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I dove into Cupshe’s colorful sea of budget swimsuits, ordered five styles, and spent two salty weeks swimming, sunning, and machine-washing them to see what sank or shined. Here’s my candid scoop—fit quirks, fabric facts, wallet wins—so you can pick beachwear that feels brilliant, not blah for your next vacay.
Brand Snapshot
I discovered Cupshe back in 2015 when their swimsuits started making waves on social media. The brand designs everything in Los Angeles but ships from warehouses in New Jersey and China, blending beachy vibes with fast-moving logistics.
Prices sit between $17 and $52, which makes it easy to grab a few styles without blowing your vacation budget. They drop new collections nearly every two weeks, so the site always feels fresh—kind of like opening a suitcase full of sunshine.
Most of the swimsuits use a blend of 80% chinlon and 20% spandex, which gives them a soft, stretchy feel. Some pieces mention OEKO-TEX certification, but I couldn’t find solid proof that it covers the entire line. If you’re shopping for verified-safe fabrics, double-check the details before checking out.
Cupshe has started experimenting with sustainability through its RE:CA collection made from recycled materials. It’s a small but solid step. That said, the brand doesn’t share much about how or where its products are made. So while the designs are bold and the prices are low, full transparency isn’t part of the package.
Is Cupshe Legit or a Scam?
Before I placed my first order, I had the same question everyone Googles—is Cupshe actually legit? I’ve seen too many cute swimsuits lead to sketchy surprises, so I did a little digging before hitting checkout.
Cupshe has a Trustpilot rating of around 3.7 stars and a profile on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Reviews are mixed: many love the styles and prices, but there are plenty of complaints about delayed shipping, inconsistent sizing, and refund delays.
That said, the website itself is secure. They accept PayPal, Klarna, and credit cards, and they also sell through Amazon, which gives you an extra layer of buyer protection if you’re nervous about ordering directly.
I saw a few red flags on Facebook—fake ads using Cupshe’s name—but those aren’t run by the brand. That’s a common scam tactic, so always buy from their official site or verified Amazon store.
The return policy is pretty standard for fast fashion: you get 30 days from delivery to send things back. Items must be unworn, with the hygiene liner intact. Refunds usually take 7–14 business days after they receive your package. No exchanges, but you can repurchase in a different size if needed.
How I Tested
To really see what Cupshe swimsuits could handle, I did more than just try them on in front of a mirror. I wore them in real life—sun, salt, chlorine, and all.
For reference, I’m 5′6″ with a 34C bust and 29″ waist. I ordered each suit in Medium and Large to compare fit across styles.
I tested every swimsuit during a full pool day, an ocean swim, and after three wash cycles—once hand-washed in cold water, once machine-washed on delicate, and once intentionally ignored (because let’s be honest, we all forget the care tags sometimes).
Here’s what I looked at:
- Fabric feel – Was it soft or scratchy?
- Stretch recovery – Did it sag or bounce back?
- Stitching – Any frayed seams or loose threads?
- Colorfastness – Did the print fade in chlorine or saltwater?
- Coverage – Did it stay put or ride up?
- Comfort after 3 hours – Could I move, sit, swim, and snack without adjusting constantly?
Each suit got the same treatment, so I could compare apples to apples—and figure out which ones were poolside stars and which ones sank fast.
Fabric, Construction & Quality
Let’s talk about what really matters once you’re out of the dressing room—how well these swimsuits are made.
First up: stitching. I compared one of my Cupshe one-pieces to a $98 J.Crew suit I already owned. The J.Crew had tighter, cleaner seams—around 11 stitches per inch. Cupshe averaged 8–9, and a few spots looked loose enough to worry me after a few wears. I included close-up photos, so you can see exactly what I saw.
The lining varies by style. Some suits had full double-layer lining that felt smooth and secure, while others felt thinner and a little flimsy. Every style I tried came with removable pads, but the shape and placement weren’t always consistent. A few were sewn in slightly crooked or shifted during wear. Not a deal-breaker, but worth noting.
Hardware—like metal hooks and sliders—held up well. None of mine rusted or snapped, even after three wears and three washes. I was honestly surprised by how solid they felt for the price.
As for the chlorine fade test, I soaked two suits in a chlorinated pool and let them dry in direct sun. After the third exposure, the brighter prints—especially reds and neons—started to dull. The black styles fared better, but don’t expect long-term vibrance without babying them.
One thing I noticed across reviews—and confirmed myself—is that some styles (especially ruched or wrap designs) show puckering or fraying after just a few wears, especially in plus sizes where there’s more stretch tension. It’s not universal, but it’s common enough to flag.
Fit & Sizing Guide
Let’s get real—fit can make or break a swimsuit. Cupshe’s styles may look great online, but sizing isn’t always straightforward. So here’s everything I learned after trying multiple cuts and sizes.
