Xhilaration Bikini

How Target’s Playful Swimwear Line Became My Summer Staple

Summer is calling, and there’s nothing that quite signals the season like the hunt for the perfect bikini. As someone who’s spent countless hours browsing racks and scrolling through endless online options, I’ve developed a particular fondness for one brand that consistently delivers style without breaking the bank: Xhilaration. Today, I’m sharing my comprehensive guide to navigating this playful Target swimwear line based on years of personal trial and error (and yes, a few changing room meltdowns along the way).

Let me start by saying that finding the right swimwear is a deeply personal journey that varies wildly from body to body. What works magically for one person might be a complete disaster for another. That’s why I’m approaching this guide not as a one-size-fits-all solution, but as a collection of insights from someone who’s tried just about every style Xhilaration has offered over the past several seasons.

The Xhilaration Brand: What Sets It Apart

Before diving into specific styles and fits, let’s talk about what makes Xhilaration worth consideration in the first place. As Target’s youthful, trend-focused brand, Xhilaration has carved out a niche for affordable swimwear that doesn’t sacrifice style or variety. The price point typically ranges from $15-$30 per piece, making it significantly more accessible than many specialty swimwear brands that can easily run $100+ for a complete set.

What initially drew me to Xhilaration years ago was the sheer variety. Whether you’re looking for something modest and sporty or want to make a bold statement with cutouts and vibrant prints, the collection typically offers something for everyone. The brand tends to be on-trend without veering into fast-fashion territory that will look dated by next season.

One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that Xhilaration seems to understand that swimwear shopping can be intimidating. They offer a range of coverage options, from full-coverage bottoms to cheeky styles, and tops that can accommodate various bust sizes and support needs. This inclusivity has improved over time, though I’d still love to see them expand their size range further.

Understanding Xhilaration Sizing: The Good, The Bad, and The Unexpected

Let’s address the elephant in the room: sizing can be tricky with Xhilaration bikinis. One of the first lessons I learned (the hard way) is that their sizing isn’t always consistent across styles. I typically wear a medium in most clothing brands, but with Xhilaration, I’ve found myself anywhere from a small to a large depending on the specific cut and fabric.

Here’s my general rule of thumb after years of trial and error:

For bikini tops with adjustable features (like tie backs or convertible straps), I usually size down since I can customize the fit. For fixed-size bandeau or sports bra-style tops, I stick with my normal size or even size up if I want more coverage.

With bottoms, it gets even more nuanced. Their high-waisted styles tend to run slightly smaller than their low-rise options. If you’re between sizes, I’d recommend sizing up in high-waisted styles to avoid the dreaded “muffin top” effect that no one asked for.

Something I’ve also noticed is that their solid colors sometimes fit differently than their printed pieces. The printed fabrics occasionally have less stretch, so keep that in mind if you’re eyeing a particularly vibrant pattern.

The most important advice I can offer here: don’t get hung up on the number or letter on the tag. Swimwear sizes are notoriously inconsistent across the board, and Xhilaration is no exception. Focus on how it fits and feels rather than what the label says.

Top Styles Decoded: Finding Your Perfect Match

Over the years, I’ve tried just about every top style Xhilaration offers. Here’s my breakdown of each major style and who they might work best for:

Triangle Tops

These classic bikini tops are Xhilaration staples and come back season after season. They typically feature adjustable coverage (you can slide the triangles along the bottom string) and tie closures at the neck and back.

Best for: Smaller to medium busts looking for customizable coverage and minimal tan lines.

Watch out for: Support is minimal here. If you’re larger than a C cup or plan on anything more active than leisurely sunbathing, you might want to look elsewhere.

Personal experience: I find Xhilaration’s triangle tops to be surprisingly well-made for the price point. The adjustable nature means you can customize how much coverage you want. I’ve noticed their triangle tops often include removable padding, which I appreciate for preventing any “headlight” situations when the water’s cold.

Bandeau Tops

Strapless bandeau tops make regular appearances in Xhilaration’s seasonal collections, often with removable straps and occasionally with trendy details like ruffles or center rings.

