If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission. Learn more about our policies and reviews.
You undoubtedly have a number of swimsuits and bikinis lying around that make their way out of the closet or drawer around the same time every year. If it's time to update or add some new pieces to your swimwear wardrobe, a great place to start is with these off the shoulder bikini tops.
These tops are a great option as they do double duty and can go from water to land in no time. Their specialty material allows them to function as a bathing suit whenever you are in and around water and their higher coverage factor easily transitions them into a great shirt for everyday wear.
These off the shoulder tops also pair easily with any of your favorite solid or print colored bottoms and when it's time to go out, style them with any of your favorite, newly acquired high-waisted jeans or cutoffs for a flattering, fun and comfortable silhouette.
Compare the Top Off the Shoulder Bikini Tops of 2024
Roxy Love and Karma Flutter Bandeau Bikini Top — Best Overall
This super cute and super flirty floral bandeau bikini top has a pull-on closure and an off-the-shoulder bra shape. Designed in soft, resistant stretch fabric, this tube-style top features ruffles throughout the front and back, and a slight sweetheart neckline gives it some shape.
Pros
- This comes with removable padding
Cons
- The top provides little to no support to the chest area
Tempt Me Off Shoulder Ruffled Bikini Top — Runner Up
A great piece to mix and match with any patterned bikini bottoms, shorts, or skirts, this off-the-shoulder crop swimsuit top is a great and versatile option. This bra-style top has adjustable and removable straps and its double ruffled flounce material goes all the way around making for the perfect vacation or beach top.
Pros
- The padding is removable
Cons
- This top has no underwire
Trina Turk Off-The-Shoulder Bikini Top — Honorable Mention
This designer bandeau and bikini top have an off-the-shoulder design that is a great addition to any swimwear collection. Mix and match this top for a day at the beach, a pool party, or a vacation as it is versatile and can double as a top to keep you cool when the weather heats up. The ruffles are strategically placed to create a subtle sweetheart bustline and removable cups allow for full customization and an ideal fit.
Pros
- This top has an easy, pull on closure
Cons
- There are no matching bottoms
Billabong Sol Searcher Off Shoulder Bikini Top — Contender
This bikini top is made from a soft and stretchy smocked fabric with a bandeau style and finished with off-the-shoulder cap sleeves for a flattering warm-weather look. This strapless top is very body-hugging and pairs easily with any solid or patterned bottom, or any high-waisted denim shorts or a flowy skirt.
Pros
- This top has removable cups
Cons
- The top doesn’t have a wide size range
Ella Moss Off Shoulder Bikini Top — Also Consider
Another great designer bikini top is this floral, off-shoulder one with a unique design. Made from soft and stretchy material, this very flattering top has ruffle-style sleeves that are adjustable to sit up or down on the shoulders. This top has a black clasp closure, a flirty ruffle overlay, and a great floral print that can be worn easily in the water and out.
Pros
- This top has soft, removable cups for customization and comfort
Cons
- There are no larger size options
Body Glove Bliss Off The Shoulder Bikini Top — Another Option
Similar to our other ruched bikini top options, this version is made with smooth and ultra-soft microfiber fabric and pairs well with a ton of bikini-bottom options. This bandeau-style top has off-the-shoulder sleeves, is easy to wear with its pull-on closure, and has removable soft cups for added shape.
Pros
- The top has a shelf bra for support
Cons
- This top does not have an extensive size range
Buyer's Guide: Off The Shoulder Bikini Tops
Off-the-shoulder bikini tops are great additions to any wardrobe. However, choosing the most suitable one can be a daunting task. No need to fret, we’re here to help!
Why Do You Need an Off the Shoulder Bikini Top?
An off-the-shoulder bikini top is also called a bandeau bikini top and has been on the trend radar for eons, and it isn't going out of style soon. There are many reasons why you need to have an off-the-shoulder bikini top in your wardrobe.
Style statement
An off-the-shoulder bikini top is an effortlessly stylish and elegant piece of clothing that can make anyone look glam. Bandeau tops are also immensely comfortable and allow you to enjoy basking in the sun while looking like you've stepped straight out of a fashion magazine.
