It’s difficult finding swimwear that fits well, looks nice and that’s going to hold up through all your outdoor adventures. We’re gearing up for summer, so we took the time to investigate and track down the best swimsuits made in the USA today. The journey wasn’t an easy one, but through careful research we uncovered some of the leading bathing suit options, and explain below what separates them from the rest.
Our Findings
Researching swimsuits is complicated, and tracking down the best locally made options took serious time. During our in-depth research process we were able to locate impressive options for both men and women. Overall, we found 11 brands that are making some of the best swimsuits in the USA. We were particularly impressed with the style and function of the affordable products sold by Dippin’ Daisy’s for women. We’ve already recommended the maternity options from Bikini Thief to a few expecting friends preparing for the upcoming beach season, and it’s tough to deny the impressive durability and design quality of the trunks sold by Birdwell Beach Britches. And these are just some of the options. We’ve organized our findings categorically, so hopefully you can find a good option for your preferences.
Top Recommendations
| Best Swimwear | Best for: |
| Vitamin A | Style Variety for Women’s Swimwear |
| Dippin’ Daisy’s | Affordable Women’s Swimwear |
| Carve Designs | Women’s Surf Swimwear |
| FORLOH | Women’s Active Swimwear |
| Bikini Thief | Maternity Swimsuits |
| Esther Williams | 50’s Pinup Swimwear |
| SlipIns | UV Protection |
| Cooltan Tan Through | Tanning Swimwear |
| Birdwell Beach Britches | Men’s Board Shorts |
| Sauvage | Men’s Slim Fit Swim Trunks |
| Pistol Pete | Men’s Tight Fitting Swim Trunks |
Recommendations: Going Deeper
Read down below to learn all about our top picks, what we liked and didn’t like about each one, and where to get them.
Best Style Variety for Women’s Swimwear
Vitamin A
When a day to the beach is just another excuse to show off your style, Vitamin A has a lot of style options to choose from. Vitamin A is well known for offering luxury-feeling swimwear that’s in line with the latest fashions, and it still manages to be affordable and sustainable. We were impressed with all the different styles offered from this brand, with everything from bikinis to bralettes, one-pieces, and more. Most swimsuits are made from a mix of nylon and lycra, usually with about 60-80% nylon. One thing to note – not all Vitamin A products are made in the USA, so just be sure to check the product specs, but most swimsuits we found are made here.
Things we like:
- Fashion-friendly styles
- Wide range of styles
- Sustainably produced
- Affordable prices
Things we don’t like:
- Many suits have limited availability
- Not all Vitamin A apparel is made in the USA
Most Affordable Women’s Swimwear
Dippin’ Daisy’s
Dippin’ Daisy’s is one of the premier options available today for good, affordable women’s swimwear. We were impressed by the range of design options available from this American manufacturer, and the build quality on each suit. Each suit is made from a blend of nylon and polyester for just the right amount of stretch with each wear. These swimsuits feature heavy stitching and use a single piece of fabric whenever possible for maximum strength.
Things we like:
- Made from nylon and spandex
- Wide range of design options and colors
- Reasonable prices
Things we don’t like:
- Need to spend $75 for free shipping on orders
Best Women’s Surf Swimwear
Carve Designs
Swimwear isn’t just for looks, and that’s especially true as a surfer out on the ocean. That’s why it’s so important to look closely at activewear to make sure it moves well, is built to hold up to harsh saltwater, and that it offers excellent sun protection. All of these things are available from the products offered by Carve Designs. They have a careful design process that goes into each option. These suits offer 50+ UPF protection as well. They are made with a blend of nylon and spandex and crafted using a stretch tricot design for free movement during use. We love the athletic look of most of the swimsuits offered by Carve Designs. The suits are built to remain in place even when under pressure from intense waves. They’re also machine washable and simple to maintain.
