. It’s a great return on investment. Seriously the best swimsuit ever! —Clara Hranek, YOLO’s social media manager

7. I love the Left on Friday Streamline suit, which I also wear as a bodysuit or tank top sometimes. That might sound weird, but it’s honestly great for layering. And some of their bikini tops are sturdy enough to double as sports bras, so you can save a little space in your carry-on—and then pack their leggings or shorts too, and make a mix-and-match set. Bonus: they are machine washable and dry SO FAST so you can go for that last ocean dip right before your flight and it will dry by the time you get to the airport. But even if it doesn’t, they all come in a cute lined pouch that you can store a still wet suit in without ruining everything else in your bag. Other than LOF, I love my black Eres one-piece, which I bought on clearance at a department store in Paris in 2012 and is still going strong. —Carly Shea, YOLO’s associate editor

8. I have three daughters under the age of 10 so I’m constantly ordering new bathing suits for them because they grow like weeds. Hanna Andersson’s kids rashguard suits are my go-to and while shopping for them last summer, I discovered a little-known secret: Andersson makes one women’s suit in a couple of prints each summer. I ordered the two-piece last May, skeptical of quality and fit (I’ve been a long-time Eres loyalist), but once the suit arrived I was immediately obsessed. Made from a thick and silky recycled nylon, the bottom has the perfect high waist and the top is a simple bandeau with adjustable spaghetti straps. It’s one of those suits you can body surf or play Kadima with your kids in and never worry anything’s going to fall out. Almost immediately after my first suit arrived last summer, I tried to order another one and they were already sold out, so last week I got a new one in a chartreuse and pale pink stripe. —Alexa Brazilian, author of The Perfect on Substack and Contributing Editor for T: The New York Times Style Magazine

9. For decades, my go-to was a white bikini from J.Crew, and to be honest I still love it. But Pepper—the bra brand for small boobs—just came out with a swim collection, and I couldn’t have ordered this one-piece any faster. The fit is perfect, and it somehow pushes up my B cup! I feel really sexy in it. Looking forward to wearing it all summer. —Joanna Goddard, founder of Cup of Jo and author of Big Salad on Substack

10. Swimwear is the category of attire that I’ve spent wasted the most money on! Swimsuits seem to get smaller and smaller every year, and it’s so discouraging when you want some coverage and support, but also style. Last year I wrote about getting more analytical about my swimwear choices and discovered that my ride-or-die is Left on Friday’s Hi Hi bottoms and Sweet Victory top. It’s so hard to find high-rise bottoms with a high-cut leg, but the Hi Hi bottoms are it. I have them in three colors now! —Irene Kim, stylist and author of In Moda Veritas on Substack 

11. I always travel with at least one or two bodysuits that can be used as a layer or as an emergency bathing suit in winter, even if you are not tanned or toned or waxed. Mine are from various brands—Wolford, Zara or even old Topshop, and I use them under a blazer for dinner or to swim in a hotel pool. —Sciascia Gambaccini, stylist, illustrator and writer

12. I have an immediate option, which I have worn for so long that I should probably get a new one…but honestly, it’s still in great condition! It’s the Cover Swim long-sleeved front zip swimsuit in black with a white zipper. I’ve taken it on pretty much any trip I’ve gone on for the last decade—I’ve worn it surfing, doing paddleboard yoga in Tulum, at the Blue Lagoon, with a sarong for lunch, with loose pants for a morning walk. It always looks chic and pulled together, and has built-in UV protection. It has good butt coverage, and is flattering and appropriate no matter the scenario. —Jamie Rosen, writer, editor, founder of Office of the Surface and author of a Substack of the same name

There is one swimsuit I treasure above all others. It is over 20 years old, a black one-piece, almost retro, with gold hardware. It was designed by Tomas Maier whilst at Hermès, and it is just the perfect combination of glamour and utter simplicity. —Maria Lemos, founder of Rainbow Wave  and owner of Mouki Mou, one of our favorite boutiques in London and Athens