The best swim dresses

Swim dresses offer more coverage than a traditional swimsuit. They come in a variety of stylish prints and colors to suit any taste. Swim dresses are more modest than a bikini, but airy and comfortable for beach and pool wear.

Quick links:

What is a swim dress?

Our top picks

Benefits of swim dresses

Features

What to look for

With the blend of function and a dash of flair, the swim dress is a unique and enticing women’s swimwear option.

SwimZip’s flattering swim dresses are meant to be worn in and out of the water! They dry super quickly and are so stylish. Check out this navy gingham swim dress and add a classic touch to your swim attire!

What is a swim dress?

A swim dress is a one-piece swimsuit styled like a flowy dress. They provide full coverage over the midsection while remaining breezy and lightweight for the pool or beach.

A swim dress offers an elegant, modest alternative to conventional swimsuits such as bikinis and tankinis. In recent years, swim dresses have become very popular. Now they are a favored choice for women seeking a stylish yet conservative option for water-related activities.

10 best swim dresses

In our collection, you will find a variety of swim dress designs for all body types and sizes. From solid colors to floral prints, there is a swim dress for every woman’s style and taste.

Let’s take a look at our top picks!

Stunner swim dress

This cute Stunner swim dress lets you feel classy and put-together, even at the beach or pool. The flattering silhouette and timeless navy stripes flatter your figure while keeping you stylishly covered up. It's the perfect piece to throw on for all your seaside adventures this spring and summer!

Cali girl swim dress

Our Cali girl design is a must-have for sophisticated women who like to look stunning on the beach or around the pool. This figure-flattering swim dress lets you channel breezy vibes in a fun pattern you can wear with confidence from surfside to sunset patio cocktails.

Throw it over your favorite swimsuit for an effortlessly stylish poolside ensemble you’ll reach for all season long. You can also get the Cali girl wrap design if you prefer a wrap top style with one adjustable ruched side.

All black swim dress

If you want to look elegant during hot summer days, this is the perfect swim dress for you. Our all black swim dress channels chic cocktail party style while keeping you cool and comfortable at the beach or pool.

With such a cute and stylish design, this black swim dress is sure to make a sophisticated splash when you make a sunny weather entrance.

Navy swim dress

Channel chic nautical style in this timeless navy swim dress. The dark blue tone is universally flattering and sophisticated, letting you make waves from the pool to seaside cocktail hour in a stylish one-piece.

With an elegant silhouette that gracefully drapes and flatters your figure, this navy swim dress keeps you looking pulled together while keeping cool. Pair it with one of our wide-brimmed sun hats for a resort-ready ensemble, or toss it over your favorite bikini when you want a little more coverage while walking around the cabana.

Greenlake swim dress

Make a splash in this vibrant Greenlake swim dress! The rich, jewel-toned hue is both playful and sophisticated, ensuring all eyes will be on you at the pool or beach club.

Flattering ruching on both sides of this one-piece swim dress works with the figure-hugging fabric to show off your beautiful shape. Adjust the ruching to customize the coverage and achieve that perfect beach-ready silhouette.

Fiesta red swim dress

Spice up your swimwear rotation with this fiery Fiesta red swim dress! The bright, sizzling hue is perfect for summer and guaranteed to make a splash at any poolside gathering. The fabric flows gracefully over your body, showing off your assets while keeping you stylishly covered up.

The vibrant red fabric adds pop against sun-kissed skin while the lightweight material keeps you cool. With its eye-catching color and flounce ruffled accents, this is a swim dress that's ready to party under the sun! It will have you feeling fun and fabulous all season long.

Hibiscus swim dress

Transport yourself to a tropical island getaway with this gorgeous Hibiscus swim dress! The vibrant print features bright pink hibiscus flowers and slices of juicy papaya in a unique pattern that oozes tropical vibes.

This island-inspired dress lets you channel a relaxed, carefree look as the lightweight fabric flows gracefully over your figure. The flattering silhouette keeps you covered up while subtle ruching flatters your shape. Toss it on over your favorite bikini for an instant tropical vacation ensemble.

