✦ GUIDE 2026

Updated June 2026

Swimsuit with zipper – sporty elegance and easy on and off

A swimsuit with a zipper offers quick and easy dressing and undressing, a sporty look, and practical benefits for active use in the water. Here you'll find everything you need to know about what to look for — and what MAYAS' shaping swimsuits can do for you, even without a zipper.

What is a swimsuit with a zipper, and what are its benefits?

A swimsuit with a zipper is simply a swimsuit that opens and closes with a zipper at the front, back, or side — instead of having to step into it and pull it up over your body. It sounds like a small detail, but in practice it makes a big difference for many women.

The most obvious benefits of a zip-up swimsuit:

Easy on and off

You no longer have to wrestle with a tight swimsuit that needs to be squeezed up over your hips. With the zipper open, you slide in and out quickly — ideal in changing rooms, at the pool's edge, and when you need to change fast at the beach. Women with wider hips or a fuller bust in particular find this a major practical advantage.

Sporty and athletic look

The zipper is a hallmark of sportswear and active swimwear. It signals movement, energy, and confidence. Whether you're into beach yoga, open-water swimming, surfing, or just an active day at the beach, a zip-up swimsuit fits the style perfectly.

Adjustable fit

Many zip-up swimsuits can be pulled slightly up or down at the neckline, letting you control how much décolletage you show. This offers flexibility that isn't always possible with a traditional swimsuit.

Quick access during active use

Triathlon, paddleboarding, snorkeling — in situations where you need to get out of your swimwear fast, a zipper is invaluable. Zero struggle, zero wasted time.

When is a zipper in a swimsuit a good idea?

A zipper isn't the answer to everything — but for certain situations and body types, it's clearly the best solution. Here's an honest overview of when it makes sense to choose a zip model, and when a traditional swimsuit is actually the better option.

Situation	Swimsuit with zipper	Traditional swimsuit
Active swimming and sport	✓ Quick on/off, streamlined	✓ Can work well too
Wider hips and fuller bust	✓ Zipper makes it easier	Can require a struggle to pull up
Shaping and contouring	Limited — the zipper takes up space from the panel	✓ More room for a shapewear panel
Elegant, feminine style	Sporty look	✓ Greater variety in design
Beach and vacation	✓ Practical and stylish	✓ Classic and versatile
Long-lasting comfort	The zipper can press against the skin with prolonged wear	✓ No metal hardware against the skin

    A zipper makes getting dressed and undressed easy and gives a sporty look — but it takes up space that in shaping swimsuits would otherwise be used for compression panels and bust support. If you need both, it can be difficult to find a model that fully delivers on both fronts.
  

What should you look for when buying a swimsuit with a zipper?

The quality of zip-up swimsuits varies enormously. Cheap models can have zippers that corrode in saltwater and chlorine, fabric that loses its shape quickly, and a fit that doesn't hold up. Here are five things you should never compromise on:

1. Corrosion-resistant zipper

The zipper must withstand repeated exposure to chlorine and saltwater without rusting, snagging, or discoloring. Look for YKK zippers or check that the brand specifically states the zipper is treated for use in water. A cheap zipper will destroy the swimsuit from the inside out.

2. Fabric that holds its shape and color

Swimsuit fabric with a high elastane content in quality materials retains its shape and color season after season. OEKO-TEX 100 certification is a good sign that the fabric has been tested and is safe against the skin. Cheap alternatives fade quickly in the sun and lose their stretch after just a few uses.

3. A good fit — the zipper changes the construction

Because the zipper changes how the swimsuit opens and closes, the fit is different from a traditional model. Measure yourself carefully and use the size guide — a zip-up swimsuit that is too tight in the bra channel will become uncomfortable quickly. Always use the brand's sizing guide before ordering.

4. Bust support in the bra construction

Check whether there is a proper bra construction with firm cups and optional pads. A zipper alone does not provide bust support — it's the fabric and construction that do the work. For a larger bust, a strong bra channel is essential.

5. Zipper placement

Front zippers are the easiest to operate yourself. Back zippers can look elegant but require assistance. Side zippers are less common but add a sporty design detail. Choose based on what suits your use and your body.

Shaping and a zipper — can you have both?

It's a great question that many people ask. A swimsuit with a zipper and a full shapewear panel in the same model is hard to find — and that's no coincidence.

An effective shapewear panel requires space and structural continuity throughout the entire front of the swimsuit. The 4-layer compression panel that shapes the stomach, waist, and hips depends on the fabric sitting uninterrupted and taut. A zipper cuts through this, and it takes extra technical engineering to preserve the shaping effect.

Most zip-up swimsuits on the market prioritize the sporty look and ease of dressing and undressing — and that is a completely legitimate priority. But if you're primarily looking for a swimsuit that gives you a beautiful silhouette, keeps your stomach in check, and provides bust support at the top, a traditional shaping swimsuit is typically the better choice.

MAYAS does not sell a dedicated zip-up swimsuit, but our shaping collection is designed for exactly that: a swimsuit that shapes and supports while still being easy to wear and comfortable from morning to evening. Many customers report that MAYAS' swimsuits — despite their traditional construction — are far easier to get in and out of than they expected, because the material's stretch is optimized for movement.

