Shopping for swimwear is honestly a bit of a nightmare. One minute you’re looking at a high-fashion editorial thinking you can pull off a string bikini, and the next, you’re in a fluorescent-lit dressing room questioning every life choice you’ve ever made. It’s a vulnerable experience. But once you strip away the marketing fluff, the various types of swimsuits women choose from basically boil down to how you want to move and how much sun you actually want on your skin.
Trends cycle fast. We’ve gone from the high-cut "Baywatch" legs of the 90s to the boy shorts of the 2010s and right back to those rib-grazing hip lines. It’s exhausting. But understanding the architecture of a suit—the actual construction—changes the game.
The One-Piece Renaissance
The one-piece isn't just for lap swimming at the YMCA anymore. For a long time, it had this "modest" or "sporty" reputation that felt a little boring. That’s dead now.
Modern one-pieces, often called maillots, are incredibly technical. Brands like Summersalt have famously analyzed thousands of body scans to figure out where the fabric actually needs to tension. You have the classic tank style, which is your workhorse. It’s reliable. Then you have the monokini. This is basically a one-piece with identity issues—huge cutouts on the sides or stomach that make it look like a bikini from the back. They look incredible in photos, but honestly? The tan lines are a structural disaster.
If you’re chasing a specific vibe, the plunge neck is a heavy hitter. It elongates the torso. It’s sleek. But if you’re planning on playing beach volleyball, maybe skip the deep V. You’ll spend the whole time adjusting rather than playing.
Two-Pieces and the Geometry of the Bikini
The bikini is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the types of swimsuits women buy. It's modular. That’s the secret. You can buy a medium top and a large bottom because, let’s be real, very few humans are the exact same size on both halves.
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The Triangle and the Halter
The triangle top is the blueprint. It’s two pieces of fabric on a string. It’s minimal. It’s also not particularly supportive for anyone with a larger bust. If you need more "infrastructure," you move toward the halter. By anchoring the weight around your neck, you get more lift, though after four hours at the beach, your neck might start to complain.
High-Waisted Bottoms
This isn't just a "retro" trend anymore; it’s a staple. The high-waisted bottom usually hits right at the belly button or slightly above. It provides a sense of security that a low-rise string bottom just can't. It’s great for hiding a bloated stomach after a heavy beach lunch, which, honestly, is a top-tier feature.
The Tankini
Some people look down on the tankini. They’re wrong. It’s the ultimate utility suit. You get the coverage of a one-piece with the "I don't have to get fully naked to pee" convenience of a bikini. For moms chasing toddlers or women who want to cover their midsection but hate the feeling of a tight one-piece, it’s the gold standard.
Performance and Activity-Specific Cuts
If you’re actually doing something in the water—surfing, wakeboarding, or distance swimming—fashion takes a backseat to hydrodynamics and staying power.
- The Rash Guard: Originally for surfers to prevent "board belly" (the literal rash you get from wax and friction), these are now mainstream. You can get them as cropped tops or full-sleeve shirts. They offer UPF 50+ protection, which is basically a superpower for your skin.
- The Swim Dress: Often overlooked, this is a one-piece with an attached skirt. It’s a favorite for people who want thigh coverage or just a feminine, vintage aesthetic.
- The Racerback: If you see a swimsuit with straps that meet in a "Y" or "X" shape between the shoulder blades, that’s a racerback. It’s designed so the straps don't slide off during a butterfly stroke. Speedo and TYR own this space.
Fabric Science Matters More Than You Think
Ever had a swimsuit get saggy and weird after three swims? That’s a fabric failure. Most types of swimsuits women wear are made from a blend of nylon and spandex (Lycra).
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The problem is chlorine. Chlorine eats spandex for breakfast. If you’re a pool person, you have to look for "PBT" or "Polyester" blends. They feel a bit stiffer and have less "give," but they won't turn see-through or lose their shape after a month. On the flip side, nylon is softer and feels more luxurious against the skin, making it the better choice for salt water or just lounging on a towel.
Then there’s the lining. A high-quality suit is always double-lined. If you can see the color of your skin through the fabric when it’s dry, it’s going to be a disaster when it’s wet. Always check the "white fabric" test. If it’s not thick, put it back.
Choosing Based on Your Reality
We’re often told to shop for our "body type"—apple, pear, hourglass. It’s a bit reductive. A better way to shop is to ask: "What am I actually doing?"
If you’re at a resort in Mexico and your biggest movement is walking from the lounge chair to the swim-up bar, wear the daring cutout one-piece. If you’re at a water park with the kids, you need a suit with thick straps and a high neckline. Gravity is real, and those slides are unforgiving.
Underwire is another polarizing factor. Some women swear by it for the shape and support it provides, mimicking a bra. Others find it restrictive and uncomfortable when they're trying to relax. There’s no right answer here, but if you’re over a D cup, a suit with hidden underwire or a wide elastic under-bust band will save you a lot of back pain.
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Common Misconceptions About Sizing
Here is the hard truth: swimsuit sizing is a lie.
Almost every major brand, from Zara to luxury labels like Hunza G, sizes differently. In fact, most experts suggest sizing up in swimwear. Spandex is meant to be tight, but if it’s too tight, it digs into your skin and creates "rolls" that aren't even there in real life. A larger size often lays flatter and looks smoother.
Also, remember that suits expand when they get wet. If it feels "perfectly comfy" in the dressing room, it might be slightly too big once you hit the water. It should feel snug—almost like a second skin—but you should still be able to breathe.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Purchase
Before you drop $100 on a new suit, do these three things. First, check the tag for the material composition; aim for a high percentage of nylon if you want softness, or polyester if you’re a daily lap swimmer. Second, do the "squat test" in the fitting room. If the bottom moves or rides up significantly just from one squat, it’s going to be a nightmare at the beach. Third, look at the seams. Zig-zag stitching is more durable and allows the fabric to stretch without the thread snapping.
Instead of chasing the "hottest" trend, find the silhouette that makes you feel like you can actually enjoy the water. Whether that’s a modest swim dress or a tiny string bikini, the best swimsuit is the one you aren't constantly thinking about while you're trying to have fun.