We demand a lot of our swimwear: it needs to look good, dry fast, stay put, and perform when the waves are big or the beach games heat up. These fresh pieces鈥攖he best swimsuits and boardshorts鈥攌ept us covered after countless pool laps, bridge jumps, raft days, and lazy paddles.
Nike HydraLock Fusion Racerback One Piece ($90)
If you want to feel fast, Nike鈥檚 Fusion is your pick. Its quick-drying polyester-spandex blend has a firm stretch for maximum support (鈥淚t locks everything in,鈥 said one DD-cup tester), and its grippy, triangular interior pattern prevents fabric creep during activity. All this performance comes in a Baywatch-esque silhouette with high-cut legs and a scoop neck. (XS鈥揦L)
Patagonia Hydrolock Boardshorts ($129)
When the waves are big, testers reach for this pair of stretchy poly-spandex trunks. The key is the drawstrings, which attach to strips of beefy recycled nylon that run through the waistband and are sewn into the rear. It鈥檚 one of the most secure and chafe-free fits on the market. (28-40)
Saxx Betawave Boardshorts ($80)
Most boardies with built-in underwear have seams that chafe, mesh that irritates, or a cut that鈥檚 too baggy. Enter Saxx鈥檚 first pair of boardshorts, which feature the brand鈥檚 signature pouch for the tender bits. The tight fit and flat seams yield all-day comfort, wet or dry. And the stretchy poly-elastane fabric and liner provide exceptional range of motion, whether we were running, swimming, or doing beachside yoga. (28鈥40)
Prana Seleina Top, Willow Falls Reversible Top, and Gemma Reversible Bottom ($69, $70, and $55)
Together, this reversible bikini set and cropped long-sleeved rash guard can take you from casual beach hangs to adventurous paddlesport outings. The chlorine-resistant bikini set held up to repeated pool use, and the long-sleeve鈥檚 thumb loops and wide bottom band keep your sun protection in place. (XS鈥揦L)
TomboyX Swim Racerback Zip Top and Swim 4.5-inch Shorts ($69 and $49)
TomboyX offers swimwear in androgynous athleisure cuts, with an impressive size range that鈥檚 actually been tested on plus-size bodies. Both pieces are made from a UPF 50 poly-spandex blend. The top鈥檚 front zipper has a protective fabric flap and hook-and-loop closure for added comfort and security, while the bike-style shorts boast a wide and flat waistband. (XS鈥4X)
Quiksilver Original Arch 18-inch Boardshorts ($60)
We love the Original鈥檚 throwback 18-inch length, ultradurable polyester-hemp-spandex blend, and iconic checkerboard pattern, which is synonymous with the rise of professional surfing. We also dig the polyester fabric, made out of recycled bottles. Of all the swim shorts on this list, these ones will last the longest. (28鈥40)