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13 High Cut Swimsuits That Are Sexier Than Bikinis

Headshot of Justine CarreonBy Justine Carreon
Photograph, Bikini, Clothing, Beauty, Swimwear, Model, Beach, Summer, Sun tanning, Leg,
Karla Colletto

There are more ways to feel sexy on the beach than wearing a revealing bikini. In the past few years, one-pieces have shirked their reputation for being prudish thanks to ultra-low backs and plunging necklines, and now there's a new—old?—cut in town that's taking things to a new level: the frong. Swimsuit brands are cutting one-pieces that look straight out of the '80s, complete with a high cut on the upper thigh that shows off your thighbrow. Flattering on many body types, the silhouette works with styles that range from minimalist chic to Malibu Barbie, and is especially great for those who don't want to show off their midriff.. Shop 13 styles we love, ahead.

1

Karla Colletto Bandaeu One Piece

Bandaeu One Piece
1

Karla Colletto Bandaeu One Piece

$265 at ShopBop
Credit: Courtesy

Contrast color blocking give this suit an '80s mall feel, but in the best way possible. If Malibu Barbie wanted to jazzercise on the beach she'd wear this.  

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2

Aerie Super Scoop One Piece Swimsuit

Super Scoop One Piece Swimsuit
2

Aerie Super Scoop One Piece Swimsuit

Credit: Courtesy

This is one of my favorite swimsuits. Ever. The quality fabric feels more expensive than just $22, and the cut flatters your waist without giving you a muffin top. 

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3

Topshop Checkerboard One Piece

Checkerboard One Piece
3

Topshop Checkerboard One Piece

Credit: Courtesy

Nothing is racier than this checkerboard swimsuit, complete with a low back, an ab-baring cutout, and an ultra-high thigh. 

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4

Tropic of C The C

The C
4

Tropic of C The C

Credit: Courtesy

This swimsuit is for hyper-minimalists. There are no frills, but it still packs major heat. 

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5

& Other Stories O-Ring Belted Swimsuit

O-Ring Belted Swimsuit
5

& Other Stories O-Ring Belted Swimsuit

Now 71% Off
Credit: Courtesy

This chic suit belongs on the French Riviera. It is relatively modest, but its high-cut is suggestively sexy. 

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6

Hunza G Nancy Stretch-Knit One-Shoulder Swimsuit

Nancy Stretch-Knit One-Shoulder Swimsuit
6

Hunza G Nancy Stretch-Knit One-Shoulder Swimsuit

Credit: Courtesy

Hunza G makes some of the most form-flattering cuts. We love her knit one-pieces, which all feature a higher thigh.  

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7

Sold & Striped The Harper

The Harper
7

Sold & Striped The Harper

Now 70% Off
Credit: Courtesy

Denim doesn't normally belong in the pool, but Solid & Striped has changed our minds.

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8

Zara Asymmetric Colorblock Suit

Asymmetric Colorblock Suit
8

Zara Asymmetric Colorblock Suit

Now 67% Off
Credit: Courtesy

An asymmetric bodice running parallel to the high thigh cut makes for an ultra-sexy but also flattering cut. 

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9

Something Navy Core Ribbed One-Piece Swimsuit

Core Ribbed One-Piece Swimsuit
9

Something Navy Core Ribbed One-Piece Swimsuit

Credit: Courtesy

If you're looking for simplicity and color, a suit from Somthing Navy's collaboration with Nordstrom is for you.  

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10

Les Girls Les Boys Leopard-Print Swimsuit

Leopard-Print Swimsuit
10

Les Girls Les Boys Leopard-Print Swimsuit

Credit: Courtesy

Double down on the wild style in an animal-print suit. 

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11

H&M Halterneck swimsuit

Halterneck swimsuit
11

H&M Halterneck swimsuit

Now 43% Off
Credit: Courtesy

Tangerine looks good on almost every complexion, so shop now before this budget-buy sells out.

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12

Norma Kamali Suspender Marissa bikini

Suspender Marissa bikini
12

Norma Kamali Suspender Marissa bikini

Credit: Courtesy

A suspender style that's meant for the 'gram. 

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13

Inamorata Georges Swimsuit

Georges Swimsuit
13

Inamorata Georges Swimsuit

Credit: Courtesy

Nobody loves a thigh-high cut more than our girl Emily Ratajkowski. In fact, she has her own line of swimwear that showcases her love for hip-baring suits. 

Headshot of Justine Carreon
Justine Carreon


Justine Carreon is the market editor at ELLE.com covering fashion, Dutch ovens, and fashion again. When she isn’t approaching style through a modern, accessible lens, she’s scouring eBay for vintage Levi’s and pretending she knows how to surf. Before joining ELLE.com in 2015 she worked as a freelance writer and stylist in New York City.   

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