The best high-waisted swimsuits

Best overall: Andie 90s High-Waist Bottom + Maui Top

If you want a high-waisted bottom with a subtle cheeky fit, this one's the best high-waisted bikini for you. The high leg cut elongates your gams without sacrificing the stomach coverage you want from a high-waisted bikini. Pair with the Maui Top — a classic square-neck top with adjustable straps and removable cups — and you have a set that's as cute as it is comfortable. You can also check out more of Andie's bikini tops that also pair with the '90s High-Waist Bottom.

"We reviewed Andie and keep recommending the brand because of how well it does with classic, flattering silhouettes. Plus, I appreciate that it offers thoughtful fit options like long-torso sizing and an inclusive size range. It's the kind of swimwear I'd reach for when I want something simple, polished, and easy to actually move around in." — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Business Insider Reviews.

Best budget: Quince Italian High-Rise Bikini Bottom + Italian V-Neck Bikini Top

When it comes to getting a bang for your buck, Quince is always top of mind. With a business model that bypasses the traditional supply chains overhead costs, Quince is able to sell products at 50-80% less than traditional retail. It's no wonder then that the direct-to-consumer brand has become a go-to for those looking for high-quality, affordably priced basics and bikinis are no exception.

These $25 bottoms are highly rated among shoppers for their flattering fit, luxurious feel, and unbeatable price. The bottoms—which are fully lined and made from a compressive fabric— offer moderate bum coverage and a secure fit that can hold up to your favorite high-impact beach activities. They're also resistant to chlorine, sunscreen, and oils, as well as fade, snag, and pilling resistant, so you can be sure these will last for multiple seasons of summer fun.

See our full Quince review to hear about more of our favorite styles from the brand.

Best on Amazon: Cupshe High Waisted Bikini Set

When you need a great bathing suit in two days or less, Amazon Prime to the rescue. Even if time isn't an issue, the site's trove of swimsuits is worth sorting through. This high-waisted bikini set from Cupshe boasts a midrise bottom– great for those with shorter torsos– and matching top with adjustable straps and removable padding. The set even comes in over 25 color and pattern combinations. The set gets over 2,500 5-star reviews with plenty of shoppers commenting on how the set made them feel comfortable and confident in their skin.

See more of the best swimsuits on Amazon here.

Most stylish: Vitamin A Lolita Bottom + Skylar Top

The Vitamin A Lolita Bottom is the kind of high-waist bikini bottom that feels classic but still trendy. It sits high on the waist with a high-cut leg and cheekier back coverage, so it lengthens the look of the legs without feeling like a full-coverage retro brief. The EcoRib fabric gives the suit a textured, more substantial feel, while the matte gold ring detail at the hip keeps it from looking too basic. I'd pair it with the matching Skylar Top, which has wide straps and a coordinating gold ring at the front for a little more polish than a standard triangle top.

Vitamin A is also a favorite of Style Editor Samantha Crozier: "The brand consistently stands out for its quality. The suits have a more substantial feel than a lot of trend-driven swimwear, but they still look current and stylish. I like that Vitamin A doesn't make you choose between structure and design — its pieces feel supportive and well-made, while still leaning into flattering cuts, textured fabrics, and thoughtful details that make them feel special."

Best extra high-waist: Left On Friday Hi Tide Bottom + Pool Days Top

A great suit should be able to stand up to whatever your summer escapades have in store. That's why Left On Friday makes the top of our list of the best high-waisted bikinis. The suits are the perfect balance of style and comfort, and its designs keep you covered up whether you're lounging, swimming, surfing, or cliff-jumping… you get the gist.

Made with the brand's proprietary Smoothing Dream Fabric, these bottoms offer smooth, compressive coverage. Plus, they're fade-and snag-resistant, and quick-drying. This best-selling bottom boasts a medium-cut leg and medium bum coverage. With one of the biggest color selections (over 30!) to choose from and a fair price point, this one deserves the top spot.

"I got the Hi Tide bottoms in Bronze, a slightly shimmery shade of terra cotta. The fit is compressive, but doesn't cause camel toe the way some fitted high-rise bikini bottoms do," says Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor at Insider Reviews. "I also love that the brand includes a wet bag with each bikini, so you can pack it away at the end of a beach day. If you're unsure which way to size, I suggest sizing up since the material has a squeezing effect."

Best plus-size: Nomads Swimwear Current Bottom II + Current Top II

Nomads is a team favorite when it comes to the best plus-size swimsuits. According to our writer, Sarah Chiwaya, "This luxe swim brand ticks all the boxes for me. I own Nomads suits from prior seasons, including its signature Bay bikini that I've had for years, so I know I'm familiar with the excellent quality and durability."

The Current Bottom II is one of the pricier options on this list, but the specs make it well worth the cost. With a high waist and medium bum coverage, these bottoms fit true to size, so you can still get a little cheeky without sacrificing comfort. There are a few colorways to choose from, including some reversible options, and a matching top that's supportive and secure sans padding or cup inserts. All suits on the site come in sizes XS-5X.