Best for: Achieving minimal tan lines while sunbathing; smaller busts; those who primarily lounge rather than swim actively.

Watch out for: Even with the best bandeau, there’s always the risk of it sliding down during active movement. Xhilaration’s bandeaus tend to run a bit snug, which helps with staying in place but can feel restrictive.

Personal experience: I’ve had mixed results with their bandeaus. The ones with a center twist or gathering tend to stay in place better than the straight-across styles. The removable straps are a nice option for transitions from lounging to swimming. For reference, I’m a 34C and find I need to size up to a large in most of their bandeau styles to avoid the “sausage casing” effect.

Bralette/Sports Style Tops

These structured tops resemble sports bras or bralettes with wider straps and often a clasp back closure instead of ties.

Best for: Medium to larger busts; active beach days; those who prioritize security and support over minimal tan lines.

Watch out for: These can sometimes create a “uniboob” effect if you’re fuller-chested.

Personal experience: This is where Xhilaration really shines for me. Their bralette-style tops often include underwire or more structured cups that provide actual support without looking matronly. I’ve worn these paddle boarding and even for beach volleyball without any wardrobe malfunctions. The wider straps distribute weight better, making them comfortable for all-day wear.

Crop Top/Tankini Styles

In recent years, Xhilaration has expanded into longer tops that provide more coverage, from cropped rashguards to tankini-style options.

Best for: Those who want more sun protection; anyone seeking more torso coverage; active water sports.

Watch out for: Some of these styles can create an awkward tan line. The longer styles sometimes ride up in the water.

Personal experience: I’ve come to appreciate these more modest options as I’ve gotten older and become more sun-conscious. Their cropped rashguard styles are cute enough to wear with high-waisted bottoms even when walking around town, making them versatile for beach vacations. The fabric tends to be slightly thicker than their standard bikini material, which adds to the durability.

One-Shoulder/Asymmetrical Tops

These trendy styles appear in Xhilaration’s lineup during particularly fashion-forward seasons.

Best for: Making a style statement; those who like to follow trends; smaller to medium busts.

Watch out for: Unusual tan lines; limited adjustability.

Personal experience: These are fun for Instagram pictures but not always practical for actual swimming. I’ve found the one-shoulder styles from Xhilaration tend to shift during active movement. That said, they’re perfect for resort pool situations where looking cute while sipping a cocktail is the primary objective.

Bottom Styles: Finding Your Comfort Zone

Now let’s talk about the other half of your bikini equation. Xhilaration offers a range of bottom styles that vary in coverage and rise. Here’s my take on each:

Classic Bikini Bottoms

These traditional low to mid-rise bottoms with moderate coverage are staples in every Xhilaration collection.

Best for: Versatility; those who prefer a traditional bikini silhouette; most body types.

Watch out for: Coverage varies significantly between styles labeled as “classic” – some provide ample rear coverage while others are quite cheeky.

Personal experience: These are my go-to for family beach days when I want something that balances style with appropriate coverage. I’ve found Xhilaration’s classic bottoms to be fairly true to size, though the leg openings can vary. Look for elastic-free edges if you’re concerned about digging.

High-Waisted Bottoms

One of their most popular styles in recent years, Xhilaration’s high-waisted options range from full-coverage retro styles to cheekier modern interpretations.

Best for: Creating an hourglass silhouette; providing tummy coverage; vintage vibes.

Watch out for: The rise can vary significantly – some hit just above the navel while others come up much higher.

Personal experience: High-waisted bottoms have become my personal favorite for both comfort and style. They stay in place better during activity and create a flattering silhouette. Xhilaration’s versions typically hit at a flattering spot that elongates the legs while still providing adequate coverage. I’ve found their printed high-waisted styles tend to be more forgiving than solid colors.

Cheeky/Brazilian Cut Bottoms

These minimal-coverage options show more of the rear and typically have higher-cut leg openings.

Best for: Those comfortable with showing more skin; creating the illusion of longer legs; minimizing tan lines.

Watch out for: The “cheeky” designation can range from “slightly less coverage” to “basically a thong” depending on the specific style.

