I Helped My Friends Pick These 12 Bikinis Based on Their Budgets

I’ll be honest: There are a number of reasons I’m thankful for this job—I shop all day; I’m (virtually) surrounded by the best co-workers; I get to work with amazing brands; etc.; etc. But I think the best part about it is that I finally have an outlet to share my love for finding people cute things to wear. Before (and, okay, after) I became an editor, I’d spam my friends with daily messages telling them about all the fun items I found on the internet, whether they asked for it or not. Though lately, I’ve toned it down (now I just assume they keep up with my articles on the site, if they’re interested in what I’m currently eyeing), I still can’t help myself when I discover something really good.

So since my love for bikinis has evidently surpassed my love for any other summer product this season, I thought it might be fun to help my friends with finding—get ready for a bold statement—the suit of their dreams. So I asked them for their budget and a description of what they were looking for, and one text later, I had everything I needed to get my friends (and myself… I couldn’t help it. I have an obsession!) their perfect set. Want to see what I found? Keep scrolling.

Name: Landyn

Budget: $100

Looking for: “Bikinis that I can mix and match at a great price point—I want to have options! I’m not trying to blow my whole summer budget on just one suit. Tops that can double as a going-out top or piece under loose summer shirts are a bonus!”

Name: Kristina

Budget: $200

Looking for: “The perfect fit. Bikinis are difficult for me because I’m usually a medium or large on the bottom, but a 34G on the top. I love high-waisted bottoms (that still look chic!).”

Name: Olivia

Budget: $150

Looking for: “Good material (I love buttery-soft fabric) and minimal straps. (I hate to have a weird tan line when I’m wearing my favorite backless top in the summer.) I’m big on classic design in terms of print, color, and cut—I don’t buy a whole new bikini wardrobe every year, so it has to last.”

Name: Celene

Budget: $80

Looking for: “Something that I can tan in. My sports bra tan is getting pretty bad from having to run outside.”

Name: Haley

Budget: $80

Looking for: “A suit that creates curves and complements my nonexistent boobs. I love simple patterns or solid colors. I’m currently on the hunt for Brazilian high-waisted bottoms.”

Name: Gabby

Budget: $60

Looking for: “Something that’s trendy and in fashion, but nothing too bold. I always search for something that works for my smaller chest but also flatters my curves at the same time.”

Name: Jess

Budget: $75

Looking for: “A neutral, sporty ribbed style with good boob support.”

Name: Mel

Budget: $100

Looking for: “Pieces I can mix and match with some of the other black bathing suits I have.”

Name: Savanah

Budget: $140

Looking for: “Thick straps and cheeky, high-rise bottoms. I’m a curvier girl and find that this combo is super flattering on me. My wardrobe is 90% neutrals, so I’m on the hunt for a few vibrant suits to spice it up.”

Name: Elise

Budget: $70

Looking for: “Surfer brand bikinis. I love that those brands are comfortable, pretty affordable, and survive the wear and tear of beach life. I’m always looking for styles that I can mix and match.”

Name: Marisa

Budget: $100

Looking for: An everyday suit. I like the idea of a solid color top that I can wear under a cute shirt and shorts to have on during the day before I go lay out.

Name: Isabella

Budget: $160

Looking for: “Something flattering and seamless to highlight my curvy figure. It’s a hard line between finding something with coverage that still feels sexy.”

Name: Anneliese 

Budget: $200

Looking for: Something with a pattern. Almost all of my suits right now are solid, so I think it’s time to switch it up a bit. And we all know my obsession with Monday Swimwear. 

To carry around all the beach-picnic essentials (or just your sunscreen!).

I’m not going to lie: A straw hat is my favorite Instagram photo prop.

These look way more than $15.

Almost all of my friends were also on the hunt for the perfect white cover-up, and I think this is the winner.

It’s time to elevate your average pool slides.

Get these while they’re on sale—trust me.

Wear this with your bikini or your favorite summer dress.

Up next: The Best Under-$67 Items I’ve Found So Far This Summer