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It's serving fashion AND function.

Hot take: Swimming is the most underrated workout, ever. It gets your heart rate pumping, it builds cardio fitness, it uses muscles throughout your entire body, and all of that happens with barely any sweat involved. A total win!

Ready to take the plunge? You'll need a sporty swimsuit first. Some of your old reliables, no matter how cute they may be, were simply not made for athletic activities. We love triangle tops for small busts, plus-size bathing suits in flirty ‘50s cuts, and high-waisted bikinis, but those styles are better for beach naps and IG photos rather than helping you achieve peak performance. If you’re into swimming laps, surfing, parasailing, white-water rafting, scuba diving, or competing in the 100m butterfly, we researched some of the best bathing suits to don before diving into the water.

We also spoke to Anastasia Pagonis, Team USA Paralympics swimmer and world record holder, for her take on athletic swimwear. "When I’m swimming 7k yards, I don’t want to feel constricted," she tells Seventeen. "I love a more open back with a high cut on the hips and lower cut on the neckline. I also like a really durable fast-drying fabric that still looks fashionable. Just because I’m working hard in the pool doesn’t mean I can’t look cute." So true, bestie.

Swim features that Anastasia looks for:

The athletic styles below are great for water sports, but they're also perfect if you just want something practical. You won’t find any nip-slips or unnecessary, tangly straps below. Instead, you'll find one-pieces with built-in bras, athletic fabric blends, compression fits, and supportive racerback cuts for bigger busts that give you plenty of shoulder mobility. It’s activewear for underwater activities — and several of them are under $100.

Size Range: XS - XL If you want to be 100% sure that nothing will move out of place while you’re running around the beach volleyball court, halter cuts are going to be your best bet. This Adidas top features breathable mesh around the neckline that feels secure without being restrictive.

Size Range: XXS - XL

Yes, sporty two-piece bikinis totally exist, and this is Anastasia's favorite brand!

You’ll want to stay away from the tiny triangle tie-on bikinis for any high-impact movement, and opt for something like this workout bikini that features moderate coverage and straps that free up your shoulders for greater range of motion.

If you’re looking for a practical swimsuit that’ll help you feel comfortable while doing laps in the pool (A.K.A. nothing too frilly or revealing that might lead to accidental flashing while practicing your butterfly stroke) this is the one for you.

One reviewer raves, “What a find. This bathing suit is thick, fully lined, the color is rich. Well made. Total steal at $36. And it's so flattering.”

Size Range: XS - XL Sun coverage can be chic! If your underwater activities (scuba-diving or off-season surfing) aren’t accompanied by 100 degree weather, opt for a long-sleeve suit under your wetsuit to stay warm. This tropical print has us dreaming of palm trees and sunnier days.

Size Range: XS - 2XL

If you’re a beach runner or just an athlete looking for a cute cover-up option, these board shorts from Roxy will become a staple in your swim wardrobe. With a 2-inch inseam and a drawcord waistband, they’re perfect to pull on over bikini bottoms.

Styling Tip: Pair with a matching rash guard for an aquatic athleisure ensemble, or sport your favorite bikini top.

Size Range: XXS - XL

This two-piece tankini covers like a one-piece, but offers a little more breathing room. The lace-up back allows you to adjust how snug the top is, and the recycled nylon fabric has the perfect amount of stretch for swimming, surfing, or paddle boarding.

This sleek one piece has a unique neckline that provides chest coverage in the front, and is balanced out by a feminine scoop back. We’re obsessed with the pretty coral shade but don’t sleep on their red, navy, and black versions, either.

Size Range: XS - XL

For the benefits of wearing shorts and a tank without the downsides of the top riding up, opt for a one-piece bodysuit. It’s ideal for open-water scuba diving in warmer temperatures, and you’ll have more control over the amount of backside coverage. One reviewer writes, “I am always asked where I got this suit, so I just carry copies of the descriptions from the Amazon site and hand it out!”

Size Range: XXS - XL

A cropped white baby tee, sorry, rash guard, screams throwback chic. If you’re looking for stylish UV protection for any and all water sports, this is the top for you. Separates are your best best for mobility (pair with white bottoms) or layer it over your one-piece swimsuit for more coverage.

Size Range: XS - XL

Sporty one-pieces can be totally chic, and the Corsica proves that. With medium bum coverage and a higher scoop neckline, you’ll feel 100% secure wearing this while going for a beach run or swimming laps in the pool. The open back allows for more shoulder flexibility as well.

Size Range: XS - 3XL

Say it with us: front 👏 zippers 👏 They’re the way to go for max flexibility, whether you want total front support or if you’re looking for a little breathing room. If you love the Coconut Girl TikTok aesthetic, this cheery hibiscus print is for you.

Size Range: S - XL If you’re not a competitive swimmer or hardcore scuba diver and are just looking for a more athletic style of bathing suit, we like a simple scoop top with thicker straps and a well-fitting bikini bottom like this set.

Size Range: XS - 3XL If you’re looking for a great built-in bra, this is the one-piece bathing suit for you. This swimsuit is double-lined, so it’s a little thicker than a traditional performance swimsuit, but still offers great hold and remains comfortable for laps and aquatic exercise.