Ocean breeze swim dress

Dive into beachy boho style with this Ocean breeze swim dress! The ocean-inspired print features swirling waves in shades of rich navy blue for a polished nautical look. Designed to flatter with a half-zip front, this stunning swim coverup flows gracefully to show off your figure.

Channel breezy seaside vibes by tossing this swim dress over a bright bikini. The deep navy tone keeps you looking chic and pulled together from the poolside cabana to the evening bonfire. Take inspiration from the swirling ocean design and go with the flow in this effortlessly elegant swim dress.

Mediterranean lemons swim dress

Escape to the glittering coastline with this vibrant Mediterranean lemons swim dress! The sunny print bursts with colorful lemons, palms, and blooms that conjure images of island paradises and glittering turquoise waters.

Vibrant yellow lemons pop against a background of azure blue and ivory, complementing sunkissed skin perfectly. Their graphic quality gives this dress a modern feel that transitions beautifully from the private villa pool to seaside dining.

Hawaiian rainforest swim dress

Escape to an island oasis with this Hawaiian rainforest swim dress! The tranquil print features tropical fronds, leaves, and palms in earthy shades of olive green.

The relaxed silhouette flatters your figure as the lightweight fabric flows gracefully with your movements. With its peaceful rainforest motif and easygoing cut, this swim coverup dress evokes the lush serenity of a Hawaiian hideaway. Feel your worries fade away as you drift through vacation in jungle paradise style!

Benefits of swim dresses

Swim dresses are a versatile and stylish option for women seeking comfort, coverage, and fashion all in one suit. Unlike skimpy bikinis or revealing one-pieces, swim dresses provide fuller coverage while being cute and chic.

Here are some of the benefits of swim dresses:

Mobility
Comfort
Coverage
Universal fit
Stylish

Increased mobility

Swim dresses allow you to be active while staying covered up. Their looser, more relaxed fit lets you swim and play without worrying about wardrobe malfunctions.

This is a huge benefit for all those women who seek a little more modesty or sun protection. The fuller coverage means you can enjoy poolside fun with confidence and participate in all kinds of water-based activities without distraction.

Comfort and confidence

Women may feel more comfortable and sure of themselves in swim dresses as opposed to revealing suits. Swim dresses have built-in coverage, so you don't have to worry about showing too much. Focus on enjoying your time in the sun without feeling self-conscious and staying comfortable.

Coverage prevents chafing

Since swim dresses offer comprehensive coverage which helps avoid chafing and sore spots after long periods of lounging. The fabric flows smoothly no matter how you move, so you can be active without uncomfortable chafing.

Universally flattering

The design of a swim dress is flattering on a wide range of body types. The skirt overlay can enhance the silhouette and provide a comfortable, flattering fit for women with different body shapes.

Stylish look

A stylish swim dress often brings a timelessly chic style with its vintage-inspired looks. Unlike today's sporty bikinis and athletic one-piece suits, swim dresses look like old-fashioned swimsuits from the past.

If you are one of those women who like classic fashion, swim dresses offer a charming throwback vibe. Their vintage-inspired style makes them stand out from other bathing suits.

Features of swim dresses

Our swim dresses offer the following features:

Half-zip or quarter-zip
Long sleeves
Adjustable ruching
Adjustable straps
Versatile sizes
UV protection

Half-zip

The half-zip feature on some of our swim dresses adds versatility and visual interest. Usually going up to the bust line, the half zipper can be worn unzipped for a relaxed scoop neck look or zipped up higher for more coverage. The metal zipper chain also lends some subtle shine.

Quarter-zip

For a delicate dash of hardware detail, look for our swim dresses featuring a quarter-zip accent. Typically only spanning across 4-6 inches of the garment, the zipper allows adjustable neckline preferences while still maintaining comfort and functionality.

Long sleeves

All our swim dresses feature long sleeves for full arm coverage. The lightweight, airy fabric of the sleeves allows a balance of protection from the sun while remaining cool and comfortable in and out of the water.

Adjustable ruching

Ruching creates visual texture through gathered pin-tucked fabric that adds a flattering definition. All our swim dresses incorporate adjustable side ruching ties, letting you control the exact amount of ruching tightness.

