Navigating the numerous swimsuit types can be a sartorial nightmare. With some many different silhouettes available, we've asked experts to explain the different swimwear shapes available and how you can get the most out of your bathing suit selection this summer and beyond.
Shopping for the best swimsuit is rarely straightforward, as there are a number of factors to consider. Do you want a one piece swimsuit or a two-piece? Something sporty? Or are you more concerned with the level of support, for piece of mind when swimming. The best high-waisted swimsuits, sculpt, support and highlight your waist, but there are also low-slung, midi and barely-there briefs, for those that want a little less coverage. The options are endless, and that’s before you’ve even considered things like colour and fabric.
“A range of things can influence the type of swimwear we buy,” says celebrity stylist Ellis Ranson. “Trends come and go. For example, there was a stage where we didn’t care about tan lines and wore embellished styles with lots of straps. Now, the fashion is simple, basic looks with triangle and bandeau bikinis among the go-to's this season. It’s important you feel comfortable, so finding the right swimwear types to give you the fit and coverage you want is key.”
To help you decode the different swimsuit types from the best swimsuit brands, we’ve broken them down into three categories: one-pieces, bikini tops and bikini briefs, with the low-down on the core styles for each.
Swimsuit types that will solve all your beach day dilemmas
One pieces
A one-piece, is an all-in-one item that covers both your top and bottom half in one go. “A one-piece is easier to put on and take off than a two-piece, and is more secure in strong surf,” says swimwear designer Megan Mae Stevens. “Primarily though, it’s a matter of personal covered look, or if you’re keen to max out your cost-per-wear with a piece that can also double as a bodysuit worn with your best jeans. Swimsuits often fall into one of two categories, fashion or functional, but that’s not to say there isn’t a crossover between the two. Functional swimwear will be more focused on keeping you comfortable and secure when enjoying swimming and watersports, with details like high necks, zip backs and long sleeves. Fashion one piece swimsuits on the other hand focus on swimwear trends, but it doesn't mean that they'll all sacrafice function for form, but aesthetics is highly important in this category. This season look out for asymmetric necklines, bandeau styles and cutouts. Swimsuits can also include swim dresses, which are ideal for a little bit of extra thigh and bottom coverage and usually have attached swim briefs underneath the skirt element.
RRP: £42 / $54 | Perfect for anyone who wants to be a bit more covered up poolside, this skirted swimsuit is cut like a fit-and-flare mini dress. The thick straps provide extra support, while the tie-waist can be used to highlight an hourglass body shape.
RRP: £65 / $88 | If you’re after a sporty swimsuit that won’t let you down when you’re getting your lengths in, this is it. It’s made from a part-recycled Lycra that holds its shape 5 times longer than elastane and also features an inner bra shelf with removable cups.
RRP: £54 / $69 | Asymmetric necklines are a huge swimsuit trend and all-round fashion trend for 2023. What we love most about this suit is that it’s reversible, so you can choose between an abstract floral design or plain black. It’s basically two swimsuits in one, and the plain side is one of the best black swimsuits we’ve seen.
RRP: £80 / $120 | Plunge necklines are some of the best swimsuits for large busts and give smaller busts an extra boost. This floral number from Boden features underwiring, padded cups and adjustable halterneck ties for full comfort and support. Plus, it’s part-made from recycled materials for sustainability.
RRP: £59 / $99 | A long-sleeved swimsuit will keep you more covered, offering added arm protection. We absolutely love this forest green one-piece from Cos, with a statement open back and cute tie-neck for extra style points. An elegant and understated feel, this is a Quiet Luxury swimsuit you can wear for years.
RRP: £125 / $198 | Bandeau swimsuits are best for tanning, as you won’t need to worry about tell-tale shoulder marks. Worried about it falling down? Don’t be. The clever folk at Australian swimwear brand Seafolly have added side-boning and gripper tape to this graphic print suit to keep it perfectly in place.
Swim tops
A swim top is any top that’s worn for swimming or sunbathing. They’re also referred to as bikini tops, but this swimsuit type also includes long-sleeved rash vests and the best tankini tops. If you’re opting for a bikini or tankini, the neckline you choose will be determined by things like your personal preference, whether you’re worried about tan lines and also your bust size. For example, if you have a large bust, you may want an underwired style with wider, adjustable straps to give you the support you need. Halter neck silhouettes can also work well for fuller busts as the straps going around the neck can offer extra lift.
On the other side of the coin, those with smaller busts may opt for a triangle or halter style for added boost. Alternatively, smaller busts may want to opt for a bandeau swimsuit, this is a strapless, fully shoulder baring style, and although fuller busts can wear this look, they generally aren't the most supportive of silhouettes.
There are no set rules though, and plenty of space for experimenting with different swimsuit types. “For swim tops, we’re seeing a big underwire trend at the moment,” Brittany Kozerski Freeney, Founder and CEO of JADE Swim. “In the past, underwired styles were more used for larger busts to give support but now they’re becoming more of a design detail. Our customers have really been leaning into these styles and I think it’s a trend that’s here to stay.” If that sounds uncomfortable and niggling to you, don’t worry. “Bandeaus are great and another key swimwear top trend is ring detailing, as we’re taking a more minimalistic approach this summer,” adds Ranson. “It’s a really nice way to elevate your standard bikini.”
