So here’s the deal, I don’t think I’ve ever not been disappointed trying on swimsuits. Like, ever. We’ve all been there – digging through racks and racks of mismatched tops and bottoms. Just praying to the almighty that something might grace you not feeling like a can of busted biscuits. Baring it all under the harsh fluorescent light isn’t a favorite activity for anyone. Or what about those gorgeous bikinis on Pinterest that you can’t actually reliably purchase or don’t exist? Girl, we understand and are frankly so over it. We all know how something looks on a manikin, or in an online review, but heck – what about on an actual person at a sustainable, healthy weight that isn’t an Instagram model? This question drove me to find these 5 Tried & True Swimsuits to Rock the Summer of 2018 for $27 OR LESS!

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We took a cruise this summer and it was a BLAST. I got to swim with a dolphin, kiss a stingray, and take a clear bottomed kayak over the reef in Cozumel. But in order to do that, I had to pretty much live in swimsuit. And I wanted to be comfortable in my own skin – because it was over my twenty-third birthday. Since for 22 years I’ve spent a lot of time hiding out during swimsuit season. You can read about How I Lost 7 Pounds & Got My Bikini Body While Working Fast Food if you’re interested in how I got here.

Just as a point of reference, I weigh 135(ish) lbs, stand at 5 feet 7 inches, and my measurements are as follows: hips – 38.5 inches, waist – 26 inches and bust – 34 inches.

5 Tried & True Swimsuits to Rock the Summer of 2018 for $27 or LESS

Now the majority of these you can find on Amazon, but I’ll admit – I was a lilly-livered chicken. So I went swimsuit shopping in person while in town before we left on our cruise. Which I don’t even regret. I know that $27 for a lot of people is pricey for a swimsuit, but you can’t just purchase a $7 bikini on Amazon and expect it to have full coverage and fit well. So I took the risk for you and ordered some!

If you decide they’re your jam simply click the photo of me wearing any of the swimsuits or the swimsuit’s name above the photo.

Hollister Girls Ribbed Bikini Top & Ribbed Bikini Bottom in Navy

Cost: $27.54

Size(s) Pictured: Small Top, Medium Bottom

Color: Navy

Thoughts: It’s definitely your typical bikini. But I really loved the fact that you could pair it with cut-off’s and a tank. It’s incredibly well-made, as is all Hollister merchandise and the most favorite bikini I’ve ever tried on in my entire life. Definitely easy to swim in because it’s so secure!

Women’s Shoulder Tie Bralette Bikini Top & Women’s Sun Coast Cheeky Strappy Rib Bikini Bottom – Shade & Shore Black rib

Cost: $24

Size(s) Pictured: Small Top, Medium Bottom

Color: Black

Thoughts:  This was really similar to the type of bikini I wanted from Amazon, and both pieces were on sale! Which brought the total cost to just $24. I couldn’t find one with consistently great reviews on Amazon, but I found this gem at Target, and it was my favorite out of all three that I tried on. Incredibly well made. Also, I think everyone needs a little black swimsuit in their life just like they need a LBD in all honesty. And for those of us with a little more junk in the trunk the coverage is pretty gosh dang great!

Tempt Me Women One Piece 

Cost: $19.49

Size(s) Pictured: Small

Color: Red

Thoughts: Just because I’ve been in love with bikini’s doesn’t mean every woman doesn’t need a good one piece. I had found a similar swimsuit on Pinterest as far as the lace detailing and was pretty in love with it. But as is often the case on Pinterest, I couldn’t actually find the exact swimsuit pictured to purchase. So I decided to try this one! I appreciated the fact that it was a touch modest but also had cute details to make it more than your average one piece. Like THESE SLEEVES!

And the fact that you can put up the sleeves for more coverage, that’s a plus too!

RUUHEE Bow-Knot Bikini 

Cost: $15.99

Size(s) Pictured: Medium

Color: Blue

Thoughts: Anyone who knows me understands that I like a vintage flair. I mean, like I got overly excited about purchasing a tea length tulle skirt a few years ago. And I’m in love with all of my grandmother’s old jewelry. Which also means that between my love of everything old and the south I’m a sucker for anything gingham. Plus, bows (noticing a theme?). Overall I really did like this swimsuit, I will say my husband was a little worried that the top was tied in the front but I felt it was very secure.

Dixperfect Women’s Retro High Cut Low Back One Piece

Cost: $25.99

Size(s) Pictured: Medium

Color: Red

Thoughts: Like I said, I’m a sucker for vintage, retro, you name it. But event though this looks like something from the late 80’s, it’s definitely on trend for today. Absolutely in love with the low back and front! Also as I mentioned earlier, you do need a one piece here and there for functionality. I found this one was was not only adorable but also a little freer to actually swim in and do other activities without the sleeves featured in the other one-piece.

All in all, this was a great experience! I haven’t been swimsuit shopping in awhile and it was nice to celebrate my bikini body progress by purchasing some to enjoy this summer!

If you enjoyed this article you might like reading:

• 8 Quotes to Caption Your Summer With
• How I Lost 7 lbs & Got My Bikini Body (While Working Fast Food)
• 5 Frugal Science-Backed Ways to Practice Self-Care 

Thanks for reading!

Lauren