Naked, But Not: The Nude Swimsuit Is Summer’s Sexiest Look

When it comes to “sexy” swimwear, there’s typically not much fabric involved. Between barely-there string bikinis, cheeky Brazilian bottoms, and puzzling cut-out maillots (who wants those weird tan lines?), the general idea is to get as close to naked as possible. But if those options have always felt too revealing (or you’re planning to actually swim), you’re in luck. Some of the coolest girls out there are making the case for a seductive summer look that’s more modest: the nude swimsuit.

See Bella Hadid, who took a flesh-colored one-piece on a trip to Jamaica last month that turned far more heads than her teeny bikinis. By picking a suit that precisely matched her skin tone, the model created a playful optical illusion, when seen from afar—that she might be baring it all, though in fact, she was comfortably covered-up. What’s more, the right shade of nude is incredibly flattering. A beige one-piece might smooth your midsection, while a tawny bikini can subtly enhance your curves. Above, 24 of the best nude suits in a wide range of skin tones and styles, from ’90s-inspired maillots to sporty tanks. How to be naked, but not.