RRP: £60 / $80 | Triangle bikini tops feature two pieces of triangle-shaped fabric attached to a back band. They tie as a halterneck and also have the benefit of a plunging low neckline. The blue and white print feels super luxe on this one, as does the addition of gold hardware for the ultimate Quiet Luxury vacation look.
RRP: £65 / $130 | One of the top tankinis we’ve seen, this swim top from Bravissimo provides coverage across a midriff. What sets this apart from the other high-street offerings is that it comes in bra sizing, rather than clothing sizing, for a spot-on, supportive fit. Plus, the compression fit earns it the label of best tummy control swimsuit on this list.
RRP: £28 / $35.99 | Sporty swimwear tops are having a real moment, in no small part due to our obsession with comfortable bras. This deep red bikini top looks low on detail at first glance but does have hidden wiring and a back clasp, so you don’t have to wrestle it over your head after a long day at the beach.
RRP: £17.99 / $23 | Swimwear with cut-out details remains a popular style this season, and this one is brimming with them. The simple bandeau style features an additional halterneck tie, as well as a lower tie designed to be tied halfway down the back. A great option if you’re on the hunt for the best cheap swimsuits.
RRP: £39 / $79 | As we’ve already mentioned, underwiring is a big bikini trend this year, as are defined bra-style cups. This bikini top from Whistles ticks all those boxes, with the added benefits of ribbed fabric for texture and an on-trend green shade as a nod to dopamine dressing, you'll feel poolside-ready in a flash.
RRP: £35 / $45 | Gorgeous tropical print aside, this bandeau top is as simple as they come. A back-to-basics bandeau with a tie-front fastening but it does come with the option to add narrow removable straps if you like. Ideal for smaller busts, this will offer a light level of support and plenty of opportunities to feel sun-kissed.
Swim briefs
We’ve covered the different swimsuit types within swim tops, so now for the bottom half. Swim briefs can range from teeny tiny thongs right through to longer-line trunks depending on your style and what you’ll be wearing them for. There are two particular swim brief trends for this season though that are worth taking note of: cheeky briefs and high-waisted swimwear briefs.
“Perhaps the biggest trend in bottoms is the movement towards less coverage by decreasing the size of the back panel to make it more “cheeky” or thong-like,” explains Stevens. If the idea of that fills you with dread, don’t panic – the “big pant” trend will be more up your street and remains just as strong as ever, delivering a vintage swimsuit feel that gives a nod to the '50s.
“We’re seeing a lot of swim briefs that sit higher on the hip, which creates a really flattering silhouette,” says Kozerski Freeney. Most brands will mention the level of brief coverage in the description of their products, so if more modest briefs are what you’re after, then look out for words like “high or full coverage” when shopping online.
RRP: £27 / $34 | We’re suckers for a good print, and this retro wave pattern has got us hook, line and sinker. The high-rise shape will put the focus on your waist, sculpting and shaping your middle. And there is a comfortable amount of coverage at the back too. Some of the best high-waisted swimwear we’ve found.
RRP: £21.99 / $28 | These comfortable swim shorts are both high-waisted and longline for a modest take on swim briefs. The chic navy shade can be mixed and matched with different tops, from your favourite bikini to a long sleeve swim top. With a specifically sporty shape, these are great for water-based activities too.
RRP: £35 / $45 | A tie-side bikini brief is fully adjustable, so you can cinch them tighter or looser when needed. These offer a much lower level of coverage, but will definitely help to lengthen legs, as they show off a large part of the thigh. The scallop detailing on these turquoise blue briefs adds a feminine touch.
RRP: £10 / $12 | High cut briefs are a clever way to create the illusion of longer legs. As you’d expect from M&S, the quality of these is brilliant, and the fabric has been enhanced with sun-smart UPF50+ technology to protect your skin from UV rays.
RRP: £80 / $130 | All Hunza G swimwear comes in just one size, as its industry-leading crinkle fabric shrinks and expands, fitting sizes 6-16. These skimpy briefs are low coverage, but not quite a thong, making them a good starting point for anyone keen to try the cheeky brief trend.
RRP: £29.50 / $46 | If you’re petite, finding well-fitting swimwear can be tricky. Side ruching will allow you to make these briefs shorter without making the fabric bunch oddly, delivering a flattering fit in the process. The tile print is gorgeous too.
Is there a difference between a swimsuit and a bathing suit?
Confused about the difference between a swimsuit and a bathing suit? According to Stevens, “these terms can be used interchangeably, but swimsuits are specifically designed and engineered to be worn actively and function flawlessly in the water, holding their shape and fit. A bathing suit is an older term often applied to fuller-cut outfits that are designed for only modest activity levels at the beach or pool.” If you’re torn between the two, choose the one that best fits the poolside activities you have planned. “Swimsuits are meant for swimming, and that’s when you’re really looking for comfort and coverage,” adds Kozerski Freeney. “Bathing suits are more for sunbathing.”
What classifies as swimwear?
The answer to what classifies as swimwear is pretty straightforward. “In order to classify as swimwear, the garment must be designed and constructed for use primarily in swimming or water-related activities,” advises Stevens. “Swimwear is generally manufactured using manmade fibres such as nylon, and the fit is intended to be snug - often achieved by using Lycra or spandex yarn. Swimsuits are also specifically made with fabric that is resistant to the adverse effects of prolonged exposure to chlorine, salt water and the sun.” Swimwear can be anything from a bikini brief to a high-coverage, full-length swimsuit. “The different types of swimwear include bikinis, swimming costumes, swim dresses and swim shorts,” adds Ranson.