Best floral: Dippin' Daisys Seashore High Waist Cheeky Bikini Bottom + Zen Knotted Triangle Bikini Top

Bright, bold patterns make getting ready for a beach day all the more fun. These days, it feels like so many brands are leaning into minimalism so the wide selection of funky, colorful patterns at Dippin' Daisys is so refreshing. This cheeky bottom alone comes in over 35 solid colors and 28 patterns. Its seamless construction makes for a smoother, more comfortable and flattering fit. In terms of feel, the suit comes in a variety of different fabrics including the soft, recycled micronylon "Luxe" fabric and the thick, textured "Ribbed". Dippin' Daisies has a helpful fabric guide where you can learn more about which fabric option suits you.

Whether you're looking for something statement-making like the Palermo or a more subdued floral like the Jolie , you can't go wrong with any of the brands colors and patterns. And since all of the bikinis are sold as separates, you can mix and match to make your perfect pair.

Best strapless: Hunza G Ruby Bikini

With a very high rise and bow-shaped bandeau top, this Hunza G set brings all the '50's, retro beach day vibe. It's made with Hunza G's signature crinkle fabric, which is buttery-soft and oh-so stretchy so it really molds to your shape.

The bust support is light, making it a perfect choice for smaller chests. The bandeau design also adds a bit more shape than your classic tube top style. Our only qualm with Hunza G is the sizing is quite limited. It's a one-size-fits-most model, made to fit sizes 2-12.

Best trendy: Onia Clara Bikini Bottom + Alaia Bikini Top

Picking the "best" trendy high-waisted bikini feels virtually impossible, especially in the ever-changing trend cycle. The good news is that a black bikini is timeless, and this one has some small details that make it feel that much more fashionable. In a season when sequins and sparkles seem to be all the rage, the shimmery fabric on this suit feels quite trendy. Pair that with metallic hardware and a one-shoulder silhouette, and you have a suit sure to have everyone asking, "Where did you get that?"

Best one-shoulder: Left on Friday Hi Hi Bottom + Offshore Top

I love the look of a one-shoulder bikini, but I've always shied away from the style because they tend to be at high risk for a wardrobe malfunction. But Left on Friday, a brand founded by athletes and adventurers, was created to ensure women could find chic suits that looked good, felt good, and stood up to anything that comes their way. So its no wonder the Offshore Top is our pick for the best one-shoulder bikini. Its simple silhouette is stylish and supportive with no fear of a nip slip. It's made to fit A-D cups, but for those with D-G cups, there's theOffshore Top D+, which is made specifically to fit larger chests comfortably.

We've already mentioned the brand's Hi Tide Bottom, but this top would also look amazing paired with the Hi Hi Bottom, which boasts a high-cut leg and minimal coverage for a cheeky, leg-lengthening look.

Best halter: Helen Jon Shirred Bottom + Shell Halter

Most brands use fit models to design their bathing suits, which explains why so many of us see a suit online on a model only to try it on ourselves and be disappointed by the fit. Helen Jon goes a different route, measuring the fit of swimsuits on employees to get a more realistic range of different body types. The method seems to be working with many members of our team calling the suits "universally flattering."

The Shell Halter is fully lined with removable soft cups for moderate to fuller bust coverage. Ties at the neck and back make for easy adjustments. Pair with the Shirred Bottom, which has a high waist and high-cut leg for more coverage in the front and less in the back. For more info about the brand and in-depth reviews of specific styles from our team, read our full review Helen Jon swimwear.

Best designer: Norma Kamali Bill Bottom + Bra

If you want to look like a pin-up, this is the best high-waisted bikini for you. High-waisted bottoms in general have a retro feel, but this one goes the extra mile. The high waist, low-cut leg, and shirred sides feel very Marilyn Monroe. The matching top, with is halter straps and sweetheart neckline, feels equally vintage.

FAQs

What is the difference between a high-waisted bikini and a high-leg bikini?

A high-waisted bikini refers to where the waistband sits, usually at or above the belly button. A high-leg bikini refers to the leg opening, which sits higher on the hip to elongate the legs. Many high-waisted bikinis are also high-leg, but the two features are not the same.

How should a high-waisted bikini fit?

A high-waisted bikini should feel secure without digging into your waist or hips. The waistband should stay in place when you sit, walk, or swim, and the fabric should feel supportive without rolling down. If you're between sizes, consider how much compression and coverage you want — sizing up can feel more comfortable, while your true size may offer a more sculpted fit.

Are high-waisted bikinis good for tummy coverage?

Yes, high-waisted bikinis are one of the best swimsuit styles for tummy coverage. Since the waistband typically rises to the natural waist or belly button, the silhouette offers more midsection coverage than string bikini bottoms while still keeping the look stylish and beach-ready.

What bikini top looks best with high-waisted bottoms?

High-waisted bikini bottoms pair well with almost any swim top. A triangle top creates a classic look, a bandeau or balconette top leans retro, a bralette or crop-style top feels sporty and supportive, and an underwire top is a good choice for larger busts. Matching sets create the most streamlined look, but mixing colors and prints can also feel fresh.