Thinking about treating yourself to some new swimwear, and want to get an overview of what all of your options are? Or trying to figure out which swim style will provide the support, fit, or figure-shaping that you’re on the lookout for? Then welcome to our comprehensive swimwear guide!
Women’s Swimwear Styles
One-Piece Swimsuits
Bandeau swimsuit
Otherwise known as swimming costumes, one-piece bathing suits, maillots, or simply swimsuits, this style is exactly what the name suggests – a single garment that covers most of your torso. They’re perfect if you prefer a little more coverage, but there are also plenty of one-piece swimsuits out there with cut-outs or plunging necklines that will make the look a whole lot more daring.
A bandeau swimsuit is a fancy way of saying a strapless one. It’s a great choice for avoiding strap lines on your shoulders if you’re trying to tan, but less ideal for vigorous swimming since there’s a possibility it might slip down!
Halter swimsuit
Instead of featuring the typical shoulder straps, a halter strap ties or fastens around the neck. On some halter swimsuits, the front goes all the way up to the neck (a ‘high neck swimsuit’).
A halter swimsuit can be a tad uncomfortable if you’re full-busted, as it puts the weight of your chest squarely on your neck, but it’s a popular fashion choice.
Shaping swimsuit
Our swimwear is typically the most-revealing clothing we’ll ever wear out in public, so it’s no surprise that some of us want a little extra help to feel confident in our figures.
Shaping swimsuits use the same techniques as standard shapewear – such as firmer fabrics and hidden panels – to flatten your tummy and sculpt your waist. Some shaping swimsuits also have ruching across the midriff, to subtly disguise small lumps and bumps.
Plunge swimsuit
Usually, a halter style, although it may have shoulder straps, a plunge swimsuit has an ultra-low, cleavage-flaunting neckline – possibly even be low enough to show off your navel!
Bikinis
The name bikini refers to any two-piece swimsuit with minimal coverage – think of it like the swimwear version of a bra set. Although swimwear with separated top and bottom halves had existed to some degree for at least a decade prior, this style first gained mainstream popularity in the late 1940s to early 1950s after French designer Louis Réard ‘introduced’ the two-piece swimsuit design to the world, at the same timing coining the name “bikini”.
Halter bikini top
Halterneck bikinis, which tie or fasten around the neck, are incredibly popular (halter straps plus triangle cups are a classic combo). The halter straps gently draw the breasts inwards, boosting cleavage, while also leaving the shoulders strap-free for better tanning.
Bandeau bikini top
Another popular choice for achieving an even tan across your shoulders and décolletage is the bandeau, which, as a bandeau swimsuit, is a strapless top style. As in the picture, many bandeaus come with a detachable strap or two, so that you do have the option of something that will hold it in place better when you’re splashing about in the waves.
Underwired bikini top
The best style for those after support that still shows lots of skin, an underwired bikini top often also uses bra-like seaming on the cups to help lift and shape the bust. And just like a bra, underwired bikinis typically have a wide, supportive band at the back, rather than the narrow string tie that some other bikinis have.
Crop bikini top
A crop top bikini offers more coverage than any of the other styles listed here. While it will still show off your midriff – hence the ‘cropped’ name – it comes up higher at the neck, and may even have sleeves. It also practically guarantees nothing is going to slip out of place if you dive into the pool or a big wave hits, so it’s a great choice for more athletic and active beach-goers.
One-shoulder bikini top
The one-shoulder bikini top is pretty self-explanatory – it only has one shoulder strap! Yes, this style can lead to some less than ideal tan lines, but the asymmetry does look very chic and modern. Worth it, we say.
Micro bikini top
A micro bikini top is a teeny-tiny, triangle-shaped style that covers the nipples but not much else. It’s definitely the most daring bikini top style out there!
Tie-side bikini bottoms
True to their name, tie-side bikini bottoms fasten with a knot or bow at either side. They’re an incredibly popular swimwear style, not only because of their flirty and feminine look, but also because they can easily be adjusted for the perfect fit each time you wear them.
Shorty bikini bottoms
Otherwise known as a boyshort bikini bottom, this sporty style extends a little further down the hips or thighs than is typical. It’s a popular swimwear style for casual surfing, but anyone who likes an athletic look can appreciate this shape!
High waist bikini bottoms
Naturally, high-waist bikini bottoms sit high on your waistline, usually just under or just over the navel. They offer fuller coverage and also give your swimwear a retro feel.
Skirted bikini bottoms
Another swimwear option for those who want a not-so-skimpy bikini, skirted swim bottoms combine a mini skirt with a traditional bikini brief below. In some styles, the skirt includes ties that can gather it up for an alternative look.
Thong bikini bottoms
Not for the shy, thong bikini bottoms are simply that – a thong made from swimwear fabric. They range in style from a narrow g-string to Brazilian bottoms, which have more of a ‘cheeky’ cut with a bit more rear coverage (but still not a lot!).
Micro bikini bottoms
Taking the thong bikini one step further are micro bikini bottoms, which are not only barely-there at the back, but have a tiny front section and narrow sides too.
