Most stylish swimsuits for beach activities

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The activewear boom that’s occurred over the past few years has fully taken over Instagram, found its way into several celebrity fashion lines, and even infiltrated high-fashion runways.

But there’s one corner of the style scene where athleisure is only just starting to dominate: swimwear.

Until recently, it was still a challenge to find chic, yet sporty options for the beach and the pool—there were either technical suits for laps or barely-there bikinis that would hardly hold up during even the tamest splash sesh. But this season, the game’s changing in a big way.

“Being active is now a full-on lifestyle and is being reflected not only in the way people dress day-to-day, but also now in swimwear.” explains Clare Robertson, Director for Tops, Swim, Intimates & Bras at Lululemon. “We know most women are athletic adventurers, and as the weather transitions, they are taking their sweat sessions to the beach.” (Or the lake, or the hotel pool, or the saltwater lap lanes at the gym….)

That’s translated into more options that mark high both on the technical (be it rash-protecting neoprene or skin-protecting UPF fabrics) and style fronts.

Scroll down to see 9 of the best sporty-chic swimsuits for all your summer pursuits, whether you’re hitting the paddle board, gearing up for a heated game of beach volleyball…or spending your rest day on a lounge chair.

lululemon-one-piece-2 — Photo: Lululemon

Best for body surfing:

Best for beach volleyball:

perfect-moment-swim-USE — Photo: Perfect Moment

Best for a day of sailing:

victorias-secret-sun-bathing — Photo: Victoria’s Secret

Best for lounging (with sunscreen, of course):

Best for water sports:

cynthia-rowley-neoprene-suit — Photo: Cynthia Rowley

Best for SUP:

Best for lap swimming:

mara-hoffman-rash-guard — Photo: Mara Hoffman

Best for surfing:

Best for a beach jog:

While you’re dressed for the part, try out this seven-move beach workout from the Tone It Up duo. And be sure to stay hydrated with this brilliant recipe from SoulCycle super instructor Akin Akman.