The Best Swimsuit Brands on a Budget

What’s more terrifying than trying on swimsuits surrounded by mirrors in fluorescent lights? Paying a small fortune for a piece of body-baring Spandex. But don’t worry, we got your back (seriously, we do) and have put together this list of the cheap bathing suit brands that help you look good and save a few bucks.

Rules for Searching for a New Swimsuit

First, it’s usually a good idea to go up a size.

When trying on suits, give your cleavage a manual boost in the suit to make sure it’s securely in the proper place.

If you can’t find the perfect fit, suits can be easily tailored. Straps can be shortened and inserts can be sewn into the lining of the cups.

Once you found a suit you love, make sure you take care of it by hand-washing it after every use, and never put it in the dryer (the heat melts the Spandex).

Check out our picks for the best swimsuits on a budget.

Best Cheap Bathing Suits

Fashion Forward Swimsuits: ASOS 

Looking for a swimsuit with a bit of edge? Just click over to ASOS for suits that are just as cutting-edge as the latest runway looks. You’ll find 3-D floral embellishments, ruffles, gold hardware and cutouts in every style for $50-$60 for a one-piece. Make sure to check ASOS outlet first for items up to 70 percent off the regular price.

Made to Last Swimsuits: Land’s End 

If you don’t want to get a new suit every season, then Land’s End is your brand. The suits feature enhancements like sun protection and bust support. For the most part, tops and bottoms are sold separately, so you can find the best fit for every part of your body, but this can add to the expense of the suit. We like that the plus-size options feature cross-back straps for extra support.

Casual Swimsuits: Target 

One of the reasons Target’s clothing is so popular is that it actually fits really well, and that includes swimsuits.With most suits priced in the $20-$40 range and a large selection of plus-size swimsuits, you will find a suit that works. One piece of advice: the selection online is significantly better than the in-store options, so order online (you can return the item in-store).

Teen Swimsuits: dELiA*s 

Junior fashion brand dELiA*s is a great place to find swimsuits if you’re a teen or petite. dELiA*s fun swimsuits (approximately $24.50 for bottoms and $29.50 for tops) are available in fashion-forward patterns such as polka dots and bright florals. The quality is okay–the swimsuit isn’t going to last more than two or three seasons, but for the price, you’ll be well under your cost per wear.

Perfect Fit Swimsuits: Talbots 

Talbots pays the same careful attention to detail in their swim line as they do to crafting a tailored suit. These suits are made for women and feature details such as halter tops and side ruching, which help make suits that fit and flatter most body types. They’re also fully lined, so you won’t have any see-through surprises after you emerge from the water.

Plus-Size Swimsuits: Forever21

Plus size swimwear has undergone a major revolution with ugly floral prints and suits that cover every part of your body taking a back seat to plus size bikinis and shape enhancing suits with strategically placed cut outs. Forever21 is leading this revolution on the budget front, with figure flattering plus size swimsuits in a variety of awesome colors and styles.