Personal experience: The level of cheekiness varies widely within Xhilaration’s line. What they call “cheeky” one season might be quite different the next. If you’re unsure about how revealing a style will be, read the online reviews or try them on in-store if possible. I’ve found their cheeky styles to be comfortable for lounging but sometimes require adjustment after swimming.

Skirted Bottoms and Swim Shorts

These more modest options provide additional coverage around the hips and upper thighs.

Best for: Those who prefer more coverage; active water sports; avoiding inner thigh chafing.

Watch out for: Some skirted styles can create a boxy silhouette; swim shorts can sometimes ride up when wet.

Personal experience: While these aren’t my personal go-to, I appreciate that Xhilaration includes these options. The few times I’ve tried their skirted bottoms, I’ve found them to be well-designed with built-in briefs that prevent awkward exposure when moving. Their swim shorts tend to be flattering rather than frumpy, which isn’t always the case with more modest options.

String/Tie-Side Bottoms

These adjustable bottoms feature ties at the hips rather than elastic.

Best for: Customizable fit; those between sizes; preventing hip indentation marks.

Watch out for: Security during active movement; potential for untying in rough surf.

Personal experience: The adjustability of these makes them great for those days when you’re feeling bloated or want to avoid elastic marks on your hips. I find Xhilaration’s tie-side bottoms to be well-constructed with ties that are long enough to create a secure knot but not so long they become cumbersome.

Material Matters: Fabric Quality and Longevity

Let’s talk about what your Xhilaration bikini is actually made of. Most of their swimwear uses a standard nylon/spandex blend that provides decent stretch and recovery. The quality is surprisingly good for the price point, though not comparable to high-end swimwear brands.

In my experience, here’s what you can expect regarding fabric quality:

Opacity: Most of their solid colors are adequately opaque, even when wet. White and very light colors are the exception – these can become somewhat see-through when saturated, so keep that in mind when choosing colors.

Durability: With proper care, I’ve had Xhilaration bikinis last 2-3 seasons of regular use before showing significant wear. The most common issues I’ve encountered are fading (especially with vibrant colors) and elastic stretching out in the bottoms.

Sun protection: Like most standard swimwear, Xhilaration bikinis offer minimal sun protection (equivalent to about SPF 10) unless specifically labeled as UPF protective. Their rashguard styles typically offer more sun protection.

Texture variations: In recent years, Xhilaration has introduced more textured fabrics like ribbed material, crochet overlays, and terry cloth. These textured options often hold up better over time than their standard smooth material and can add visual interest to basic styles.

Care tip: I’ve found that hand washing and laying flat to dry significantly extends the life of Xhilaration swimwear. Avoiding hot tubs and chlorinated pools when possible also helps preserve the color and elasticity.

Pattern Play: Navigating Xhilaration’s Print Portfolio

One of Xhilaration’s strengths is their diverse range of patterns and prints. Each season brings a new collection, but there are some recurring themes worth noting:

Tropical prints: Palm fronds, monstera leaves, and tropical flowers appear regularly in their summer collections. These prints are typically flattering because they create visual interest without emphasizing any particular body area.

Geometric patterns: From simple polka dots to complex geometric designs, these structured patterns appear regularly. I’ve found their geometric prints tend to be the most color-fast over time.

Animal prints: Leopard, snake, and zebra prints make regular appearances. These can be surprisingly versatile and often function almost as neutrals when pairing pieces.

Retro-inspired prints: Tie-dye, psychedelic swirls, and ’70s-inspired patterns cycle through their collections. These tend to be more trend-dependent and may look dated more quickly.

Solid colors with texture: When you want something simple but not plain, look for their solid-colored pieces with textural elements like ribbing or smocking.

Mix-and-match potential: One strategy I’ve developed over years of Xhilaration shopping is buying solid bottoms with printed tops or vice versa. This creates more outfit combinations and extends the wearability of each piece. Their color coordination across collections is usually consistent enough that a solid black bottom from one season will match a printed top from another.

Body-Specific Recommendations

Everyone’s body is different, which is why no single bikini style works universally. Here are my suggestions based on different body types and concerns:

For Athletic/Rectangle Body Types

If you have an athletic build with less dramatic curves, Xhilaration offers several flattering options:

Tops: Look for their bandeau styles with ruffles or embellishments, which add dimension to the chest. Their bralette tops with padding also help create curves.