Want shaping, bust support, and interchangeable pads in three levels? See MAYAS' complete shaping collection. If you primarily want a zipper and a sporty look, look for a dedicated sportswear swimsuit with a corrosion-resistant zipper.

MAYAS' shaping swimsuits — what you get instead

If you've landed here because you're looking for easy on and off and a swimsuit that gives you confidence and shape — it's worth taking a closer look at MAYAS' shaping collection. Not because it's the same as a zip-up swimsuit, but because it solves many of the same needs in a different way.

All MAYAS models are made from Italian materials and carry the OEKO-TEX 100 certification. The built-in 4-layer shapewear panel provides support for the stomach and waist, and the bra channel holds interchangeable pads in three levels — from a natural shape to a significant lift — for just 49 DKK per pair.

Model	Price	Best for	Available colors
Aurora	899 DKK	Bust support and waist definition	Black, Dusty Green
Celestia	899 DKK	Classic elegance, all body types	Black, Dusty Green, King Blue
Harmony	899 DKK	Versatile everyday and beach wear	Black, Chestnut, King Blue
Vitality	899 DKK	Active use and swimming	Black, Silky Blue, Dusty Green
Grace	899 DKK	Feminine design and details	Black, Silky Blue, Chestnut, Dusty Green
Valencia	925 DKK	High waist and maximum shaping	Black, Chestnut

All models come with standard pads included. You can upgrade to Light Push-Up or Super Push-Up pads for 49 DKK per pair. Free shipping on orders over 500 DKK and a 30-day return policy.

If you're unsure which model suits your body, you can use our Body Type and Size Guide to find your best match.

Styling sporty swimsuits — tips for the complete look

Whether you choose a zip-up swimsuit or a classic shaping model, there are plenty of ways to style the sporty look. Here are four easy combinations:

Over shorts or culottes

A sporty swimsuit with a high neckline and streamlined silhouette looks fantastic over loose shorts or wide-leg linen culottes. It's the perfect beach-to-café look that works from morning to evening — without needing to change.

With an open oversized shirt

A white or plain shirt worn open over the swimsuit gives that relaxed, sporty look that has been seen everywhere on Instagram in recent years. The sleeves hang loose, you have easy access to the water, and you can cover your shoulders on the hottest days.

Layered with a mesh or sheer top

For festive beach evenings, you can layer a mesh top or sheer blouse over the swimsuit. It adds depth to the outfit and transforms the swimsuit look into something that works at a beach bar or sunset restaurant.

Complete the look with the right accessories

Chunky sandals, a raw raffia bag, and oversized sunglasses elevate sporty swimwear into a considered, stylish look. The simpler the swimsuit's design, the more room there is for accessories to shine.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of a swimsuit with a zipper?

The primary benefit is easy on and off — particularly practical for women with wider hips or a fuller bust who might otherwise struggle to pull a tight swimsuit up. In addition, the zipper gives a sporty, athletic look and makes it easy to adjust the neckline. A corrosion-resistant zipper is, however, essential for the swimsuit to hold up over time.

Can you get a swimsuit with both a zipper and a shaping panel?

It's difficult to fully combine the two. An effective shapewear panel requires the fabric to sit uninterrupted and taut across the stomach and waist area, while a zipper cuts through this construction. Most zip models prioritize sport and practical function over shaping. If you need both, we recommend a traditional shaping swimsuit with stretch fabric, which is easier to get into than many people expect.

What must the zipper in a swimsuit be able to withstand?

The zipper must withstand repeated exposure to chlorine from pools and saltwater from the sea without rusting, snagging, or discoloring the swimsuit. Look specifically for the brand's information on chlorine and saltwater resistance, or for YKK-branded zippers, which are recognized for their durability in such environments. A cheap zipper is the most common reason an otherwise good swimsuit ends up in the bin prematurely.

Are MAYAS' swimsuits easy to put on and take off?

Yes. Even without a zipper, MAYAS' swimsuits are made from Italian materials with high stretch capacity that allows for easy movement with the body. Many customers report being surprised by how quickly and easily they got into the swimsuit, compared to cheap alternatives that feel stiff and lack elasticity. Find your model at mayas.co/collections/bestsellers.

Which zip-up swimsuit is suitable for active swimming?

For active swimming, you should prioritize a model with a chlorine-proof zipper, fabric with high chlorine tolerance (preferably polyester-based), and a bra construction with flat seams that won't chafe. If you're primarily in the water to swim, it's also worth considering whether a sports swimsuit without pads is more practical than a lifestyle model with a zipper and pads.

What does a good zip-up swimsuit cost, and what does MAYAS cost?

Prices for zip-up swimsuits range from around 300 DKK for budget models to 800–1,200 DKK for quality products with corrosion-resistant zippers and durable materials. MAYAS' shaping swimsuits — without a zipper, but with a 4-layer shapewear panel and OEKO-TEX 100-certified Italian materials — cost 899 DKK (Valencia 925 DKK) and include standard pads. With an average customer rating of 4.8 stars and over 10,000 swimsuits sold, it's an investment many consider the right one.

Find your next favorite swimsuit

MAYAS' shaping collection is created for women who want a swimsuit that shapes, supports, and inspires confidence — with free shipping on orders over 500 DKK and a 30-day return policy, so you can try it at your leisure.

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