Best Holiday Swimwear: What to Pack for Your Next Beach Holiday
Best Holiday Swimwear: What to Pack for Your Next Beach Holiday
You've booked the flights. The hotel is sorted. Now comes the question that somehow takes far more thought than it should:
How much swimwear do you actually need for a beach holiday?
Pack too little and you'll find yourself pulling on yesterday's damp bikini. Pack too much and half of it never leaves the suitcase.
The secret is not necessarily taking more swimwear.
It's taking the right mix of styles.
A great holiday swimwear collection should give you different options for sunbathing, swimming, exploring, long beach days and those moments when you simply want a little more coverage.
Here's how to build yours.
Holiday Swimwear Designed to Do More
SWIMSARA combines flattering fits, fierce prints and innovative tan-through fabric to create swimwear that works beautifully beyond the edge of the pool.
Choose from bikinis, one-piece swimsuits and long-sleeve styles with different levels of support and coverage.
And because our specialist fabric allows a proportion of sunlight to reach the skin underneath, you don't necessarily have to wear the smallest bikini possible to work towards a more even-looking holiday tan.
Shop Best Sellers
Start With Swimwear That Fits Properly
Before thinking about how many bikinis to pack, make sure the ones you're taking actually fit.
A bikini you constantly adjust at home isn't going to become more comfortable when you're swimming in the sea.
Good holiday swimwear should:
- Sit securely against your body
- Feel comfortable when sitting and moving
- Give you the bust support you prefer
- Stay in place when swimming
- Provide the amount of coverage you want
- Make you feel confident enough to stop thinking about it
If you're struggling to find the right style, start with our Ultimate Guide to Finding Flattering Swimwear: Fit, Support & Confidence.
How Many Swimsuits Should You Pack for a Week?
For a typical seven-night beach holiday, three to five swimwear options will be enough for many people.
That gives you enough choice to rotate your swimwear while allowing pieces to dry between wears.
Rather than packing five almost-identical bikinis, think about creating a small swimwear wardrobe.
For example:
- One bikini for sunbathing
- One supportive bikini for swimming
- One swimsuit
- One higher-coverage option
- One favourite statement style
You don't necessarily need all five.
The important thing is having enough variety for the different things you'll actually be doing.
1. Pack a Bikini for Sunbathing
For relaxing by the pool or spending a few hours on a sun lounger, you might prefer a bikini with less coverage.
A bandeau is particularly useful if you dislike shoulder strap lines.
2. Pack a Supportive Bikini for Swimming
The bikini you love for lying beside the pool might not be the one you want when you're jumping into the sea.
For swimming and more active beach days, look for a top that feels secure when you move.
Aurora Halter Bikini
If you prefer greater control over your neckline, try the Aurora Halter Bikini.
Its adjustable centre toggle allows you to alter the neckline and personalise your cleavage and support.
That flexibility makes it useful when you want one bikini to work for different occasions.
3. Pack a One-Piece Swimsuit
Even if you're normally a bikini person, a swimsuit deserves a place in your suitcase.
It's useful for:
- Swimming
- Pool days
- Family beach days
- Boat trips
- Spa visits
- Days when you want more coverage
And the right swimsuit can work beyond the beach.
Paula Fitted Swimsuit
The Paula Fitted Swimsuit gives you more coverage through the torso while maintaining a feminine silhouette through its plunging neckline and open back.
Add shorts, a skirt or lightweight trousers and your swimsuit can also work as the base of a holiday outfit.
That means one item in your suitcase can do considerably more than just swimming.
Shop the Paula Fitted Swimsuit
4. Pack Something for Days When You Want More Coverage
Not every holiday day feels the same.
Some mornings you might happily reach for your smallest bikini.
On another day, you might want more coverage while walking along the beach, swimming or spending hours outside.
That's why it's useful to pack at least one higher-coverage option.
Long Sleeve Set
SWIMSARA's Long Sleeve Top gives you considerably more upper-body coverage while remaining lightweight, breathable and quick-drying.
Pair it with the bottom that gives you your preferred level of coverage.
Wear it for swimming, lounging or simply when you want a little more coverage without pulling a heavy layer over your swimwear.
5. Pack a Bikini You Feel Incredible In
Practical swimwear matters.
But your holiday suitcase should also contain something that makes you feel fantastic the moment you put it on.
