There is no place that I can think of that is more fun than a beach – it is ‘the’ place for family fun, couple togetherness, and solo walks. Anything goes, so long as you wear comfortable clothing suitable for the beach. But for swimming and having fun in the sea, there is no better choice than to wear swimwear. And whatever your preference, there is a swimsuit for you, as you will see as you read further.
Swimsuits are the generic name for swimwear made of stretchy fabrics.
Name your swimwear
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One piece swimsuit
A one-piece swimsuit is a most commonly seen swimsuit, though not so popular anymore. Modest in covering and very practical for swimming unhindered. It also smooths out you silhouette and give extra support in the bust or stomach area.
Two piece swimsuit (Bikini)
This is the basic bikini – a two-piece swimming suit. It usually consists of a bra top made of two triangle-shaped front pieces kept together with elastic straps and a similarly scant bottom part.
It is the choice of some one comfortable revealing more skin than the one piece. A versatile advantage of two piece is that you can mix and match sizes for top and bottom.
String Bikini
The string bikini is a swimsuit with strings as fasteners. They are usually tied around the neck and at the back. The perfect choice of someone who wants maximum exposure and minimal tan lines.
Learn to make a string bikini panties here.
Burkini
Burkinis are swimsuits that cover your entire body except for the face, hands, and feet. Read more about burkini here.
Tankini
This is a two-piece swimsuit with a top that looks like a tank top. It was first introduced in the late ’90s. It combines the coverage and modesty of a one-piece with the convenience, flexibility and style of a two-piece.
Midkini
Midkini is a two-piece swimsuit with a more modest coverage. This is an option if you want more coverage than a bikini but less than a one-piece.
Bandini/Bandeaukini
Bandini is a strapless bikini, a two-piece swimsuit with a bandeau top, a strapless style.
This is the choice for those who want to avoid tan lines on the shoulders. It suits those with a smaller bust or anyone who wants a more secure top without straps.
Brazilian bikinis
These bikinis are very skimpy and are usually fastened with strings – the top as well as the bottom (thong style).
Monokini
A Monokini is a mixture of a bikini and a one-piece swimsuit – it looks like a one-piece but has cutouts around the midriff and back that also makes it look like a bikini. The top and bottom sections of monokini is connected by a thin strip of material.
Monokini is a choice for some one looking for a choice between a bikini and a one-piece.
Leg suit
A leg suit is a swimsuit with tights, usually ending near the thighs.
Wet suits
A wetsuit is a full length insulating swimsuit that covers most of the body. It is best suited for colder water activities, as it can provide warmth and protection.
Swim shirt
A tshirt that can be used for swimming or water sports- usually made of spandex fabric.
Swim dress
A swim dress is a one-piece swimsuit that looks like a dress – it has in-built shorts inside. It can even make an elegant, beach-to-brunch transition piece, if you want to.
Rashguard
Rashguard is a spandex-blend tightfitting shirt worn for all watersports. The main purpose of the shirt is that it protects body against rashes caused by abrasion during activities like surfing. An added advantage is sun protection.
Wraparounds/Sarongs
Wraparounds or sarongs are worn over swimsuits as swimsuit coverups
Other varieties of swimwear?
Underwire swimsuits, Hipster-style swim bottoms, swimsuits with knots, one shoulder styles, swimsuits and bikinis with ruffles and other, high waisted ones in vintage styles, crop top bikinis are other variations which are ever popular.
Related post: Make a string bikini top.; Lycra/Spandex fabrics
Which swimwear is used for snorkeling?
A wetsuit or a rashguard can be used for snorkeling.