Things we like:
- Nylon and spandex blend
- Designed to hold in place well
- Made for maximum movement
- Athletic styling
Things we don’t like:
- Free shipping only available on orders of $99 or greater
Best Women’s Active Swimwear
FORLOH
FORLOH is one of our favorite hunting apparel brands and their women’s swimwear is some of the best for ladies who are active on the water. FORLOH has everything from bikini tops and bottoms to swim shorts and rash guard shirts in a lot of colors and styles. Their swim shorts and bikini top are shown here which give full coverage for whatever activity you’re doing. Their swimwear is also UPF 75+ so you’ll be protected from those sun rays and has some great odor resistant fabric so you don’t have to worry about all that sweat ruining your swimsuit after just a few wears. All of their pieces are super soft too so you can wear them around all day. So, if you’re active on the water, give FORLOH a look.
Things we like:
- Anti-microbial
- Good sun protection
- Full coverage
- Decent color and style options
Things we don’t like:
- Free shipping only on orders of $99 or more
Best Maternity Swimsuits
Bikini Thief
There are some really beautiful American made swimsuits available to women that are expecting. Made in Pasadena, California, Bikini Thief is one of our favorite suppliers of USA made maternity swimwear because the company offers a comfortable and attractive product. Each of the maternity swimsuits features wide back straps and full back coverage for maximum comfort and support. We love that the different swimsuits are offered with adjustable bottoms for a great fit. Our only criticism of this very comfortable lineup of maternity swimsuits is that they all pretty much look the same. Women looking for a bit of diversity won’t get it from Bikini Thief. If you like the style of the maternity bikini, there are plenty of different color and print options to choose from though.
Things we like:
- Thick straps across the back
- Adjustable bottoms
- Lined brief bottoms
- Full back coverage
Things we don’t like:
- Every style is the same
Best 50’s Pinup Swimwear
Esther Williams
If there’s one iconic look from the 50’s era that women still enjoy wearing out in public, it’s the form-fitting pinup swimsuit. Even though it’s a one-piece swimsuit, it offers a beautiful form-fitting design that creates an attractive look that’s hard to overlook. Esther Williams is one of the leading US suppliers of 50’s pinup style swimwear. Women looking to get that fabulous 50’s look will love the Classic Sheath One-Piece sold by Esther Williams. The suit comes with a halter tie at the neck, soft shaping cups and excellent tummy control for a sleek and streamlined look throughout. Each suit is formed from heavy stitching with thick seams for reliable strength. They come in a huge range of sizes and color and print variations, but all are made from the same form-fitting design.
Things we like:
- Thick seams
- Classy design
- Wide range of colors and prints
- Huge range of sizes
Things we don’t like:
- Suits are out of stock often and take several weeks to ship out
Best for UV Protection
SlipIns
Heading to the beach can make for a fun-filled day out in the sun, but without the proper gear it can also make for some uncomfortable burns by the end of the day. That’s why it’s important to dress to protect your skin. Swimsuits for both men and women from Slipins make this a bit easier for you (but don’t forget the sunscreen!). Slipins offers a nice lineup of heavy coverage suits. Both men and women can get suits that will cover their arms, legs, midsections, and most of their most vulnerable skin while out on the ocean water. The suits offer 60+ UPF protection, so you’ll only have to worry about safeguarding your exposed skin from sunlight while at the beach.
Things we like:
- 60+ UPF
- Excellent full body coverage
- Good range of styles and looks
Things we don’t like:
- Suits commonly sell out
Best Tanning Swimwear
Cooltan Tan Through
One of the joys of bright sunshiny summer days is the golden tan that comes with outside fun, but swimsuits can get in the way of that all-over tanned look. It’s possible to get the same, darker look using a bathing suit from Cooltan as well. These suits allow sunlight through so you can get a full-body tan even with a swimsuit on. Each of the suits is made from Microsol, a fabric that allows sunlight through just as a medium SPF sunscreen does. “The advantage of making [them] in USA is the speed of innovation and innovation itself,” says Mark Armenta, a marketing manager at Cooltan. We love how lightweight and comfortable the Microsol fabric is, making it the perfect material for comfort on a hot day in the sun. And it’s not just us who love it. “Our swimwear is extremely comfortable, stays dry, and lets them get rays when they are outside,” says Mark. “We have many customers who sleep in our swimwear, and some who wear them all day long. How many swimsuits can you do that with?” Not many at all.
