The 2023 Best of Swimwear Winners

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Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has been at the forefront of swimwear, fashion and women’s lifestyle since 1964. For years, our editors have traveled the globe searching for the most beautiful locations, fashion and trends. This year, we are pleased to introduce the winners from the franchise’s first Best of Awards. Brands across several industries submitted entries for a chance to get their products and places recognized by our roster of cover models, expert makeup artists, hairstylists and editors as we voted on the best in swimwear, beauty, fitness and travel.

The hunt for the best swimsuit can prove to be a challenging one. Not limited to the summer months—it is most definitely now a year-round activity—shopping for the perfect suit is equally rewarding and overwhelming. New swimsuit brands are constantly popping onto the scene, while established brands are regularly releasing fresh styles. That being said, there are a few main factors to take into account when embarking on the search for the crème de la crème: cut, fit, material, sustainability, functionality and, of course, style. Luckily, here at SI Swimsuit we consider ourselves to know a thing or two about great swimsuits. In the making of the Swimsuit Issue each year, we source hundreds, even thousands, of suits. Check out our winners for the best swimsuits among six style categories: Sporty Swimsuit, Statement One Piece, Statement Bikini, Triangle Bikini, Sexy Swimsuit and Sustainable Swimsuit.

Sporty Swimsuit Winner

GIGI C Riley Surfsuit

gigicbikinis.com

About: The Riley Surfsuit by GIGI C features geometric laser-cut designs and a high cut leg with medium coverage (with the option of full coverage available). Made of GIGI C’s signature silky scuba material, the surfsuit molds perfectly to any body, ensuring all-around comfort and smooth seams. The center-front locking zipper also provides added flexibility when in nine vibrant colors.

Why It Won: The Riley Surfsuit is everything that you could want when it comes to a swimsuit catered to movement. The body-hugging tailoring eliminates any extra, unwanted fabric making it hassle-free and sure to stay in place. Plus, the all-around compressive coverage makes the style as flattering and elevated as it is functional. There is no better feeling than throwing on a swimsuit that can keep up with you and all you do.

What We Love About It: “I love swimwear that’s stylish and functional. I am one of those people that relaxes on the beach but also loves to swim and be active. This surfsuit from GIGI C is perfect for all of that while still enhancing a stylish look. The color is so vibrant and chic and sets me up for a fun day at the beach. Afterwards, I can easily throw on a pair of denim and head to a casual dinner in the evening.” —Janine Berey, SI Swimsuit managing producer, video

Statement One Piece Winner

Eunoia Olympus One Piece

eunoiaa.com

About: The Olympus One Piece is a simple silhouette with a deep V neckline and straps adorned with beads. Available in three colorways (Darkness, Sunset and Dianthus), this statement piece is uniquely eye-catching. The swimsuit is made of a regenerated nylon fabric composed of recycled ocean waste, such as fish nets and plastic.

Why It Won: When it comes to a statement one piece, there is a fine line between making a statement and something that is unwearable, and the Olympus One Piece just so happens to fall in the sweet spot. The beaded straps provide a charismatic detail, while the classic silhouette ensures the suit's wearability. It turns heads in an effortless way. 

What We Love About It: “I love leaning into classic pieces with bold, fun elements that help make an outfit stand out. The timeless silhouette of this swimsuit really gets taken to the next level with the peal straps adding a fresh twist to the staple suit.” —Mara Milam, SI Swimsuit managing producer, digital

Statement Bikini Winner

SAME Rose Triangle Top and Rose 90s Bottom

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About: A part of the La Vie En Rose collection, the Rose Triangle Top by SAME is a classic triangle style with adjustable tie features and a three-dimensional rose bloom. With four-way stretch, this bikini provides all of the comfort of a staple bikini, while making a feminine and flirty statement with the floral detail. SAME recommends handwashing this swimsuit to ensure its longevity.

Why It Won: The Rose Triangle Top paired with the Rose 90s Bottom is the perfect statement bikini because the cut is simple, making it one to be found in your swimsuit rotation, while its three-dimensional floral details take it up a notch, making it fashion forward. The Rose Triangle Top embodies exactly what the designer swimwear line set out to do: contribute to a new era of swimwear by creating a fashion-forward swimwear brand that can appeal to all women through chic designs with a twist.