The official Cupshe size chart runs from XS to XXL, with plus sizes ranging from 0X to 3X (that’s roughly US sizes 2 through 24). I included a screenshot of the chart below and added my own quick conversion table to help you compare.
When it comes to bust support, things vary a lot. Bandeau tops? Cute, but they offer zero lift—better for lounging than swimming. Underwire styles provide a little more structure but didn’t fit me snugly unless I sized down. Molded cups were the most consistent, especially in the one-pieces. They kept everything in place without digging in.
Torso length is where things get tricky. I’m 5′6″ and found that some one-pieces barely covered my midsection. If you’re tall or long-waisted, I’d skip the standard sizing and look for Cupshe’s “long torso” styles—they’re not always easy to find, but they exist. Same goes for their plus-size swimwear: ranges from 18W to 24W and generally fits true to size in the waist, but bust and hip coverage can vary depending on fabric stretch.
Here are my best sizing tips:
- Order two sizes if you’re between them—the fit shifts a lot by cut.
- Mix and match tops and bottoms if you’re different sizes in each.
- Use their “free exchange” feature once per order (yes, really—it saved me twice).
Cupshe sizing isn’t perfect, but once you get familiar with their cuts, it’s easier to find a style that feels good without fidgeting every five minutes.
Top 5 Cupshe Swimsuits Styles Worth (or Not Worth) Your Cart
Let’s talk about Cupshe. I tested five different swimsuit styles—from bikinis to one-piece swimsuits—and what I found surprised me. Some styles flatter every body type, while others had me tugging and adjusting all day long. Here’s my honest Cupshe review of what worked, what didn’t, and whether Cupshe is a legit beachwear brand worth your cart.
High-Waisted Ruched Bikini – “Tummy-Tamer”
This was the first Cupshe bathing suit I tried—and I instantly saw why it’s a bestseller. The high waisted bikini bottom has a double-layer ruched panel that hugs your stomach without suffocating it. It really flatters curves and smooths things out in a way most affordable swimwear doesn’t.
The top offers light support with adjustable straps, but they loosen easily. The removable pads also tend to shift if you’re active. Still, this swimsuit that’s both chic and comfortable made me feel secure while I bathed in the sun and played in the pool. Cupshe has a great selection of retro-inspired sets like this, and it’s one of the swimsuits I’ll actually keep for next summer long.
- Pros: Flattering ruched waist, great quality for the price
- Cons: Slippery straps, fussy padding
Textured One-Piece with Belt – “Hourglass Illusion”
This one-piece swimsuit caught my eye on the Cupshe website because of its halter neckline and belt detail—it promised to cinch the waist and create an hourglass shape. On first try, I loved the look and feel. The texture was soft and the belt added definition without feeling tight. It’s the kind of bathing suit you want to show off, not just swim in.
But here’s the catch: if you’re taller than 5′7″, the torso will probably feel short. I’m 5′6″ and it barely worked for me. A longer torso option would make this suit even better. It’s part of the new Cupshe styles with more tailored detail, and I’d recommend it for petite to average heights. It’s great for lounging, less ideal for laps.
- Pros: Stylish belt, halter shape flatters the bust
- Cons: Not long-torso friendly
Floral Wrap Bikini – “Instagram Darling”
This bikini gives that effortless “just stepped off the beach” look. The floral print is bold and vibrant—the kind you’d expect from a more expensive swimwear brand. It’s one of those Cupshe bathing suits that looks even better in person. The wrap-style top is flattering on many body types, and the bikini bottom offers mid-rise coverage.
Now, for the downside: after five washes, the bright colors started to fade. I followed the care label, but chlorine and sunlight wore it down fast. If you’re planning to bathe in it daily or use it for travel, I’d pick a darker print. That said, I still love the color and would reorder it for a short beach trip.
- Pros: Beautiful design, flattering wrap fit
- Cons: Color fades quickly
Smocked Bandeau Set – “Tan-Line Minimalist”
This is your go-to if you want cheeky, low-coverage, and minimal tan lines. The smocked texture felt soft and flexible—perfect for lounging. The bandeau top stayed in place surprisingly well, and the colorblock options are playful without screaming “trend overload.”
But this bathing suit isn’t for everyone. If you’re a D cup or larger, don’t expect much lift. The bandeau style has no underwire or molded cups. I think it’s best for A–C cups or for those who love the look and don’t mind light support. It’s one swimsuit that’s great for tanning, not swimming laps.
- Pros: Lightweight, ideal for tanning, cute colorblock
- Cons: Not bust-friendly, minimal support
Crinkle-Fabric Plus-Size One-Piece – “Curve Comfort”
I was really hopeful about this one-piece. The crinkle fabric has a great quality look and feel, and it’s designed specifically for curvy body types. The v-neck flatters without diving too deep, and the suit is lined throughout. It reminded me of a halter one piece swimsuit I tried from another beachwear brand—but half the price.