Bottoms: Their tie-side bottoms and high-leg cuts help create the illusion of curves. High-waisted styles with side cutouts can define the waist.

Personal experience: As someone with relatively straight hips, I’ve found their high-waisted bottoms with side ruching to be particularly flattering, as they create the appearance of more hip curve.

For Pear-Shaped Body Types

If you’re smaller on top and fuller on the bottom:

Tops: Xhilaration’s push-up styles and tops with embellishments help balance proportions. Look for attention-grabbing details like ruffles or bright patterns for the top.

Bottoms: Their full-coverage options and skirted styles provide comfort for fuller hips. Solid dark colors on the bottom paired with patterned tops create visual balance.

Mix-and-match approach: This is where Xhilaration’s separates really shine – you can buy different sizes for top and bottom.

For Hourglass Figures

If you have a defined waist with proportional bust and hips:

Tops: Their underwire and structured cup options provide needed support while showcasing curves. Look for classic halter styles.

Bottoms: Mid-rise and high-waisted options accentuate the natural waist. Both full coverage and cheeky styles can work well.

Matching sets: Xhilaration’s coordinated sets often work well for hourglass figures without much modification.

For Apple-Shaped Body Types

If you carry weight in your midsection:

Tops: Look for Xhilaration’s tankini options and longer-line tops that provide coverage while creating vertical lines. V-neck halters help create length.

Bottoms: Their high-waisted options with tummy control provide flattering support. Bottoms with side details draw the eye outward.

Full-piece alternative: While this guide focuses on bikinis, Xhilaration’s one-piece swimsuits with ruching and strategic cutouts can be incredibly flattering.

For Fuller Busts

If you need more support up top:

Best options: Look for their underwire styles, adjustable halters, and thicker-strapped options. In recent years, they’ve introduced more D+ friendly styles with actual cup sizing in some pieces.

Avoid: Their triangle tops and bandeaus typically don’t provide enough support for DD+ sizes.

Size up: I’ve noticed their more structured tops often require sizing up if you’re fuller-busted.

For Smaller Busts

If you’re looking to create the appearance of curves:

Best options: Their padded triangle tops, bandeau styles with ruffles or embellishments, and tops with gathering all create the illusion of more volume.

Embrace: The ability to wear their strappier styles and trendy cuts that might not work for those needing more support.

Shopping Strategies: In-Store vs. Online

Through years of Xhilaration bikini shopping, I’ve developed different strategies depending on whether I’m shopping in-store or online:

In-Store Shopping Tips

Timing is everything: Target typically releases their new swimwear collections in January/February (despite it being winter in much of the US). For the best selection, shop early in the season.

Try on multiple sizes: As mentioned earlier, sizing can be inconsistent. I always bring at least two sizes of each style into the fitting room.

Check the juniors section: Xhilaration is technically a juniors brand, though many styles work well for adults. In some Target stores, there’s additional Xhilaration swimwear in the juniors department separate from the main swimwear section.

Look for mix-and-match displays: Target often arranges compatible separates together to help visualize combinations. Don’t feel limited to the displayed pairings, though!

Clearance timing: If budget is your primary concern, end-of-season sales usually begin in July with the deepest discounts in August. Selection will be limited, but prices can drop to $5-10 per piece.

Online Shopping Strategies

Read the reviews: Customer reviews often include details about fit that the product description doesn’t cover. Pay attention to comments from people with similar body types to yours.

Check the model’s size: Target usually lists what size the model is wearing, which can help gauge how the bikini might fit you.

Order multiple sizes: Since shipping and returns are free with Target RedCard, I often order my usual size plus one up and one down to ensure I find the right fit.

Watch for online exclusives: Some Xhilaration styles are only available online and offer interesting variations not found in stores.

Use the zoom feature: The detailed view can help you assess the actual coverage of bottoms and the support features of tops better than the standard product photos.

