A detailed review of viral swimsuit brands, including Summersalt, Andie, Left on Friday, and Frankie’s Bikinis—see which ones are worth buying.
Swimsuits have never exactly been my comfort zone. And yet, swimsuit brands going viral on social media continue to flood my feed, brimming with bold prints, buzzy silhouettes, and promises of the perfect fit.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good vacation look. But after having two babies back-to-back, my body is only just starting to feel like mine again. Once strong and sculpted from a devoted pilates-meets-yoga routine, I’ve since traded resistance bands and warrior two yoga poses for a… let’s say, working-mom-of-two-small-kids kind of lifestyle. So, suffice it to say, I’m not exactly feeling peak confidence in the swimwear department these days.That said, my relationship with swimsuits isn’t just about fit. It’s also about having fun. I still love planning summer outfits and sourcing vacation pieces that feel expressive and distinctive. And at 37, my preferences have naturally shifted. I’ve never been a fan of itsy bitsy swimsuits—I’ve always favored styles that offered more coverage, especially in bottoms—but things like support, security, and wearability now matter more than ever. These days, I want swimwear that stays put during pool days with my daughters and makes me feel like the version of myself that still loves style, even if I’m chasing toddlers rather than relaxing with a beach read.So I put four viral direct-to-consumer swimwear brands to the test: Left on Friday, Andie, Summersalt, and Frankie’s Bikinis, taking a size large in every suit I tried . My criteria were simple: comfort, cut, construction, and an overall stylish vibe that I can pair with my favorite beach bag and a sundress tossed on top. The results were surprising in the best way. And while I’m tempted to spill which brand came out on top here and now, why not dive into my full review of each? Pros, cons, and all the must-know details included.SummersaltAlright, I’ll spill: Summersalt is my number one when it comes to viral swimsuit brands. In fact, it’s just my number one, period. The brand has earned its cult following for good reason. The fit is genuinely exceptional—sculpted without feeling constricting, sleek without veering skimpy. The details are modern and intentional, never fussy or so precious you feel like you can’t do anything but perch in a deck chair. Most importantly, they’re the most confidence-boosting suits I’ve tried. If you’re into high-cut legs and cheekier fits, another brand on this list may be more your speed. But if you’re looking for coverage with a refined, tailored feel, I suspect you’ll share my perspective. Summersalt generously sent me eight styles to try in a size 10, including one-pieces, bikinis, and a rashguard, and I was impressed across the board. Each suit is fully lined and features light built-in cups for just the right amount of coverage. Their engineered fit data? Clearly working overtime.I loved nearly every piece, but three stood out: the LuxeCrinkle Backflip, the Seaway Square Neck One-Piece, and the Surf. Yes, all one-pieces—that’s my comfort zone—but each offered sculpting structure, clean lines, and enough visual interest to feel distinctive.The LuxeCrinkle Backflip—an update to one of the brand’s bestsellers—is crafted in a soft crepe-like texture that looks elevated and feels comfortably structured on the body. I tested it in black but need the mocha, stat. The plunging neckline molds to the body with a seamless effect that feels incredibly secure, almost as if it’s been lasered on. Zero risk of slipping. The square low back adds a geometric touch that’s quietly striking. It’s deceptively simple in design, but a true standout.I felt similarly about the Seaway Square Neck. Another black one-piece, yes, but the squared neckline is remarkably flattering, and the fabric is smooth, supportive, and the kind of suit you can do anything in without giving it a second thought.The Surf was another favorite. The black and mocha colorblock adds a minimalist, graphic touch, and the high neckline reads as both chic and practical, especially on a pool day with my daughters.Size Range: 2–22Material: 96% Recycled Nylon, 4% SpandexColors: Black, mocha, and seasonal tonesConstruction: Fully lined, built-in soft cups, plunge neckline, low backPros: Impeccable fit, supportive coverage, sleek silhouette, thoughtful modern detailsCons: Limited color optionsAndieAndie impressed me in a similar way to Summersalt—another great option for timeless silhouettes with subtle design touches that anyone with classic-modern taste will appreciate. The brand sent me three suits to try: two one-pieces and a bikini. No surprise here—the one-pieces were my favorites. I tested the Amalfi in black and the Tulum in white, and both turned out to be standout staples. Each is lightly lined with removable cups that are delicate and unobtrusive, which I especially appreciated in the white suit.Both styles offered great bum coverage but could be hiked up slightly for a more elongated leg line without bunching. I loved the ribbed fabric of the Tulum and the sporty feel of its rounded neckline and crisscross low back. Between the two, I favored the Tulum for its slightly more secure fit—it’s all in those crossed straps. Both suits also nail that European-summer aesthetic, especially when paired with linen trousers, oversized shirts, sunglasses, and strappy sandals.I also tried the Rye Bikini Top and Classic Bikini Bottom in a textured plaid pattern. It’s very cute—the squared neckline on the top almost feels like one of my favorite workout bras, just without the ultra-compressive fit. I liked the two-piece overall, though I’ll admit I’m not quite ready to bare a belly button in public. This one might be reserved for a spa day with my husband.Size Range: XS–3X, with long torso styles availableMaterial: 