I Have Expensive Taste, But I Found Under-$50 Bikinis That Nail That Luxe Vacation Look

I may love a good designer swimsuit, but I’ve learned that a high price tag isn’t what makes swimwear look expensive. It’s usually the thoughtful details like gold hardware, timeless stripes, flattering cuts and colors that instantly elevate the entire look. That’s exactly what I kept an eye out for while building this list.

Whether I’m planning a beach vacation or just daydreaming about one, I always gravitate toward swimsuits that feel a little more luxurious. These styles deliver the same rich resort aesthetic I’d expect from a much pricier brand, but every option comes in under $50. Ahead, shop my favorite luxe-looking bikinis, one-pieces, and more.

17 Under-$50 Bikinis Nail That Luxe Vacation Style

1. My Favorite: The shoulder knot ties on this striped bikini set give it an elevated look that I love. Plus, the high-waisted bottoms have real tummy control built in. My favorite detail is the striped pattern that feels coastal without trying too hard.

2. Shopper Favorite: The ribbed texture on this U-wire bikini top mimics fabric that usually costs three times as much. The V-neckline plus high-cut bottoms creates a longer, leaner leg appearance.

3. Gold-Detail Favorite: The gold hardware on this ruched swim dress does a lot of the styling work for you. Plus, the ruching through the midsection skims the body nicely.

4. Poolside Glam: I always want coverage that still looks dressed up, and the asymmetric strap design on this ruffle-trim set appeals to both. The color blocking draws the eye up, while the ruffle softens the bottom line.

5. Resort Energy: Finding a suit that works for swimming and the beach club bar is tricky, but this V-neck one-piece nails it. The ruffles distract from the midsection, while the deeper neckline keeps it grown up.

6. Coastal Elegance: The oversized bow on the front of this navy one-piece is the styling moment. The navy and white color palette reads classically expensive, like something you’d find in a Nantucket boutique for triple the price.

7. Quietly Expensive: The tied shoulder straps on this color-block one-piece let you adjust the fit while also looking so adorable. And thanks to black and white color blocking, the suit looks quietly expensive.

8. Designer-Looking: The wrap-front detail on this push-up one-piece creates a flattering diagonal line across the midsection. The print reads like something from a designer resort capsule.

9. Beach Club Chic: For a little edge without baring everything, I went with this gold hardware swimsuit that has chic cutouts to show just the right amount of skin. The metal details elevate it from just beachwear to an actual beach club outfit.

10. Pretty Polka Dots: Black and white polka dots on this strapless one-piece have that retro Riviera energy. The strapless cut works under sundresses and shows off shoulders.

11. Euro Summer: The matching sarong on this blue one-piece swimsuit is the upgrade. The coastal toile print across both pieces creates a head-to-toe look that reads like luxe European resort wear.

12. Mediterranean Mood: The gold shell hardware on this cutout ruched swimsuit is the detail that sells the whole look. Color blocking in green and teal shades feels pulled directly from a Capri postcard.

13. Sleek Stripes: While searching for swimwear that work for pool laps and on-deck cocktails, I discovered this stunning striped V-neck suit. The vertical lines make it genuinely slimming.

14. Sporty-Chic: The skirted bottom on this two-piece tankini covers the hip area without a clunky board-short look. A V-neck top with tummy control gives the sportiness a more polished finish.

15. Ravishing Ruffles: The luxe design and slimming ruffle details on this $30 strapless one-piece punch way above its price tag. The strapless cut eliminates tan lines entirely.

16. Seaside Chic: The seashell-textured fabric on this knotted bikini set adds the kind of detail you’d pay $200 for at a resort shop. The knotted front top and ruffle high-waist bottom feel coastal and chic.

17. Classy Coverage: This striped swim dress gives full coverage up top with a cutout at the waist for shape. The dress hem covers the hip area completely, while the stripe pattern keeps it from feeling like a tank top.