Mixing, Matching, and Styling Your Xhilaration Bikini

One of the greatest advantages of buying separates from Xhilaration is the ability to create multiple looks from a few key pieces. Here are some strategies I’ve developed over the years:

Color coordination across seasons: Xhilaration tends to maintain certain core colors across collections. Their black bottoms from 2023 will likely match their black-based printed tops from 2025.

Building a capsule swim wardrobe: I recommend starting with 2-3 solid bottoms in neutral colors (black, navy, white) and then adding tops in both solids and prints that coordinate. This creates numerous combinations from just a few pieces.

Beach to boardwalk transitions: Many Xhilaration tops, particularly their cropped styles and bralettes, can double as casual tops when paired with shorts or a skirt. This is especially useful for beach vacations when you want to pack light.

Accessorizing: Simple accessories can completely transform how a bikini looks. A sarong, kimono cover-up, or even a simple button-down tied at the waist can create different looks with the same swimwear base.

Layering pieces: Some of their more basic styles can be layered under more revealing pieces to create unique looks or add coverage where desired.

Care and Maintenance: Making Your Xhilaration Bikini Last

While Xhilaration bikinis are affordable enough to replace seasonally, with proper care, they can last much longer. Here’s my maintenance routine:

Immediate rinse: After each wear, I rinse my bikini in cold water as soon as possible, especially after exposure to chlorine, salt water, or sunscreen.

Hand washing: I use a gentle detergent specifically designed for delicates or swimwear and wash by hand in cool water. Avoid wringing the fabric, as this can damage the elasticity.

Avoid the dryer: Heat is the enemy of swimwear elasticity. I always lay my Xhilaration pieces flat to dry in a shaded area.

Rotation is key: If you’re on a beach vacation where you’ll be swimming daily, bringing multiple suits and rotating them allows each one adequate time to dry thoroughly between wears.

Storage: During the off-season, I store my bikinis flat in a drawer rather than hanging them, which can stretch the fabric over time.

Sunscreen application: I try to apply sunscreen and let it absorb before putting on my swimwear to minimize contact with the oils and chemicals that can degrade the fabric.

My Personal Xhilaration Collection Evolution

Over the years, my approach to Xhilaration swimwear has evolved along with my body and lifestyle. In my early twenties, I gravitated toward their triangle tops and tie-side bottoms, prioritizing minimal tan lines and trend-forward styles. As I approached my thirties, I began to appreciate their more supportive tops and comfortable, higher-coverage bottom options.

Currently, my go-to Xhilaration combination is their high-waisted bottoms (usually in black or a dark solid) paired with either a bralette-style top for active days or a more decorative bandeau when I’m primarily lounging. I typically buy 2-3 new pieces each season to mix with my existing collection.

What I’ve come to appreciate most about the brand is how they balance current trends with wearability. Not every style works for me, but the price point makes it reasonable to experiment with new silhouettes each season without major financial commitment.

Final Thoughts: Why Xhilaration Remains in My Swimwear Rotation

After trying countless swimwear brands across various price points, I continue to return to Xhilaration for several reasons. The value proposition is undeniable – while the quality isn’t comparable to high-end swimwear, the price-to-performance ratio is excellent. Their styles are trendy enough to feel current but not so outlandish that they look dated after one season.

The accessibility is also a major factor. When I need a new swimsuit quickly, I know I can visit my local Target or order online with quick delivery. The size range, while not as inclusive as it could be, has improved over the years and accommodates more body types than many budget-friendly brands.

Is Xhilaration perfect? No. I wish they would expand their size range further, improve consistency in their sizing across styles, and offer more innovative support solutions for larger busts. I’ve occasionally encountered quality issues like stitching coming loose or colors fading faster than expected.

However, for most people seeking stylish, affordable swimwear that delivers reasonable quality, Xhilaration remains one of the best accessible options on the market. Whether you’re building your first swimwear collection or adding to an existing rotation, their bikinis offer something for nearly everyone.

Remember that finding the right swimwear is a deeply personal journey. What works for me might not work for you, and that’s perfectly fine. The beauty of Xhilaration’s extensive range is that with some patience and willingness to try multiple styles, most people can find something that makes them feel confident and comfortable – and isn’t that what beach days should be all about?