This Patagonia Swimsuit Is Travel Writer-approved

Like many professional travel writers I know, I’m always on the hunt for the perfect one-piece swimsuit. I’m talking about one that’s both flattering and functional for the many active adventures on any given trip’s itineraries. Just any old flimsy suit won’t do: I need it to stand up to cliff dives and cannonballs, beach volleyball and cold plunges at the spa. In short, it’s got to perform.

As you can imagine, swimsuits that live up to these standards are hard to come by. But after testing my fair share out on many active assignments—from Arctic plunges in Norway to cruises in the Caribbean—I’m happy to report that I’ve finally found a new favorite, a rare Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants-esque bathing suit that’s perfect for every trip you could think of: the Patagonia Cross Shore One-piece Swimsuit. 

Patagonia Cross Shore One-piece Swimsuit

Let me start by saying that I’m not easy to please when it comes to fit. I’m four months postpartum, so I’m navigating new curves, and I have to say, this one-piece suit left me feeling gorgeous and confident. From the first time I tried it on, I found the sporty V-neck cut with stabilizing, adjustable straps to be both flattering and secure. Plus, the top’s removable pads and the bottom’s moderate coverage provided just the right amount of support I needed. The secret here is Patagonia’s durable spandex jersey blend that stretches with give, hugging in all the right places.

I loved how the swimsuit initially fit during the first try-on, but I’m never sold on the first impression. Every one-piece I own goes through what I like to call the “cannonball test.” It’s basically what you’d expect: I cannonball into a body of water (I’ve done this everywhere from the Aegean Sea to the icy waters of Alaska) and if the suit stays firmly in place, it passes the test. Not only did the Patagonia Cross Shore One-piece Swimsuit stay put on a recent jump into a Florida pool, but I stayed comfortable the entire time. It’s no wonder, since Patagonia made the suit for adventurous water activities, like surfing.

Patagonia Cross Shore One-piece Swimsuit

But best of all, I’m convinced that the Patagonia Cross Shore swimsuit can be worn anywhere, anytime. I can easily slide a maxi skirt or flowy linen pants over them to create a beach-to-bar or spa-to-restaurant look in an instant, just like I did in Montréal at Bota Bota spa. I only wish I’d had it earlier for surfing in Hawaii!

Its flattering, versatile look isn’t too showy, so it blends in whether you’re dipping into a waterfall off the beaten path or living it up at a five-star resort. I’m already planning to pack it for trips to the Four Seasons Punta Mita in Mexico and to Provence later this summer. I can already picture myself cycling to the pool in it with flowy pants on top, wind in my hair. And as for the price, I find the cost to be well worth it for the quality, especially given the amount of future wear I expect to get out of the suit.

Patagonia Cross Shore One-piece Swimsuit

Bottom line? The Patagonia Cross Shore One-piece Swimsuit is the one and only swimsuit I’m packing for every trip this summer thanks to its stretch, versatility, flattering fit, and, above all, functionality. So far, it’s stood up to splashing in pools, cold plunges, and beach volleyball matches at home, but I’m confident it’ll take me a lot further, too. 

I suggest you grab one (or one of the highly-rated, similar one-pieces below) so you can make a splash this summer, without losing your suit. Keep scrolling for more budget-friendly options, starting at $30 at Amazon.

More One-piece Swimsuits to Shop: 

Cupshe Women’s V-neck One-piece Swimsuit

Baleaf Women’s Athletic One-piece Swimsuit

B2prity Women’s Front Cross One-piece Swimsuit

La Blanca Women’s Island Goddess One-piece Swimsuit

Charmo Women’s Ruched One-piece Swimsuit

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.