Things we like:
- Unique Microsol fabric construction
- Suits allow sunlight through for tanning purposes
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Available in different styles and sizes
- Affordable products
Things we don’t like:
- Limited size options
Best Men’s Board Shorts
Birdwell Beach Britches
As a surfer staple since the 1960’s, it’s hard to deny the practicality of Birdies surf shorts. Produced out of Santa Ana, CA, Birdwell Beach Britches is a producer of one of the best swimsuits for men that like to surf, board, or just enjoy fun in the sun. That’s because these shorts are exceptionally durable, they’re stylish, and built with just the right mix of features. We love that each one of these shorts is made with a blend of double and triple stitched seams, which means they hold up well to lots of wear. The shorts are fitted with corrosion-resistant nickel plated grommets. They come with a wax pocket that has a key loop as well as the typical drain hole. These shorts are made from a proprietary nylon blend for strength known as SurNyl as well. Each pair of board shorts from Birdwell Beach Britches is hand cut and sewn to precise standards, making them one of the best suits made in the USA.
Things we like:
- Lifetime product guarantee
- Huge range of colors and sizes
- Secure
- Durable fabric
- SurNyl fabric
- Hand cut and sewn
Things we don’t like:
- One single style
Best Men’s Slim Fit Swim Trunks
Sauvage
Most swim trunks for men today are designed to be a bit baggy, and finding a form-fitting option can prove difficult, especially when searching through manufacturers within the U.S. Sauvage offers a selection of suits with a slim form-factor and snug fit. We particularly like the style of the Promenade Surf Short. These shorts feature heavy stitching, a form-fitting design, and a traditional style that’s classy. The shorts are made from lightweight material and designed for optimal flexibility, and they are free from any liner. These are an awesome beach staple for guys who like a more slim fit.
Things we like:
- Traditional board short lace-up
- No liner
- Features a back pocket
- Heavy stitching
Things we don’t like:
- Small range of color and size options
Best Men’s Tight Fitting Swim Trunks
Pistol Pete
Men looking for tight swimwear will love the offerings from Pistol Pete. These minimal boxer trunk options are snug and compact in design, offering excellent freedom while out at the beach. Each of the pieces is made from a blend of polyester and spandex and built to fit precisely on a specific body type. We like the heavy stitching and use of stretch material and waistbands to produce a nice snug fit in all the right places.
Things we like:
- Polyester and spandex construction
- Form-fitting design
- Heavy stitching
Things we don’t like:
- Limited size and style options
Recap: Best Swimwear Made in the USA
- Vitamin A – Best Style Variety for Women’s Swimwear
- Dippin’ Daisy’s – Affordable Women’s Swimwear
- Carve Designs – Women’s Surf Swimwear
- FORLOH – Women’s Active Swimwear
- Bikini Thief – Maternity Swimsuits
- Esther Williams – 50’s Pinup Swimwear
- SlipIns – UV Protection
- Cooltan Tan Through – Tanning Swimwear
- Birdwell Beach Britches – Men’s Board Shorts
- Sauvage – Men’s Slim Fit Swim Trunks
- Pistol Pete – Men’s Tight Fitting Swim Trunks
Factors We Considered
The Fit
Good bathing suits should be form-fitting and designed to make your body look its best out in the sun. We paid close attention to the style, design, and features like contours, elastic bands, straps, ties, and pockets. All these details come together and create a beautiful swimsuit, or an ugly one. We want to recommend the beautiful ones.
The Material
Swimsuits are pushed hard all summer long. They’re exposed to chlorine regularly, they suffer at the hands of harsh saltwater, they are stretched, twisted, and beat up. That’s why material selection is so important. We look for suits made from tough fibers like nylon or polyester, and prefer options that contain a bit of spandex for a better fit and more long-term performance with fewer issues from wear.
The Stitching
Tough stitching, reinforced material, and clever design decisions are all important considerations that went into our research process to determine the best options, and which should be avoided. We looked for products with double or triple stitching, products that made use of solid fabrics whenever possible, and also suits made from durable material itself. A good suit should last through several seasons, and our selections are built to.
Overall Value
It’s easy to find a good swimsuit if you’re willing to shell out dollars on one, but that doesn’t make it a good value. We compared cost to what you get in terms of construction quality and design when searching for the ultimate swimsuit options to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