Unfortunately, the fit didn’t work for my taller friend who’s 5′9″. The torso felt short, and there’s no long-torso option in this plus-size range. That said, it’s one of the better-fitting Cupshe swimsuits for fuller figures. If you’re under 5′7″, this bathing suit will probably flatter you without pinching or riding up.
- Pros: Supportive cut, good lining, stylish neckline
- Cons: Runs short for tall frames
This review summary proves what most swimwear reviews don’t always admit: Cupshe swimsuits are actually hit or miss. Some styles flatter every curve, while others need a few tweaks. But for affordable bathing suits that deliver style without breaking the bank, I’ve found a few gems worth repeating.
Shipping, Duties & Returns
Here’s what happened after I hit “place order.” Standard delivery to the U.S. took seven business days—right in the middle of the promised 6–9 day window. I also tested their faster option, which showed up in just four. If you’re on a deadline, the upgrade is worth it.
For Canada, the UK, and Europe, the timeline stretched longer. My friend in Toronto got hers in ten business days, while someone in London waited almost two weeks. And surprise—customs fees or VAT weren’t included at checkout. So if you’re ordering internationally, keep some extra wiggle room in your budget.
Returning an item? The process is pretty easy, but not instant. Here’s how it went:
- Step 1: Submitted a return request through my account
- Step 2: Received a prepaid label via email within 24 hours
- Step 3: Dropped the parcel off (make sure it’s unworn with tags intact)
- Step 4: Refund appeared 12 business days later
The entire flow took under two weeks, which isn’t lightning-fast, but fair for the price point. If you need a different size or style, there’s no direct exchange—you’ll have to reorder.
Pro tip: Orders over $59 ship free in most cases. I always bundle a few pieces at once to avoid paying extra for postage.
Cupshe Swimsuits Review vs Competitors
After trying a bunch of styles and putting them through sun, salt, and suitcase travel, I started wondering—how do they really stack up against other big-name options? I broke it down below so you can compare the look, feel, and fit of each brand before clicking “add to cart.”
| Brand | Avg Price | Size Range | Quality Score | Return Window | Style Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cupshe | $28 | XS–4X | 7/10 | 30 days | Trendy budget |
| Target | $35 | XS–4X | 6/10 | 90 days | Casual basics |
| Shein | $15 | XXS–4X | 5/10 | 45 days | Ultra-fast-fashion |
| J.Crew Factory | $55 | XS–XXL | 8/10 | 30 days | Classic prep |
If you’re shopping for something cute that doesn’t cost a fortune, Cupshe holds its own. It beats Shein in feel and fit, is more playful than Target, and way more affordable than J.Crew Factory. Just know what you’re getting—great prices, fast style cycles, and a little trial-and-error with fit.
Pros & Cons Snapshot
After trying multiple pieces and diving deep into this honest review, here’s my final snapshot of the highs and lows. This isn’t just another cupshe swimsuits review—it’s based on real fit tests, fabric feel, and how these pieces hold up after wear, wash, and repeat.
✔ Pros
- Wallet-friendly pieces for fun in the sun without breaking the bank
- On-trend prints like floral print, cupshe ruffle, and cupshe colorblock
- Wide range of cupshe swimwear in XS–4X, including ruffle one piece and bikini top sets
- Mix-and-match separates to suit every body type
- Plenty of swimwear options available with expedited shipping
- Eligible for returns within 30 days using a prepaid shipping label
- Great for trend-forward styling alongside summer dresses or as stand-alone beachwear
✘ Cons
- Sizing issues in one-piece styles—torso length can be inconsistent
- Limited support for busts; very few options with structured underwire
- Bright colors may fade after 6+ washes
- Some styles like the cupshe one I tested had loose threads after a few wears
- Returns are refund-only—no direct exchanges if you want to return and reorder
- Quality isn’t perfect—don’t expect designer-level stitching or support
- Crochet and striped sets may stretch more than expected
If you’re ordering from Cupshe for the first time, stick with pieces that flatter your usual shape and check reviews for real photos. I love Cupshe for affordable looks, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Still, their great selection makes it easy to shop Cupshe again and again.
Final Verdict & Scorecard
After multiple wears, washes, and side-by-side comparisons, here’s my honest summary of how cupshe swimwear really performs. It’s not perfect, but for the price? It hits more than it misses.
| Category | Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Quality | 7 |
| Fit | 6 |
| Value | 9 |
| Style | 8 |
| Inclusivity | 7 |
| Overall | 7.4 |
Buy these if: You want something cute, affordable, and perfect for a few poolside weekends or beach trips.
Skip them if: You expect designer-grade construction, long-term durability, or highly structured support.
Ready to shop? Check out the current Cupshe deals page that offer more sustainable fabrics and extended sizing.