Versatile clothing item
An off-the-shoulder bikini top is a versatile and highly functional piece of clothing as it not only looks great as a bikini top but can be styled in many other ways. The newer off-the-shoulder bikini tops can also function as summer tops that look incredible with denim shorts and jeans. Moreover, they can also be used as strapless bras. Therefore, off-the-shoulder bikini tops are a great space-saving and versatile option for your beach vacation.
Complements all body types
Off-the-shoulder bikini tops look equally good on all body types. So whether you are petite or plus-sized, it does not matter. An off-the-shoulder bikini top will look just as incredibly flattering on all body types.
No tan lines
Tan looks excellent, but the tan lines, not so much. An off-the-shoulder bikini top is a perfect way of avoiding the tan lines on your shoulders.
The Right Body Type for an Off the Shoulder Bikini Top
Off-the-shoulder bikini tops look great on most body types. However, there are a few cases where an off-the-shoulder bikini top may not look as great.
Off-the-shoulder bikini tops are a great choice for bottom hourglass and pear-shaped figures where despite being curvy, there is more attention towards the hip area. An off-the-shoulder body top can add a balance to the figure. Rectangular and straight bodies with less definition also benefit from the off-shoulder bikini tops as they add bulk to the upper body and make it appear curvy. Such body types can also benefit from frills, ruffles, and bows on bikini tops. Similarly, these tops with v-neckline look great on petite women.
Off-the-shoulder bikini tops do not look as great on broad shouldered and heavy busted individuals. Although confidence is the key to rocking any outfit, it is pertinent to stick to the styles that accentuate and complement your existing curves and figure rather than highlight imperfections.
How to Choose the Most Appropriate Off the Shoulder Bikini Top?
A few factors need thorough consideration before one invests in an off-the-shoulder bikini top.
Purpose
If you want to swim, sunbathe or simply look chic in your beachwear, an off-the-shoulder bikini top is a great choice. Not only do these tops look great, but they are incredibly convenient and comfortable for the wearer. However, for those individuals who intend to indulge in water sports, a more sturdy option is required, so they should opt for an off-the-shoulder bikini top with detachable straps to enjoy it without any worries of mishaps.
Quality
The quality does not measure how appealing the off-the-shoulder bikini top appears; it is an amalgamation of many factors, including the fabric, stitching details, and attention to detail. While shopping in person, the quality can be measured by inspection. However, in the case of online shopping, customer reviews can be used to evaluate the quality.
Material
Nylon, spandex, and lycra are stretchable materials extensively used for off-the-shoulder bikini tops. These materials are expandable yet tend to retain their shape.
Details
For fair and light-skinned individuals, bright and dark colors are a great choice as they highlight the tan and look incredible as they adequately complement the skin. Moreover, dusky and dark-skinned individuals look lovely in lighter colors due to the stark contrast of the skin and the top, making the overall look strikingly beautiful.
Solid colors are a safe option for off-the-shoulder bikini tops but experimenting with textures and patterns is an impeccable way of standing out of the crowd while rocking the look.
Style Variations in Off the Shoulder Bikini Tops
There are various style variations for off-the-shoulder bikini tops as there is a wide variety of style variations, textures, patterns, and color palettes to choose from. The variations allow room for experimentation and give you the freedom to select an option that truly complements your style and your body.
The critical consideration is comfort. Choose an off-the-shoulder bikini top that is truly comfortable for you as it will give you the freedom and confidence to move around without worry in the world.
For those with heavy busts, choosing an off-the-shoulder bikini top with a built-in bra could help support and define your curves which can otherwise look frisky. On the other hand, tops with removable inner padding can help accentuate the small bust.
Ruffle details, flouncy layers, frills, bow, and peek-a-boo cutouts can make an incredible style statement. The smokey off-the-shoulder tops also play a crucial role in directing attention towards your curves. Similarly, the summery prints can be a great way of adding variation to your variety of off-the-shoulder bikini tops.
