While some of our daughters are rocking the teeny bikini that are back this summer, others are more interested in athletic two-piece swimsuits that let them be as active in the pool or on the beach as they’d like. As it turns out, it’s a little harder to find stylish but hard-working athletic bikinis for teens than we had thought! You can search for terms like “halter bikini top” or “full coverage bikini top” and you don’t find athletic swimsuit styles as much as you get slightly less teeny bikinis. Or, maybe tankinis — which is a whole different thing.
Whether your kids are more modest, or they spend their summers body surfing or playing beach volleyball, or hey, maybe they just want a swimsuit that will keep up with them — literally — whatever their plans, I get it. So we’ve found some great options, inspired by a search on behalf of our own girls.
I hope these 10 athletic two-piece swimsuits for teens can help more of them feel their most comfortable in and out of the pool. – Kate, with the team
This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission from certain purchases to help support the work we do at no additional cost to you.
Above: Maldives Bra Cup Bikini Top
10 fantastic athletic two-piece swimsuits for teens who aren’t into teeny bikinis
Color-Block High-Waisted Athletic Bikini Set
More fun contrast seams in this BMJL Color-Block High-Waisted Athletic Bikini Set on Amazon, which comes in 25 color combos! It gets fabulous ratings for comfort, fit and support from adjustable straps; and despite the words “cheeky high-cut bikini” in the title (thanks SEO bots!), you can see the bottoms provide modest coverage. ($34.99 and up for set, Amazon)
Scoopneck Wide Overlay Strap Two-Piece Bikini Set
A sporty, athletic bikini doesn’t have to be dull. At Kohl’s, we spotted this affordable, Scoopneck Eco Beach Wide Overlay Strap Bikini Set which definitely fits our criteria for athletic two-piece swimsuits. Our teens like the styling with that contrasting striped band. They also like the Women’s Eco Beach Basic Overlay Swim Briefs which provide coverage without looking like “mom bottoms.” (Thanks, kids.) ($35.20/each piece on sale, Kohl’s)
Tomboy X Reversible Halter-Style Sport Bikini Top
For a brighter, mroe playful look coupled with lot more coverage up top, we love this Tomboy X Reversible Sport Bikini Top — on one side, it’s that gorgeous multi-colored ombre, or flip it around for a solid black. It’s nice to see it in both regular and plus sizes too. Pair with the TomboyX Reversible Swim Shorts for surf-style coverage, or the TomboyX High-Waist Hipster Bottoms for a more classic athletic bikini. ($59/piece, Nordstrom and note that any negative reviews seem to have come from an error in the original listing about the suit that’s since been rectified.)
Beach Riot Eva Athletic Two-Piece Swimsuit
This gorgeous, bold Beach Riot Eva Athletic Two-Piece Swimsuit is so cute, we may buy it for ourselves. It has excellent coverage without looking like a swim team uniform. (Not that there’s anything wrong with a swim team uniform!) Pair with the Beach Riot Ava Bikini Bottoms for a fantastic look. The one caveat: this is not a cheap swimsuit. Get it for your teens who aren’t still growing, and hope they love this style for many summers. I know I would.
Andie Maui Athletic Halter Biikini Top
Don’t be deceived by the name — this Andie Maui Biikini Top from Gap in black or red offers plenty of support if you’re looking for an athletic two-piece swimsuit with a little less plunge than a bralette, but thinner straps to keep it stylish. It’s comfortable like a sports bra, and offers UPF 50+ sun protection too. Pair with the Andie 90s High-Waisted Bikini Bottoms, or opt for “cheeikier” bottoms. Your call. ( $62, $52 at Gap)
Cross Back Bralette Athletic Two-Piece Swimsuit
Speaking of bralettes, this cross-back bralette bikini top at Target gives you today’s chic styling in the form of a bikini top, complete with removable cups dependig on your needs. Check out that cool back, too! It’s shown here paired with shortie bottoms for a more athletic look, or mix-and-match with the bottoms you like best. That’s the great thing about solids. ($20-23/ea piece, Target)
High Neck Crop Top Racerback Athletic Swimsuit Set
If your teen is into the crop top look (like basically every teen these days), this fun high-necked, crop top swimsuit set is a great fit. There are solids, contrast bands, or this fun nautical-striped top paired with a higher-waisted bikini bottom.This will definitely stay on in the waves! Just uh…ignore the name of the “brand” on Amazon. Tempt Me? Hoo boy. ($23.99 and up, Amazon)
Maldives Bra Cup Athletic Two-Piece Swimwear
For teens who need more support, we found this Maldives Bra Cup Bikini Top (also shown at top) at Athleta — on sale! — in four fun patterns or three solids. It really gives you the best of both worlds, offering a stylish halter look (the back is fantastic!) with supportive cups you choose by bra size. Plus we like that Recycled H₂ECO swim fabric, offering powerful stretch for paddleboarding, volleyball, or just splashing in the waves. Pair with the High Waist Swim Bottoms in a matching pattern. ($24.97 and up/piece, Athleta)
TYR Sport Athletic Workout Bikini
For an ultra-sporty look that isn’t quite a Speedo, this TYR Sport athletic workout bikini is one we’ve recommended for a long time. It’s designed to suit lots of body types thanks to an adjustable drawstring on the bottoms. Customers say it’s well-made, supportive, and great for bodies with both small and large chests — all the way up to a size G-cup. In fact, it’s the suit many pro athletes use, and it’s designed to hold up during any athletic activity with maximum comfort. ($29 and up, Amazon)
Ribbed Halter Bikini Set
Yes, there are still some affordable options out there! This cute ribbed halter bikini provides ample coverage with narrower straps for young women who want an athletic two-piece swimsuit that won’t be mistaken for a swim team uniform. The straps are adjustable too, should you need a little more support. It’s paired with the matching rib hipster bikini bottoms. It’s such a classic, we might grab it in all four colors. ($12.75 top on clearance, and $15 for the bottoms, Target)