90% Nylon, 10% SpandexColors: Black , white , red, navy, tangerine, fuchsia, geo printConstruction: Scoop neckline, medium bust support, medium seat coverage, medium leg cut, thick cross-back straps for extra support, compressive fabric, underbust elastic, removable soft cupsPros: Secure fit, good coverage, flattering silhouette, supportive neckline, and strapsCons: May be too minimal for those who want standout detailsLeft on FridayI only tested one suit from this brand—founded by two former Lululemon veterans—and, somewhat shockingly, it was a two-piece: the Plunge Top and Hi Tide Bottom.First impressions? The fabric is every bit as dreamy as advertised. It truly does feel like those famously lightweight leggings—smoothing, buttery, and substantial without being thick. The color I chose—a soft, muted blue—was right in my neutral-leaning wheelhouse but still felt fresh .Fit-wise, I loved the Hi Tide Bottom. The high rise hit right at my natural non-waist . Julie Tong, senior commerce content lead at Bazaar, agrees, “I love the Hi-Tide Bottom, I’ve been wearing it for years as it offers secure, compressive support that helps slim the body and feels ultra comfortable against my skin.”These days, though, I’m more trunk than hourglass, and I appreciate how the fabric hugged without squeezing. The coverage leaned cheekier than my usual go-to, but not uncomfortably so.The top, however, felt a bit small for me—even in a size large—and I’m not especially busty. It’s worth noting the brand recommends this style for A to C cups, and I’d agree. The brand does have “Big Boob” offerings. While it wasn’t tight or digging in, the fit felt slightly too narrow across the chest, like it didn’t quite contain things as much as I wanted. That said, the seamless construction is excellent. There’s no hardware, which means no digging or scorching-hot clasps in the sun, and the wide-set neckline is flattering, though not quite as secure as I’d like for a kid-chasing kind of pool day. For lounging or beach cabana hours? Perfect. I should probably book that vacation.Size Range: XS–XXLMaterial: Italian fabric – 46% Nylon, 38% Polyester, 16% Lycra® Colors: Black, brown, red, navy, beige, purple, plus 12 moreConstruction: V-front bikini top with wide, soft straps; seamless finishPros: Incredibly soft fabric, seamless and minimal design, sleek and comfortable fitCons: This style isn’t ideal for larger cup sizes; it may feel too minimal for those who prefer more coverage or bold design detailsFrankies BikinisOf all the viral swimsuit brands I tried, Frankies Bikinis was the furthest from my usual comfort zone. Known for their celebrity collabs from Kylie Jenner to Bella Hadid, the designs lean distinctly sultry—cheekier cuts, plunging necklines, and a certain It-girl bravado I admire from afar but don’t tend to wear myself. I tested three styles: the Juliet Cheeky One-Piece, the Oakley One-Piece, and the Skyler Halter Bikini Top with the Caster Cheeky Boy Shorts. And while I genuinely liked several elements, it became clear that I’m not the brand’s target demographic, which is completely fine. This review may read a bit critical, but it’s less about the suits themselves and more about how they’re simply not made with someone like me in mind.Let’s be clear: none of these are styles I’d wear in broad daylight at the neighborhood pool. But the Juliet stood out. I loved the classic striped design and how soft the terry cloth fabric felt on the skin. The low scoop back was a standout detail. The fit was a bit roomier in the bust than I expected and not quite as secure as the other brands I tested, though that may come down to the realities of my post-baby, post-nursing proportions.Realistically, I’d style this one more like a bodysuit—with linen pants or a breezy skirt for a seaside lunch, or under a cover-up on days I don’t plan to swim. Again, this isn’t a reflection of poor design—just a matter of personal preference. Frankie’s clearly caters to a younger, bolder, more skin-baring crowd, and for that audience, I can absolutely see the appeal.Size Range: XS–XLMaterial: 95% Nylon, 5% SpandexColors: Black, Picnic, Stripe, Garden Eyelet, Red, TigerConstruction: Scoop neck, low-cut back, cheeky coverage; fully adjustable straps; soft terrycloth swim fabricPros: Timeless stripe, low-back silhouette, adjustable straps, ultra-soft textureCons: Very cheeky cut; bust area may run large depending on proportionsWhy trust Harper’s Bazaar?For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
17 Sundresses That Double as Swimsuit Cover-Ups — From $10Shop these 17 slimming summer sundresses on Amazon that double as swimsuit cover-ups, starting at $10— details
Read more »
Lizzo Lounges in Red Swimsuit, Talks Appetite for Hot Dogs in New VidLizzo's hungry for more weenies even after the Fourth of July ... telling her fans her new ensemble makes her want another hot dog -- and, we don't think she means one ya put mustard on ordinarily.
Read more »
Brittany Mahomes crushes Patrick in one-piece swimsuit post-Golden flexThe wife of the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback takes photos with her man on a yacht showing how hard she’s been hitting the gym.
Read more »
How Katie Sturino Turned Her Fictional Swimsuit Line Into a Real-Life CollectionLia Beck is a writer living in Brooklyn, NY, who covers entertainment, celebrity, and lifestyle. The former celebrity news editor at Bustle, she has also written for Refinery29, Hello Giggles, Cosmopolitan, PEOPLE, Entertainment Weekly, and more.
Read more »
Amy Schumer shows off svelte figure in swimsuit after taking Mounjaro, sharing Ozempic horror storyThe “Trainwreck” star previously shared she was having a “good experience” with Mounjaro after battling intense nausea on Ozempic.
Read more »
I Tried The Viral Korean Lash Lift — & It’s Honestly SuperiorIt's like I'm wearing the most natural strip lashes.
Read more »