Left on Friday Review: Honest Thoughts and What to Buy

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As a mom to two littles, finding a perfect swimsuit can feel like a never-ending quest. Of course, I want to look cute at the pool, but I need my swimsuit to be functional for swimming and chasing little, too. A a 40-year-old mom, I really appreciate decent bottom coverage and don’t want to show any cleavage, so the list of swimsuit must-haves is decently long.

One of the swimsuit brands I have loved over the last two years is Left on Friday. They make swimwear that feels more like activewear than bathing suits. Their styles are flattering and fitted with great compression, and you can actually run around and swim in them all day. They make a bunch of styles (and they have tons of colors, too), so it’s pretty easy to find a style that you’ll feel cute in all summer. The only catch? It’s pricey. Is Left on Friday worth it? I’ll explain why I think their swimsuits are totally worth the splurge below.

If you’re looking for more affordable swimsuits for moms, I have a few linked in this mom-approved swimsuit roundup. I also have a few favorite Amazon swimsuits that are perfect for moms as well.

Left on Friday Review: Honest Thoughts and What to Buy

First Impressions: Fabric, Fit & Quality

One of the first things I noticed about Left on Friday swimwear is the fabric. It’s made from a blend of nylon and spandex that feels buttery-soft yet durable. Their fabric is called Smoothing Dream Fabric, and it’s compressive when wet and dry. It’s snag-resistant (finally, something that doesn’t pill after sitting on the pool deck just once!) and holds up in the sun without fading. I find that their swimsuits feel tight but not restrictive – similar to a great pair of leggings.

Another highlight? The straps. Both the bikini and one pieces stay in place without digging into your shoulders (if you notice them digging, get the tall length!). I also love that the suits come in a variety of coverage levels, so you can choose what works best for you. When I put their swimsuits on for the first time, my immediate impression was that I felt “held in”.

Colors & Style: What Stood Out

If you’re a fan of timeless swimwear, Left on Friday has some great options. I personally love the navy pieces because they’re classic and easy to mix and match. They also offer bolder shades if you prefer something brighter (I just ordered a red one-piece). One of the best things about Left on Friday swimwear is that the bikini tops and bottoms are designed to mix and match, making it easy to create different looks with just a few pieces. All of their colors are actually intended to compliment each other, so you can buy any of their shades and mix and match your tops and bottoms.

More Styles & Fit Options Than Ever

When I bought my first Left on Friday swimsuit a few years ago (see it in this Dominica trip review), they only had a few styles. Now, they offer tons of options—so whether you’re an A or G cup, they make a top that will work. And the bikini bottoms have all sorts of coverage options, from super high-waisted to low-rise, and from full coverage to thong styles. You can even filter by the rise, chest coverage, and bum coverage that you want, making it so much easier to find the perfect fit.

The Price Point

The cost is a significant factor in Left on Friday swimsuits because they aren’t cheap. The pieces range from around $85 for bikini bottoms (you buy bottoms and tops separately) to $180 for a one-piece. At first, this seems steep for a solid-colored swimsuit (I felt this way!). But after wearing Left On Friday for two years, I can confirm that the quality justifies the price. The styles might seem simple, but you just can’t put a price on how good you feel while wearing them. If you’re looking for a long-term swim investment, the price feels more reasonable, primarily since mine have held up perfectly for two years with no issues.

Sizing: What You Need to Know

One of the most important things to get right with swimwear is sizing. Left on Friday runs pretty true to size, but because the fabric has a good amount of compression, you might want to size up if you prefer a less snug fit. If you’re in between sizes, consider going with your larger size for comfort, especially in the one-piece swimsuits. The Peak Suit, in particular, runs small, so I’d suggest sizing up. Their one-pieces come in two lengths: regular and tall. The tall is 1.5″ longer – roughly one size longer in length. This means the small tall = the fit of the small, but the length of a medium.

For D-G cup sizes, the bikini tops designed for high support actually provide solid support, which isn’t always the case with most stylish swim brands. See their fit guide here for more help.

