Important Info: Here Are All the Different Swimsuit Types and Styles Out There
Swimsuit shopping is tricky as hell. Online shopping has the potential risk-factor of buying something sketchy, and it's equally as frustrating to try on bikinis in an unflattering fitting-room mirror. On top of all of that, you've got a bajillion different types of swimsuits to choose from, complicating things further.
Thankfully, picking out the right bathing suit is about to get easier. First, know that there is no such thing as one swimsuit for one specific body type. Anyone who tells you so is absolutely wrong. For example, you can wear high-waisted swimsuits no matter your height. If it makes you feel like that girl, it's the right one for you. OK? So, take a deep breath in and let it out. Feel that swimsuit-season stress leaving your body? Good.
Now, time to do a little fashion homework. You won't be confused or intimidated by all the different styles and categories out there after checking out this list of all the types, below. It's got all the bikinis and one-pieces you may encounter on your next bathing suit-shopping adventure!
our top picks for the best swimsuit styles to shop in 2022
But that's not all the swimsuit content we have for ya. We're also happy to introduce you to an endless list of cute swimwear Brands to get you in a great summer mood. And of course, give Black designers the support they deserve by shopping at any of these Black-owned brands that offer gorgeous swimwear lewks. Plus, you can retro bathing suits so you can live your best vintage dreams. The guide to swimsuit types awaits!
frankiesbikinis.com
$95.00
Maybe you remember wearing a swim skirt bikini as a teen? The playful style has gotten a revamp and is serving grown and chic. PS: the skirt has a built in underwear so you're all set to move freely all day.
andreaiyamah.com
$167.00
Origami, anyone? This portrait neckline top is a beautifully intricate off-the-shoulder design that truly looks like art.
summersalt.com
$125.00
Who's into a little shoulder action? The ruffle-sleeved suit is for the clavicle queens out there. Typically wider straps with sleeves that flutter out, this style is often balanced by a plunging v neckline.
Aerie
ae.com
$27.96
A scoop top does exactly what it says—scoop! This style is probs one of the most considerate when it comes to tan lies. It's a simple top that's also supportive.
asos.com
$15.00
This term is pretty straight forward, but in case you're still not clear—a bikini top with triangles covering each of your boobs is a triangle top!
Athleta
athleta.gap.com
$54.00
For added support, a sports-bra top is a good bet. And this black one goes with absolutely everything.
revol
revolve.com
$95.00
A bikini with underwire is one that kinda looks like a bra and offers a bit more lift and support than one without. They can come padded or unpadded, depending on the coverage you want.
lulus.com
$32.00
This kind of suit is asymmetrical, meaning there's just one strap going over one shoulder, instead of both.
Nani Swimwear
rei.com
$44.93
Swimsuits that look like actual crop-tops are perfect for when you want to do a quick change and grab dinner after a day in the water.
Solid & Striped
revolve.com
$88.00
A bandeau is a strapless top that goes straight across. This one has a circular insert that's super cute!
prettylittlething.us
$22.00
Instead of tying your bikini behind your neck and at your back, these ones do it in the front for an easy on-and-off situation!
Kingston
riotswim.com
$150.00
Why not both? Monokinis are a hybrid of one- and two-pieces. They generally have cool cutouts and show more skin than a traditional one-piece.
Nike
dickssportinggoods.com
$49.99
If you're trying to just get your laps in, this is the style you need. No frills, no fuss, just the ability to stay in place and be hydrodynamic.
Aerie
ae.com
$27.96
This cut of suit has a crop-top like feel too, hitting a little lower on the rib cage than most other bikinis.
roxy.com
$130.00
This is a silhouette you'd expect to see on a surfer, scuba diver, snorkler, and water-skiers/wakeboarders/what-have-you water-sporty person. The all-in-one piece (usually designed with a mock-neck) can sometimes also have attached pants depending on how cold of a swim the wearer's expecting.
dosswim.com
$89.00
You guessed it—these have strings that tie at the side, which typically function to adjust the size and keep things in place. But they can also just be fashion details that don't serve any purpose other than looking good!
L*SPACE
revolve.com
$84.00
Bottoms with this cut are typically curved hipster styles that are lower in the center and higher above the legs. The scoop can be more subtle, like the one here, or more extreme, like you'd expect from ’90s-inspired looks.
Seafolly
nordstrom.com
$44.00
This ’80s- and ’90s style typically sits above the hip bone and makes your legs look really long too.
CéLINE
riellibrand.com
$160.00
This one kinda has that wedgie look—without the annoying feeling—for those who want to show some extra cheek.
Andie Swim
andieswim.com
$50.00
Generally, these hit right at, above, or just below the bellybutton.
Sweaty Betty
nordstrom.com
$128.00
These suits don't have any plunge. Take a look at this crew-neck style here to see what I mean.
BEAUTY
victoriassecret.com
$15.00
If modesty is your priority in a two-piece, this is the style of bottoms you'll want to get. Like the name implies, not a lot of extra skin is shown.
O'Neill
swimoutlet.com
$19.94
Rash guards can come in long-sleeve styles or short-sleeve styles and are typically used in sports, like surfing. Nowadays, many people use them instead of or over their regular swim tops to help prevent harmful UV ray damage too.
Note: If that's your plan, just make sure the style is tightly woven. If you spread it and can see light through it, it's possible for the sun to still reach your skin underneath. Many of these come with certified sun-protection ratings, so look out for those!
venus.com
$19.99
This little detail in the center of many swimsuit bottoms helps create a bubble-butt illusion and can be found in all types of two-pieces or one-pieces, from thongs to full coverage.
Summersum
amazon.com
$12.98
Basically, these look like short shorts that hit just below the curve of one's butt cheeks. They're great for sporty activities, like playing beach volleyball!
bloomingdales.com
$76.00
If showing off that ’donk is a big priority for you, you'll want to wear this style.
Important Info: Here Are All the Different Swimsuit Types and Styles Out There
Swimsuit shopping is tricky as hell. Online shopping has the potential risk-factor of buying something sketchy, and it's equally as frustrating to try on bikinis in an unflattering fitting-room mirror. On top of all of that, you've got a bajillion different types of swimsuits to choose from, complicating things further.
Thankfully, picking out the right bathing suit is about to get easier. First, know that there is no such thing as one swimsuit for one specific body type. Anyone who tells you so is absolutely wrong. For example, you can wear high-waisted swimsuits no matter your height. If it makes you feel like that girl, it's the right one for you. OK? So, take a deep breath in and let it out. Feel that swimsuit-season stress leaving your body? Good.
Now, time to do a little fashion homework. You won't be confused or intimidated by all the different styles and categories out there after checking out this list of all the types, below. It's got all the bikinis and one-pieces you may encounter on your next bathing suit-shopping adventure!
our top picks for the best swimsuit styles to shop in 2022
But that's not all the swimsuit content we have for ya. We're also happy to introduce you to an endless list of cute swimwear Brands to get you in a great summer mood. And of course, give Black designers the support they deserve by shopping at any of these Black-owned brands that offer gorgeous swimwear lewks. Plus, you can retro bathing suits so you can live your best vintage dreams. The guide to swimsuit types awaits!
Not sure what type of swimsuit to get? No worries. Here's a comprehensive list of all the kinds of bikinis and one-pieces to choose from before your next shopping trip.
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