21 Best Cutout Swimsuits To Try This Summer

Written by

Senior Fashion Writer

Reviewed by

Senior Fashion Editor

Updated Apr 10, 2026

The cutout swimsuit is having a moment — and about time. I’ve watched women avoid these styles for years, convinced they’re only for teenagers or Instagram models. They’re wrong on both counts.

I started wearing cutout swimsuits three summers ago when a client convinced me to try one during a beach shoot. The difference wasn’t just in the photos — it was in how I carried myself. The strategic cutouts create visual interest exactly where you want it, drawing the eye to your best features while the solid fabric provides coverage where you need it most.

The trick isn’t finding the most dramatic cutout style. It’s understanding which cutouts work with your body and which ones fight against it. Get this right, and you’ll never want to wear a basic one-piece again.

How To Style Cutout Swimsuits In Different Ways?

Mix Cutout Styles Together

The black and white asymmetrical one-piece in this image shows exactly why contrasting cutout patterns work so well. The diagonal white panel creates a slimming line across the torso while the side cutouts add definition to the waist. This approach works because each cutout serves a different purpose — one creates shape, the other adds visual interest.

Best cutout swimsuits to try this summer

Layer Over Basic Coverage

This blue tie-dye style demonstrates the smartest approach to cutout swimwear — strategic placement over solid fabric. The circular cutout sits exactly at the narrowest part of the waist, creating an hourglass silhouette. The long sleeves provide sun protection while the single cutout keeps things interesting without overwhelming your frame.

Best cutout swimsuits to try 6

Choose Cutouts That Frame Your Assets

The orange bandeau style shows how simple cutouts can be the most effective. The wide band across the chest provides support while the high-cut legs elongate the torso. This works because the cutout placement follows the natural lines of the body rather than fighting against them.

Dos & Don’ts

Do this

Start with one focal cutout — multiple cutouts compete for attention and can look chaotic rather than intentional

Match cutout placement to your best feature — waist cutouts for hourglass figures, side panels for broader shoulders

Choose cutouts with finished edges — raw or unfinished cutout edges will stretch and lose their shape after swimming

Avoid this

Cutouts across problem areas — they draw attention exactly where you don’t want it focused

Tiny cutouts on larger frames — they get lost and make the suit look like it has holes rather than intentional design details

Cutouts without proper support — structural cutouts need structured fabric or built-in support to maintain their shape

Understanding Cutout Placement

The placement of cutouts makes or breaks the entire suit. I’ve seen too many women choose styles based on trends rather than what actually works for their body type.

Waist cutouts work best if you have a defined waistline to begin with. The circular cutout creates the illusion of curves, but only if there’s some natural waist definition there already. On straighter body types, side cutouts work better because they create the impression of a waist without highlighting the lack of natural curve.

Did you know?

Cutout swimwear originated in the 1960s when fashion designer Rudi Gernreich created the first topless swimsuit with strategic cutouts. His designs were initially banned from many beaches but paved the way for modern cutout styles.

Chest cutouts need careful consideration of your bust size. The orange bandeau style works because it maintains support while adding visual interest. Cutouts that go too high or too low will either provide inadequate support or create an unflattering shelf effect.

Back cutouts are often the safest starting point because they add interest without compromising the front silhouette. They’re also more versatile — you can wear them with cover-ups more easily than front cutouts.

The biggest mistake I see is choosing cutouts based on what looks good on the hanger rather than what works in motion. Swimsuits move with your body, and cutouts that look perfect while standing still might gape or pull when you’re swimming or walking.

Color and Pattern Considerations

The blue tie-dye pattern in the second image demonstrates why pattern choice matters with cutout styles. The organic, flowing pattern complements the circular cutout because both elements have curved lines. Sharp geometric patterns can clash with curved cutouts, creating visual tension.

Solid colors are your safest bet for cutout swimwear because they let the cut be the star. The black sections in the first image prove this — the cutout design stands out clearly against the solid fabric. When you add busy patterns to complex cutouts, the eye doesn’t know where to look.

Color blocking can work brilliantly with cutouts if done thoughtfully. The black and white combination creates contrast that enhances the cutout placement rather than competing with it. The key is using colors that have enough contrast to define the cutout edges clearly.

Avoid patterns that continue across cutout edges — they make the cutouts look accidental rather than intentional. The pattern should stop cleanly at the cutout edge, creating a frame effect.

Key Takeaways

Key takeaways

Choose cutout placement that enhances your best features rather than highlighting areas you want to minimize
Start with one strategic cutout rather than multiple competing design elements
Match cutout shapes to your body lines — curved cutouts for curvy figures, angular ones for athletic builds
Prioritize structural support over dramatic cutout designs, especially for larger bust sizes
Use solid colors or simple patterns to let the cutout design be the focal point
Consider movement and activity when choosing cutout styles — what looks good standing still might not work for swimming

**QUICK TIPS:**

1. **Test the fit while moving** — cutouts should maintain their shape when you bend, stretch, or swim, not gape or pull awkwardly.

2. **Match cutout size to your frame** — larger cutouts work better on taller, broader figures while petite frames need smaller, more delicate cutout details.

3. **Choose finished cutout edges** — look for bound or sealed edges rather than raw cuts that will stretch out after a few wears.

4. **Start with back cutouts first** — they’re more forgiving and easier to style with cover-ups than dramatic front cutouts.

5. **Avoid cutouts across tan lines** — unless you want very specific tan patterns, consider where the sun will hit through the cutout areas.

6. **Pick one statement cutout** — multiple cutouts compete for attention and can make even the most flattering suit look busy and unfocused.