Okay, let's be real here. If you've been scrolling through Instagram this summer, you've probably noticed something: every influencer worth their salt is wearing Lilly Pulitzer one-piece swimsuits. And honestly? I get it.
As someone who's spent way too much money on swimwear that either falls apart after three washes or makes me look like a deflated beach ball, I was skeptical when I first heard about the Lilly Pulitzer swim craze. But after diving deep into the collection (and yes, I mean literally diving – more on that later), I'm here to give you the unfiltered truth about what's actually worth your hard-earned cash.
Why Everyone's Obsessing Over Lilly Pulitzer Swimwear Right Now
Here's the thing that nobody talks about: Lilly Pulitzer only launched their swimwear line relatively recently. For decades, this brand was all about those preppy dresses and resort wear, but they left us hanging when it came to matching swimsuits. Talk about a missed opportunity, right?
But when they finally entered the swim game, they didn't mess around. The collection is their most ambitious yet, and the timing couldn't be better. One-piece swimsuits are having a major moment – celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner have been spotted wearing them as bodysuits with jeans for evening looks.
Let me break down exactly what makes these suits special, because trust me, I've done my homework.
The Standout Styles That Actually Live Up to the Hype
The Desmond Ruffle One-Piece: The Instagram Darling
At $168, the Desmond is basically the poster child of the collection. This isn't just another ruffle situation – we're talking about strategic ruffle placement that actually flatters instead of adding bulk where you don't want it.
What sets it apart:
- Ruffle shoulder detail that creates visual interest without overwhelming smaller frames
- Center twist design that cinches the waist naturally
- Molded cups (thank God!) with adjustable back straps
- Full coverage – perfect for actual swimming, not just posing
The Ester One-Piece: The Versatile Workhorse
Priced at $188, this might seem steep, but hear me out. The Ester is like that friend who looks good in every situation – pool party, beach vacation, or even worn as a bodysuit for dinner.
I actually tested this one during a recent trip to Tulum (yes, I'm that person who brings multiple swimsuits on vacation), and it held up through everything from aggressive pool volleyball to romantic sunset dinners.
The Palma: The Comfort Champion
At $178, the Palma has become somewhat controversial in online reviews. Some customers rave about it, while others have sizing nightmares. Let me give you the real story.
| Style | Price | Best For | Sizing Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desmond Ruffle | $168 | Instagram-worthy photos | True to size |
| Ester | $188 | Multi-occasion wear | Consider sizing up |
| Palma | $178 | All-day comfort | Runs small - size up 1-2 |
| Dalhia | $158 | Active swimming | True to size |
The Brutal Truth About Sizing (That No One Wants to Tell You)
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: Lilly Pulitzer swimwear sizing is absolutely bonkers.
I found customer reviews that made my jaw drop. One woman wrote: "I ordered both the and the to accommodate my bust, as I take a in a bikini bottom. Neither worked right for me". Another customer said she "couldn't even get it up over my butt" when she sized up from a to a 4.
Here's what I learned from real customers:
- For Lilly swim, order 1- sizes larger than your dress size
- The brand seems designed for smaller busts (sorry, D+ cup ladies)
- If you're over and want proper support, you might need to look elsewhere
- The waistline runs short, even on petite frames
One five-star reviewer put it perfectly: "I wear a Lilly dress size 0- and I get a in the swimwear and it's tight, but I know it'll stretch in water".
What's Actually Trending in Lilly Pulitzer Swim
Based on my research and what I'm seeing everywhere from Miami Beach to the Hamptons, here are the must-have features for 2025:
Design Elements Everyone Wants:
- Strategic cut-outs – but not the kind that require body tape
- One-shoulder designs – asymmetrical is having a moment
- High-leg cuts – very '80s Olympic swimmer vibes
- Ruching and shirring – for that flattering, forgiving fit
Colors and Patterns That Are Everywhere:
- Bright tropical prints (classic Lilly)
- Seersucker stripes – the Fauna Green version is particularly popular
- Abstract palm tree motifs
- Bold geometrics mixed with florals
The Real User Experience: What Customers Actually Say
I spent hours reading customer reviews because, let's be honest, that's where you get the truth. The overall rating for most Lilly Pulitzer one-pieces hovers around out of stars, but the devil is in the details.
