A well-fitted swimsuit won't ride up.

Get a swimsuit that actually fits snugly. That’s it. Most shifting happens because the suit is too loose or the wrong cut for your body.

Look for adjustable straps and ties — they let you dial in the fit. For bottoms, a sportier cut (like a cheeky or mid-rise with ruching) tends to stay put better than a basic string. One-pieces with a higher leg cut or built-in shelf bra also reduce shifting. Fabric matters: nylon-spandex blends hold their shape; anything with too much polyester can bag out once wet.

Avoid anything that gapes at the waist or straps. If you have to keep yanking it back into place, it’s the wrong size or style. Don’t be afraid to try on multiple sizes in the same brand — swimsuit sizing is a mess.

A suit that stays where you put it is worth the extra five minutes of trying on.