Adjustable straps

Our swim dresses cater to curvier frames with clever adjustable features. This allows women with fuller busts to customize the fit for comfort, support, and coverage where they need it most. The ties create a flattering self-cinching effect while accommodating changes in size.

Versatile sizes

From XS to 3X, our swim dresses aim to make women of all body types feel included. A diverse range of figures can discover flattery, functionality, and style.

UV protection

Beyond the other perks, our swim dresses offer UV protection. The fabric we use is highest rated UPF 50+ sun protection, blocking 98% of UVA and UVB rays. This added benefit helps to protect the skin from harmful sun rays, making swim dresses a practical option for extended fun in the sun.

If you’d like to protect yourself from the dangers of ultraviolet radiation, check out this hourly UV index forecast and plan your activities around peak UV hours.

What to look for in a swim dress?

Here are some key considerations when shopping for the perfect swim dress:

Flattering silhouettes. Look for swim dresses in cuts that flatter your body type like wraps, ruched sides, empire waists, and A-line shapes that gracefully drape without clinging. Details such as twisted fronts, ruffles, or removable straps let you adjust coverage.
Tummy control features. Many swim dresses have built-in powernet lining, cinched waists, or wide waistbands to slim and smooth the midsection. Strategic ruching, wraps, and diagonal seams also camouflage problem areas.
Stylish prints and colors. Express your personal style with on-trend prints and colors. Choose from bright solids, color blocking, floral prints, or graphic prints.
Quick-dry swim fabric. Lightweight, stretchy nylon spandex blends wick moisture and dries quickly so you can transition from water to lounge chair. Crisp poly blends won't cling when wet. Check fabric content before buying any coverup for swimming.

Why SwimZip?

At SwimZip, we offer a range of swim dresses that will make you look and feel your best. Our swim dresses are not only fashionable but also provide complete sun protection, blocking 98% of the sun’s harmful UVA & UVB rays. They are made of the highest-rated, most comfortable UPF 50+ sun-protective fabric, and are quick-drying and chlorine-resistant.

Whether you're planning a day at the beach, a pool party, or a casual walk around town, our swim dresses are a must-have addition to your wardrobe. They are available in a wide array of colors, styles, and sizes, ensuring there's a perfect fit for everyone.

Browse our range of beachwear by style, type, and level of coverage. Some of our popular collections include

Best swim dresses FAQ

Are swim dresses flattering?

Swim dresses can be flattering as they offer modest coverage while being form-fitting in the right places. They are designed to be loose and flowy at the bottom, providing a comfortable and forgiving fit for the upper thighs and potentially smoothing out the midsection.

Which swim dress style is the best for a big belly?

For those with a big belly, high-waisted two-piece designs (high-waist bottoms are an excellent choice) or one-piece swimsuits with ruching and extra stretch are recommended. These styles provide support and can make the midsection appear smoother.

What color swimsuit makes you look skinniest?

Dark shades, especially black and navy blue, have a slimming effect and are perfect for those looking to appear skinnier in a swimsuit. These colors can help hide a few pounds while offering a stylish look.

What do you wear under the swim dress?

You can wear a swimsuit, tankini top, or bikini underneath a swim dress for adjustable coverage and convenience in case you want to remove the dress when suntanning or swimming. Some opt for bike shorts or no undergarment for a streamlined look.

How can I look thinner in a swimsuit?

Horizontal striped, black, or dark-colored swimsuits offer a thinner look in combination with a cover-up skirt, sarong, or dress on top to create a longer vertical line. Bandeau tops and higher cut leg lines elongate the torso.

Who should wear a tankini?

Tankinis are suitable for those who prefer a bit more coverage than a traditional bikini offers but still want the flexibility of a two-piece swimsuit. They are ideal for individuals who desire modesty while maintaining style and comfort.

Do I need to wear a bra with a swimsuit?

You do not need to wear a bra with a swimsuit. Women’s swimsuits generally have special lining and additional padding in the bust area to make the swimsuit more comfortable and to prevent visibility of one’s private areas.

Can I swim in a swim dress?

You can swim in a swim dress. Swim dresses are made with water-safe materials that dry quickly and don’t retain water like your typical cotton-based clothing.