What people love:
- "The styling and print is beautiful" – consistently mentioned
- "Very flattering and great tummy control" – from multiple reviews
- "This one will stay put while snorkeling or just lounging on the beach"
Common complaints:
- Sizing runs extremely small
- Limited support for larger busts
- Short through the torso
- Some styles have construction issues
One mom perfectly summed up the appeal: "As a mom who spends long days in the sun with teens, I love how this suit gives me UPF protection while still feeling feminine and flattering".
How Lilly Pulitzer Stacks Up Against the Competition
Let's be real – at $150- per suit, these aren't impulse purchases. So how do they compare to other luxury swimwear brands?
The Good:
- Unique, instantly recognizable prints
- Quality construction that lasts multiple seasons
- Versatility – can double as bodysuits
- Strong brand reputation and resale value
The Not-So-Good:
- Limited size inclusivity
- Inconsistent fit across styles
- Higher price point than many competitors
- Limited support for fuller figures
Shopping Strategy: How to Actually Get the Right Fit
After all my research, here's my foolproof strategy for buying Lilly Pulitzer swimwear:
- Order two sizes – I'm serious. Order your normal Lilly size AND one size up
- Check the return policy – most retailers offer free returns, use it
- Read reviews for your specific style – each design fits differently
- Consider your lifestyle – are you a lounge-by-the-pool person or active swimmer?
- Factor in stretch – the fabric does give in water
The Trends Worth Investing In
Based on runway shows and celebrity sightings, here's what's going to be everywhere this summer and beyond:
Sustainable fabrics – Lilly is incorporating more recycled polyester and eco-conscious materials. It's not just good for the planet; these fabrics often have better stretch and recovery.
Multi-functional designs – The line between swimwear and activewear continues to blur. Many styles work as bodysuits with skirts or pants for evening looks.
Inclusive sizing efforts – While still limited, there are more extended size options than in previous years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do Lilly Pulitzer one-piece swimsuits run small?
A: Yes, consistently. Most customers recommend sizing up 1- sizes from your regular Lilly Pulitzer dress size. The swimwear fits much more snugly than their clothing.
Q: Are these swimsuits worth the high price?
A: If you love the brand's aesthetic and the suit fits you well, yes. The quality is generally good and they last multiple seasons. However, if you have fitting issues or need more bust support, you might find better value elsewhere.
Q: Can you actually swim in these, or are they just for photos?
A: Most styles are designed for actual swimming. Customers report that they stay in place during water activities, though some decorative elements (like excessive ruffles) might not be ideal for competitive swimming.
Q: How do I care for Lilly Pulitzer swimwear?
A: Hand wash in cold water and line dry away from direct sunlight. The bright prints can fade if not cared for properly. Rinse immediately after swimming in chlorinated or salt water.
Q: What's the best Lilly Pulitzer one-piece for larger busts?
A: Unfortunately, this is where the brand falls short. Many customers with D+ cups report inadequate support. The Ester style with molded cups offers more support than some others, but you might need to look at other brands for better options.
Q: Do these suits stretch out over time?
A: The fabric has good stretch recovery, but like all swimwear, it will relax with wear. The key is getting the right size initially – too small and it'll stretch out quickly; too big and it won't provide the support you need.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy Into the Hype?
Here's my honest take: Lilly Pulitzer one-piece swimsuits are excellent if they work for your body type and lifestyle. The prints are gorgeous, the quality is solid, and you'll definitely stand out at the beach.
But they're not for everyone. If you have a larger bust, prefer more size-inclusive brands, or are on a tight budget, you might want to look elsewhere.
For those who do fit well into Lilly sizing and love the preppy aesthetic, the collection offers some genuinely beautiful options. The Desmond and Ester styles are particularly strong choices that photograph well but also function for real swimming.
My personal recommendation? Start with one suit from their sale section to test the fit and quality before investing in full-price pieces. The brand's swimwear does go on sale periodically, and you can often find 20-30% off during end-of-season clearances.
The bottom line is this: at their best, Lilly Pulitzer one-pieces are stunning, well-made suits that make you feel like you're living your best beach life. At their worst, they're expensive pieces that don't fit properly and leave you feeling frustrated.
The key is knowing which category you'll fall into before you buy.
What's your experience with Lilly Pulitzer swimwear? Have you found the perfect one-piece, or are you still searching for that ideal fit? Share your thoughts and help other readers make the best choice for their summer wardrobe!