Maybe that's a bold animal print.
A tropical pattern.
A bright colour.
A plunging neckline.
A tiny bandeau.
Whatever your version is, pack it.
Holiday swimwear doesn't need to be sensible all the time.
SWIMSARA's bold prints are designed to be seen, so choose the one that makes you excited for the first pool day.
Bikini or Swimsuit: Which Should You Take?
Ideally, both.
Bikinis give you more flexibility to mix and match pieces and sizes.
Swimsuits provide more continuous coverage and can be particularly useful for swimming or days when you want a little more security.
Taking both means you can decide based on how you feel that morning rather than making the decision before you leave home.
Read our Bikini or Swimsuit? How to Choose What's Right for You guide if you're trying to decide which deserves more space in your suitcase.
Choose Bikini Separates You Can Mix and Match
If suitcase space is limited, separates are your friend.
Instead of thinking in complete outfits, choose bikini pieces that can work together.
A single bikini top could potentially be paired with:
- A minimal bottom
- A classic bottom
- A fuller bottom
- A high-waisted bottom
This gives you different levels of coverage without packing an entirely separate bikini for every look.
It can also make finding the right fit easier because you aren't restricted to wearing the same size on your top and bottom.
Don't Forget About Bust Support
Holiday swimwear often stays on for hours.
Something that feels fine for ten minutes in a changing room can become uncomfortable after an entire day.
If you have a fuller bust or simply prefer more support, prioritise it when packing.
Look for:
- Wider straps
- Adjustable halternecks
- Secure underbust fits
- Adjustable necklines
- Crop-style tops when you want more coverage
The Halter Bikini, Aurora Halter Bikini and Crop Top Bikini all offer alternatives to very minimal bikini tops.
For more help, read our Best Swimwear for a Fuller Bust: Supportive Styles Without Underwire guide.
Think About Coverage Before You Travel
Don't pack the swimwear you think you should want to wear on holiday.
Pack the swimwear you actually feel comfortable wearing.
If you know you'll spend the first two days trying to build up the confidence to wear a tiny bikini, give yourself other options.
That might mean packing:
- High-waisted bottoms
- Full bikini bottoms
- A crop top
- A one-piece
- A long-sleeve set
Then if you feel like wearing something more revealing, you still can.
Having choices makes getting dressed easier.
Read our Best Swimwear for More Coverage Without Sacrificing Style guide for more ideas.
What About Tan Lines on Holiday?
Tan lines are one reason many women pack increasingly smaller bikinis.
The less fabric covering your skin, the fewer areas you would traditionally expect to remain untanned.
But that can create a compromise.
You may prefer more coverage but wear less because you don't want strong tan lines.
Tan-through swimwear gives you another option.
SWIMSARA's specialist fabric is designed to allow a proportion of sunlight to pass through the material and reach the skin beneath.
This means you can wear more covered styles while still working towards a softer, more even-looking tan.
Individual results vary depending on factors such as your skin type, UV levels, fit and how consistently you wear the swimwear.
If you're trying tan-through swimwear for the first time, read our Ultimate Guide to Tan-Through Swimwear before your holiday.
Should You Wear the Same Tan-Through Swimwear Every Day?
Consistency can help when you're trying to achieve a more even-looking result, but that doesn't mean you have to wear exactly the same swimsuit every day.
Rotating different styles can give you more flexibility while still allowing covered areas to receive some sunlight through the fabric.
Whichever style you choose, make sure the fabric sits smoothly and closely against your skin.
And remember that tan-through swimwear doesn't remove the need to take care in the sun.
Protect exposed skin appropriately, avoid excessive sun exposure and follow the sun-safety guidance relevant to your skin type and destination.
Why Quick-Drying Swimwear Matters on Holiday
We've all experienced pulling on swimwear that still feels damp from the day before.
It's not pleasant.
Quick-drying fabric becomes particularly useful when you're:
- Packing fewer swimsuits
- Swimming several times a day
- Travelling between hotels
- Going on boat trips
- Packing on your final morning
- Moving between the pool and beach
SWIMSARA's lightweight fabric is designed to dry quickly, making it particularly practical for travel.
Don't Save Your Favourite Swimwear for the Last Day
You know the bikini.
The one you've been saving because you want to wear it on the "best" day.
Then suddenly you're packing your suitcase to go home and realise you've barely worn it.