What We Love About It: “SAME is my go-to for an ultra feminine look. Statement florals will be a huge trend in summer 2023 and SAME has really nailed it with this suit. It’s also the perfect gift for a bride or to wear on a honeymoon!” —Margot Zamet, SI Swimsuit fashion editor

Triangle Bikini Winner 

JADE Kyla Bikini Top Sheen

jadeswim.com

About: The Kyla Bikini Top is a lined halter top with ruching and a tie closure. The style fits true to size with the adjustable tie allowing for adaptable support as needed. Made of 78% nylon and 22% Lycra, the Kyla Bikini Top is chlorine-, oil-, and cream-resistant. The sheen material is a revamped take on the brand’s traditional Kyla style.

Why It Won: We chose the Kyla Bikini Top as our winner for the best triangle bikini because it is universally flattering and a style that can be worn for quite literally any occasion that calls for bikini attire, whether that be a family pool party or a girl’s weekend getaway. The tie halter and the adjustable ruching are to thank for this versatility, offering flexibility in both styling and fit. And the sheen finish adds a subtle touch of glamour. This suit will quickly become your go-to.

What We Love About It: “The Kyla Bikini Top is going to be my summer staple. I love that it has a tie closure because it gives extra support that can be really hard to find in traditional triangle bikini tops. I also love that the adjustable ruching allows for less or more coverage, depending on how you’re feeling.” —Sarah Hermus, SI Swimsuit social media and community coordinator

Sexy Swimsuit Winner

Monica Hansen Beachwear Starlight Cutout One Piece

monicahansenbeachwear.com

About: The Starlight Cutout One Piece by Monica Hansen Beachwear is a tank style swimsuit with cutouts on the front, back and sides. Made of high-quality Italian fabric, the swimsuit features adjustable string closure hooks behind the neck. Monica Hansen Beachwear is known for its expertise in design, as international swimwear model Monica Hansen started the brand out of her extensive knowledge of the best swimsuit materials and most flattering fits.

Why It Won: The sexiest swimsuits are the ones that you can’t help but feel confident in. With a firm belief that the beach doubles as a runway, this barely-there design is the swimsuit to show off what you’ve got and feel your best doing it. The cutout pattern reveals skin in all of the right places, creating a contemporary shape and a unique fit that is flattering from any angle. Optimal for those dead-of-summer days, this suit provides relief when the sun is relentless, not only because of the minimal coverage, but also because of the breathable and lightweight fabric that is characteristic of all Monica Hansen Beachwear swimsuits.

What We Love About It: “This suit by Monica Hansen is incredible. The buttery fabric feels like a second skin and the cut outs hit in all the right places for a super sexy and daring look.” —Margot Zamet, SI Swimsuit fashion editor

Sustainable Swimsuit Winner

Natasha Tonic Yin and Yang One Piece Swimsuit

natashatonic.com

About: Fitting true to size, this smocked one piece delivers moderate coverage and features a halter neck tie. Made of Natasha Tonic's signature hemp/organic cotton fabric, the Yin and Yang One Piece swimsuit is ethically made-to-order in Los Angeles. The suit also includes elastane throughout the seams, providing additional support and a no-slip effect while wearing. The comfortable fabric makes it perfect to work double duty as body wear, too.

Why It Won: There is nothing hotter than a sustainably-made swimsuit. The extremely comfortable natural hemp fiber used to make the one piece is packed with benefits for both your skin and the planet: The fabric is rich in fiber, producing 250% more fiber than cotton using the same amount of land, requires one-quarter of the amount of the water it takes to grow cotton, enriches the soil by returning lost nutrients and moisture during growth, and absorbs significant amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere, all while being anti-microbial and UV resistant. The Yin and Yang One Piece is a purchase you can feel good about and in. Talk about an all-around winner.

What We Love About It: “This Natasha Tonic swimsuit is my favorite. It was essentially my summer uniform last year! It’s perfect to throw on for the beach or a pool day. I’ve even gotten some good wear out of it this spring. I pair the one piece with baggy jeans, strappy sandals and statement earrings for a fun going-out look!” —Kenzie Murphy, SI Swimsuit brand coordinator

View all of the winners for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Best of Awards.