Complete Guide to Swimwear Styles

Shopping for swimwear can feel confusing when different styles have unfamiliar names. This guide explains common swimsuit designs, top and bottom styles, prints, and fit categories to help you find the right look.

Swimsuit Designs

  • Bikini: A two-piece swimsuit with a separate top and bottom. Bikinis come in many cuts and coverage levels.
  • Tankini: A two-piece swimsuit with a tank-style top and a separate bottom.
  • One-Piece Swimsuit: A swimsuit with a connected top and bottom that covers the torso. Necklines, backs, and leg cuts vary by design.
  • Monokini: A one-piece swimsuit with cutouts, often at the waist or sides.
  • Microkini: A very minimal bikini style with limited fabric and coverage.

Swimsuit Top Styles

  • Triangle Top: A classic bikini top with triangular cups, usually tied or fastened at the neck and back.
  • Scoop-Neck Top: A top with a rounded neckline.
  • Bandeau Top: A strapless top that wraps across the chest. Some designs include removable straps.
  • Halter Top: A top with straps that fasten or tie behind the neck.
  • Bra-Style Top: A structured top that may include molded cups, an underwire, or other built-in support.
  • V-Wire Bandeau: A bandeau-style top with a V-shaped wire detail at the center front.
  • Sport Top: A supportive, athletic-style swimsuit top, often inspired by a sports bra or tank top.
  • Keyhole Top: A top with a small opening at the front as a design detail.

Swimsuit Bottom Styles

  • Board Shorts: Longer, looser-fitting swim shorts, often chosen for beach or water activities.
  • Brazilian Bottom: A bottom with less rear coverage than a full-coverage style.
  • Full-Coverage Bottom: A bottom designed to provide more coverage around the hips and rear.
  • High-Waisted Bottom: A bottom with a higher rise, typically reaching the natural waist or above the navel.
  • Hipster Bottom: A mid-rise style that sits around the hips.
  • Skirted Bottom: A swimsuit bottom with an attached skirt overlay.

Common Swimwear Prints and Patterns

  • Solid: Made from a single-color fabric.
  • Floral: Decorated with flowers or botanical motifs.
  • Abstract: Features non-representational shapes, lines, or color combinations.
  • Graphic: Uses bold illustrations, symbols, or graphic designs.
  • Tropical: Inspired by tropical plants, flowers, or scenery.
  • Stripes: Features lines arranged in horizontal, vertical, or diagonal patterns.
  • Color Block: Combines larger areas of contrasting colors.
  • Color-Block Panels: Uses panels of different colors or fabrics joined together.
  • Geometric: Uses shapes such as triangles, squares, and circles.
  • Animal Print: Inspired by animal markings, such as leopard spots.
  • Dots: Features spots or circles in different sizes.
  • Tie-Dye: Created with a resist-dye technique that produces distinctive patterns.
  • Camouflage: Uses patterns inspired by military or outdoor camouflage.
  • Plaid and Check: Features intersecting lines that form a checked pattern.
  • Flag Print: Uses colors or designs inspired by a national flag.
  • Leaf Print: Features leaves or other plant motifs.
  • Fruit Print: Features fruit motifs such as lemons, bananas, or oranges.

Swimwear for Different Activities

  • Beachwear: Swimwear and cover-ups suited to relaxing at the beach or pool.
  • Surf Swimwear: Designed for active water sports; some styles include longer sleeves, secure closures, or additional coverage.
  • Competitive Swimwear: Designed for swimming as a sport, with a close fit that supports movement in the water.

Swimwear Sizes and Fit

  • Standard Sizes: The size range offered for a particular style. Check each product’s size chart before ordering.
  • Curve and Plus-Size Swimwear: Styles offered in extended sizes, with designs and coverage options made for fuller figures.
  • Maternity Swimwear: Designed to accommodate a changing body during pregnancy.
  • Children’s Swimwear: Swimwear designed for children, with sizing based on the brand’s age or measurement chart.