Wear your favourites.
Your holiday is the occasion.
Can Swimwear Double as Clothing?
Yes—and this is one of the easiest ways to reduce how much you pack.
Turn Your Swimsuit Into a Bodysuit
Pair a one-piece swimsuit with:
- Linen trousers
- Denim shorts
- A maxi skirt
- A sarong
and you've instantly created another holiday outfit.
Style Your Long Sleeve Top
A Long Sleeve Top can take you from swimming to walking along the beach without immediately reaching for a cover-up.
Add a Shirt Over Your Bikini
An oversized shirt worn over your bikini creates an easy beach-to-lunch outfit.
The more ways you can wear each item, the less you need to squeeze into your suitcase.
Your 7-Day Holiday Swimwear Packing List
If you want to keep things simple, start with:
1 x Bandeau Bikini
For sunbathing and days when you want fewer shoulder straps.
1 x Halter or Aurora Halter Bikini
For support, swimming and active beach days.
1 x Paula Fitted Swimsuit
For swimming, additional coverage and styling as a bodysuit.
1 x Long Sleeve Set
For days when you want greater upper-body coverage.
1 x Alternative Bikini Bottom
To change your coverage and create another combination without packing a complete additional bikini.
Five pieces or sets can give you significantly more combinations than you might expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many swimsuits should I pack for a 7-day holiday?
For many people, three to five swimwear options provide enough variety for a week while allowing pieces time to dry between wears.
Should I take bikinis or swimsuits on holiday?
Taking a combination gives you the most flexibility. Bikinis are useful for mixing and matching, while swimsuits provide more torso coverage and can double as bodysuits.
How many bikinis do I need for a two-week holiday?
You don't necessarily need twice as many as you would for one week. Choosing versatile, quick-drying pieces that can be mixed and matched can reduce the amount you need to pack.
What is the best bikini for swimming?
Look for a secure fit and adjustable or wider straps. Halterneck and crop-style bikinis can be good options when you want more security.
What swimwear should I pack if I have a fuller bust?
Prioritise supportive styles with wider straps, adjustable fits and enough bust coverage to make you comfortable.
Should I pack a one-piece swimsuit?
A one-piece is a versatile addition even if you usually wear bikinis. It provides more coverage, works well for swimming and can often be styled as a bodysuit.
What swimwear should I take if I don't feel confident in a bikini?
Take different levels of coverage so you can choose according to how you feel. A swimsuit, high-waisted bikini, crop top or long-sleeve set can all provide additional coverage.
Is long-sleeve swimwear worth taking on holiday?
It can be particularly useful when you want more upper-body coverage while swimming, lounging or walking around the beach.
Can you tan through SWIMSARA swimwear?
SWIMSARA's specialist fabric is designed to allow a proportion of sunlight to reach the skin beneath the fabric. Individual tanning results vary.
What is the best colour swimwear for a holiday?
There's no single best colour. Choose colours and prints you feel confident wearing and that work with the rest of your holiday wardrobe.
Related Guides
Want to get your holiday swimwear sorted before you travel?
The Ultimate Guide to Finding Flattering Swimwear: Fit, Support & Confidence
Find the right combination of fit, support and coverage before choosing your holiday swimwear.
Bikini or Swimsuit? How to Choose What's Right for You
Compare the advantages of bikinis and one-pieces to decide what deserves a place in your suitcase.
Best Swimwear for More Coverage Without Sacrificing Style
Discover stylish options for the days when you'd prefer a little more coverage.
Best Swimwear for a Fuller Bust: Supportive Styles Without Underwire
Find comfortable swimwear options when bust support is one of your priorities.
The Ultimate Guide to Tan-Through Swimwear
Learn how tan-through swimwear works and what to know before wearing it on holiday.
Pack Less. Choose Better. Wear What Makes You Feel Incredible.
The perfect holiday suitcase isn't the one with the most swimwear.
It's the one that gives you the right swimwear for every kind of day.
Pack something for sunbathing. Something secure for swimming. Something with more coverage. And, most importantly, something you can't wait to wear.
With SWIMSARA, you can choose between bikinis, flattering swimsuits and long-sleeve styles while our innovative tan-through fabric helps you work towards a softer, more even-looking holiday tan.
Ready to experience the difference?
Shop SWIMSARA's best-selling tan-through swimwear collection.