What to Buy: Best Left on Friday Swimsuits

Best One-Piece: The Peak Suit

If you want a one-piece that is both stylish and supportive, the Peak Suit is my top choice. This one piece is super flattering without being too revealing. It has a flattering neckline, a sleek fit throughout, and a cute cutout that gives the appearance of abs (they call this a peek-a-boo), even if you don’t feel like you have abs! In my experience this one runs small, so I size up to a Medium. It comes in two lengths, so if you have a long torso, I highly recommend the “long” option since it’s 1.5″ longer.

Great Alternative One-Piece: The Sunday Suit

If you love a one-piece that offers a great fit without looking frumpy, the Sunday Suit is another must-try. It has just the right amount of coverage while still feeling modern and stylish. The waistline hits at a flattering spot, which makes it a good option if you’re in-between sizes or want a little more shaping. The v-neckline is a great option if you have a larger bust, too! The bum coverage is slightly less than The Peak Suit, but still not super cheeky. This one also comes in two lengths, so consider getting the tall fit if you have a longer torso.

Best Bikini Top: The Sunday Top

If you prefer two pieces over one-piece swimsuits, the Sunday Top is a great option to start with (and the style I own). It’s similar to the Sunday suit one-piece style (v-neck), but just the bikini version. I find that v-neck styles work best on me because I have a large bust (especially while breastfeeding- I actually need to size up for this summer), and this is my personal favorite bikini top. It’s designed for B-D cups, and it’s their best seller (if you have a larger bust, they make this in a Sunday Top D+ version)! I pair mine with the High-Waist style bottoms (details below).

I wore this swimsuit on my anniversary trip to Dominica with Tommy! See my Dominica review here, and my resort wear packing checklist blog post here.

Best Bikini Bottoms: The Hi-Tide Bottom

Left on Friday is unique because you can mix and match all of their bikini tops and bottoms with each other. I love this because you might like a slightly more revealing top but want a more full-coverage bottom, for example. I love the Hi-Tide bottoms. These are the bottoms that actually made me fall in love with high-waisted styles! I’m petite—5’1″ and muscular—and typically, high-waisted bikinis do not look good on me. They hit in the wrong spot and emphasize the wrong things. But this one is magic. It hits at just the right place, smoothing everything out while still feeling trendy. I recommend sizing up for the most comfortable fit if you’re in between sizes. You can see these bottoms in the photos above!

Best for Active Swimmers: Top Shelf

If you’re someone who spends more time in the water than lounging poolside, the Top Shelf bikini top is a good option. It has good bust coverage and support, so it will stay in place whether you’re swimming, surfing, or playing with your kids in the water. No awkward adjustments required! Pair this top with whichever bottoms suit for your fancy. The Streamline Top is similar but for smaller busts, if that’s you.

Left on Friday Activewear

While I purchased my swimsuits on my own, I was gifted some Left on Friday workout apparel—and I absolutely love it. The pieces have the same buttery soft fabric as their swimwear, and they are insanely flattering. They hold up so well for workouts and athleisure. Definitely worth adding to cart while you’re shopping!

This would be a great set to wear to Pilates. See the rest of my Pilates outfit ideas in this post.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Left on Friday Swimwear?

If you want a swimsuit that’s well-made, has high compression, and doesn’t look frumpy at the pool when you’re swimming with your kids, yes, Left on Friday is worth the splurge. The price is on the higher end, but the durability and fit make up for it.

Who It’s Best For:

• People who want high-quality, long-lasting swimwear
• Those looking for activewear-style swimsuits that stay put
• Anyone who prefers sleek, minimalist designs over trendy prints

Who Might Skip It:

• Anyone looking for budget swimwear under $50
• Those who prefer ultra-trendy or heavily detailed swimsuits

Overall, I’d recommend trying at least one piece—especially if you’re tired of swimsuits that don’t last. Left on Friday definitely delivers on its promise of chic, functional, and flattering swimwear. Would I order again? Yes! Next on my list is trying more of their one-piece swimsuits and high-waist styles.

Have you tried Left on Friday? Let me know your thoughts!

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