Swimsuit for vacation – how to pack smart in 2026
Swimsuits for vacation – how to pack smart in 2026
A versatile shaping swimsuit for vacation saves space in your suitcase and gives you multiple looks from a single piece. With interchangeable pads and a design that works as a bodysuit or top, one swimsuit can replace three — and our guide shows you exactly how to pack smart.
How many swimsuits should you pack for vacation?
The short answer: fewer than you think. Most women pack two to three swimsuits and wear one of them for half the trip. The secret isn't having more swimsuits — it's having the right swimsuit that can adapt to multiple situations.
One well-chosen shaping swimsuit for vacation can cover the beach in the morning, a pool bar in the afternoon, and an evening restaurant if you style it right. That's smart packing — not having many options, but having the right ones.
As a rule of thumb: for up to a week's vacation, one great swimsuit and possibly a bikini as a backup is plenty. For two weeks or more, it can make sense to bring two swimsuits, but prioritize quality and versatility over quantity.
How does a versatile shaping swimsuit save space in your suitcase?
A MAYAS shaping swimsuit isn't just swimwear — it's designed to function as a complete garment. That's what makes it the smartest swimsuit for vacation you can pack.
Swimsuit as bodysuit and top
All MAYAS styles feature a clean, fitted cut that sits just as well under an open shirt or high-waisted shorts as it does on its own by the pool. You can go from the beach to a café, from a morning swim to lunch, without changing. These are pieces you would otherwise have packed separately — now you're already wearing them.
Styles like Harmony in Black and Celestia in Black have a timeless cut that works especially well as a top, because they don't immediately read as swimwear. The Valencia styles with a high waist are perfect under wide linen trousers at a restaurant in the evening.
Interchangeable pads — one garment, three looks
Here's what sets MAYAS apart from everything else: interchangeable pads in three levels. Standard pads (included) give a natural, smooth shape. Light Push-Up pads (49 kr) add a subtle lift. Super Push-Up pads (49 kr) provide significant volume and a fuller silhouette.
In practice, this means you can switch up your look in under a minute, depending on what the day calls for — a morning swim, a pool day, or an evening bar. Three pairs of pads weigh almost nothing and fit in a corner of your toiletry bag. You can browse the full pad selection here.
| Pad level | Effect | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard pads | Natural, smooth shape | Included | Swimming, relaxed beach day |
| Light Push-Up pads | Subtle lift and definition | 49 kr | Pool bar, casual evening |
| Super Push-Up pads | Significant lift and fuller silhouette | 49 kr | Special occasions, photo sessions |
Which MAYAS styles are best for vacation?
All MAYAS styles are well suited for vacation, but some have features that make them especially smart to pack. Here's an overview of the most versatile choices:
| Style | Vacation colors | Price | Why it works on a trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harmony – Black | Black, Chestnut, King Blue | 899 kr | Timeless cut, works perfectly as a top with shorts |
| Celestia – Dusty Green | Black, King Blue, Dusty Green | 899 kr | Classic elegance, easy to style up or down |
| Aurora – Black | Black, Dusty Green | 899 kr | High bust support, great for active beach days |
| Vitality – Silky Blue | Black, Silky Blue, Dusty Green | 899 kr | Ideal for swimming and water sports, quick-drying |
| Valencia – Chestnut | Black, Chestnut | 925 kr | High waist, excellent as an evening top over trousers |
Not sure which style suits your body type best? Use our Fit Finder guide — it helps you find the right cut based on your measurements and preferences.
How to care for your swimsuit on vacation
A MAYAS swimsuit is made from Italian OEKO-TEX 100-certified materials designed to hold their shape season after season — but only if you treat them properly while traveling. Here's what to remember:
Rinse after every use
Salt, chlorine, and sunscreen are the three biggest enemies of your swimwear. Always rinse your swimsuit in cold, clean water immediately after wearing it — whether at the beach, the pool, or in the shower. This removes the substances that break down elastic and color over time.
Press, never wring
When removing excess water, gently press the swimsuit against a towel. Never wring it out — this damages the structure of the shapewear panel and the fabric fibers. Lay it flat on a towel and roll it up to absorb the water quickly.
Air dry in the shade
Direct sun and heat are hard on elastic materials. Hang your swimsuit to dry in the shade — in a bathroom, under a parasol, or on a balcony that isn't in full sun. Avoid laying it flat on a hot surface (such as a pool edge).
Remove pads before washing
Always remember to remove the pads before rinsing or washing your swimsuit. Pads can be stored dry in a small zip-lock bag in your toiletry bag — easy to carry and easy to swap out.
Alternate between two sets of pads
If you have more than one pair of pads with you, alternate between them so one pair can dry while you use the other. This extends their lifespan and keeps them in good shape throughout your entire vacation.
The complete swimwear packing checklist for vacation
Here's the smart packing list for anyone who wants maximum flexibility with minimal space used:
Swimsuits and bikini pieces
1 versatile MAYAS shaping swimsuit (e.g. Harmony in Black or Celestia in King Blue) + optionally 1 bikini as an extra option. Browse the full swimsuit collection here.
Pads for three looks
Standard pads (included with the swimsuit) + Light Push-Up pads (49 kr) + Super Push-Up pads (49 kr). Three sets of pads take up almost no space and give you full control over your look — from relaxed to evening-ready. Find all pad types here.
Styling accessories for the swimsuit-as-top look
High-waisted shorts or linen trousers that work over the swimsuit. An open shirt or kimono. A light necklace or earrings that elevate the look from beach to café.
Care on the go
Mild soap for hand washing (a small bottle). A zip-lock bag for pads. A thin microfiber towel for quick drying. Avoid packing the swimsuit while it's still wet — let it air dry overnight.
Quick-drying materials — what you need to know
MAYAS swimsuits are made from Italian materials with a naturally quick-drying quality. This means they are typically ready to wear again within 1–2 hours when air dried in the shade. This is essential when you're packing light and need your swimsuit again the next day.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to pack smarter this summer?
With over 10,000 swimsuits sold and an average customer rating of 4.8 stars, we know what works on vacation. Find your style, choose your pads, and pack one swimsuit that does it all.