When it comes to swimwear, women definitely aren’t hurting for choice. There are so many different kinds available, both one-piece and two-piece alike. In fact, the number of styles out there can be overwhelming, leaving people unsure of what their options even are, much less how to choose the right one. Confused as well? Read along for a basic overview of swimsuit types, plus a couple of their main pros and cons.
One-Piece Styles
Practical and easy to wear, one-piece swimsuits are a single garment rather than a set of separate swim tops/bottoms. They’re comprised of stretchy, form-fitting materials that give good sun protection and are designed to hold up to whatever you throw at them － whether that’s a relaxed day by the pool or a long afternoon running around the beach with friends.
Though one-pieces can look dramatically different depending on their specific cut, they oftentimes resemble sleeveless leotards or bodysuits. Made to expose the legs but cover the torso, they provide greater skin coverage and comfort than most other basic swimwear. This can sometimes come at the expense of style; however, as many brands reserve the trendier patterns and designs for two-pieces.
Of course, “one-piece” is essentially an umbrella term with tons of variations falling under it. Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the more commonly worn:
Basic one-piece swimsuit
Essentially the textbook definition of a one-piece. This swimsuit uses straps to support the bust/reduce shifting, and gives coverage from chest down to pelvis.
Strapless one-piece
The same as a basic one-piece but forgoes the straps. This design choice makes them better and more flattering for smaller-chested women since there’s less support available. By the same token, those who require more support will likely find strapless one-pieces an ill fit.
Monokini
A one-piece suit that gives the impression it’s a two-piece － an effect achieved by the use of well-placed cutouts. Monokinis are usually very stylish and sexy as a result, challenging the one-piece’s typical reputation as purely function over fashion.
Swim dress
A more elegant, modern alternative to other options, this swimsuit is a one-piece that has a dress overlay. It gives fuller coverage, bust/midsection shaping, and is frequently worn by modest-conscious swimmers. Swim dresses usually feature an A-line design that defines the waist before flaring out. Flattering for all body types, we’d recommend them for anyone wanting something a little more unique!
Plunging-neckline one-pieces
Another sexier alternative to traditional one-pieces, plunge-neckline styles feature a deep V-neck that highlights the chest without exposing the midsection. These are a great option for all sizes and body shapes.
Two-Piece Styles
Unlike one-pieces, two-piece swimsuits consist of (unsurprisingly) two garments: a top half and a matching/complementary bottom. Due to them being separates rather than a continuous line of fabric, two-pieces usually show off a good deal more skin which earns them their reputation for being sexier or more stylish than their one-piece swimsuit counterparts. Though, whether this is true or not depends primarily on personal preference as well as what designs you happen to come across.
Speaking of design, two-pieces do have a slight leg up on the competition here. They usually come in an even broader range of different cuts, colors, styles, and patterns than one-pieces. On the flip side, however, you do sometimes give up ease and practicality for this with two-piece swimsuits frequently feeling less secure or comfortable.
Worn bikinis before but don’t know much beyond the basics? Here are a few of the most popular styles to pick from:
Scoop bikini
The most traditional, basic bikini cut, a scoop bikini is a two-piece bathing suit that features a U-shaped neckline. Coverage is pretty balanced, reducing tan lines without making one feel too exposed.
String bikini
A string bikini is more revealing than a basic scoop bikini. It uses minimal string-like ties rather than straps. This makes string bikinis better for lounging than water sports as these ties generally feel less secure.
Micro bikini
Out of all the bikini types, this one offers the least coverage. Made with less fabric, they usually utilize thong-style bottoms and extra-thin string closures to show more skin and create fewer visible tan lines.
Tankini
A two-piece swimsuit that consists of a swim-friendly tank top and bikini bottoms. It then covers the stomach while revealing the legs, making for a cute but comfortable look. Like to mix and match but don’t want to show off much skin? A tankini would be a perfect solution for you!
Triangle bikini
A type of bikini top that’s made from two triangle-shaped pieces of fabric. These cups have no padding or wires, accentuating the chest’s natural shape and giving modest cleavage.
High-neck bikini
A type of bikini top that features a higher neckline than usual. If you have a larger chest, you’ll likely find this one of the more comfortable two-piece types available.
Bandeau top
A swimsuit top that has no straps. Instead, it wraps around the chest and often relies on underwire or elastic for support.
Tech Suits & Performance Wear
While tech suits technically (pun fully intended) fall under the one-piece umbrella, we felt they deserved a more dedicated section. Why? Well, they’re unlike the other types of swimwear on our list － a special kind of bathing suit used for competitive water sports rather than just general wear.
Comprised of ultra lightweight, scientifically-advanced materials, they reduce water drag, provide high-compression, and improve water buoyancy. This can greatly improve performance and make water-based athletics physically safer. Tech suits and other performance-centric options also differ from other one-piece swimsuits in that they’re usually designed with high necklines, a mostly-exposed back section, and coverage to around the knee.
Since they’re specifically designed for competitive swimming and high-performance, tech suits are often very expensive! However, if you’ve got some spare cash, they’re an excellent investment for anyone who’s frequently doing more than just splashing around in the water.
Swimwear is a huge category of clothing, but there are even broader categories to be found within it. Tankinis, tech suits, swim dresses, bandeaus, and everything beyond － it can be a lot to keep straight. Hopefully our quick guide made things a little clearer, though, and helped you understand all the styles’ various points both good and bad.
But we’d like to hear from you! What kind of swimsuit do you typically wear? Are you a string bikini kind of woman or are comfy one-pieces more your style? Let us know by leaving a comment below, and be sure to catch up with the other articles in our Shoplito swimwear hub today!
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