Different Types of Swimsuits for Women | Styles Explained

Women’s swimsuits fall into two main categories—one-pieces and two-pieces—with practical subtypes including bikinis, tankinis, monokinis, swim dresses, rash guards, and athletic suits, each suited to different activities and coverage preferences.

Choosing the right swimsuit from the dozens of styles in stores can feel overwhelming. The core difference is simple: one-piece swimsuits cover the torso in a single garment, while two-pieces separate into a top and bottom. But within that split, a wide range of subtypes exist—each with specific strengths for swimming laps, sunbathing, water sports, or simply feeling confident on the beach.

One-Piece Swimsuits: Coverage and Support

A one-piece swimsuit covers the chest and stomach in a seamless garment, making it a versatile and supportive choice. The category includes several distinct styles:

• Classic scoop neck and V-neck: The standard styles, with V-neck and plunging versions offering a more fashion-forward look while reducing tan lines.
• Strapless and bandeau: Designed for even tanning without strap lines, though these styles are typically less secure for larger bust sizes and trade off some support for sun exposure.
• Cutout and monokini: A one-piece with deliberate cutouts exposing the midriff, sides, or back. These are positioned as fashion-forward options and can overlap with bikini silhouettes depending on the retailer.
• Shaping and blouson: Swimwear with built-in compression panels, ruching, or flowy fabric over the midsection to smooth the silhouette or provide extra tummy coverage.

Two-Piece Swimsuits: Bikinis, Tankinis, and More

Two-piece swimsuits separate the top from the bottom, offering mix-and-match sizing and easier bathroom breaks. The main subtypes are:

• Bikini: The classic two-piece with a separate top (triangle, halter, bandeau, underwire, or balconette) and bottoms (high-waisted, high-cut, cheeky, tie-side, or boyshorts). High-waisted bottoms are repeatedly associated with more coverage and are often framed as flattering for hourglass or plus-size figures. Underwire and pre-formed cup styles provide extra bust support.
• Tankini: A two-piece with a tank-style top and bikini bottoms. This style offers more tummy coverage than a standard bikini while retaining the convenience of a two-piece—popular for those who want one-piece-like midsection coverage without pulling the whole suit down to use the restroom.
• Swim dress: A swimsuit with a skirted bottom or dress-like silhouette, typically intended for extra coverage or modesty.

Specialty Swimsuits: Performance, Sun Protection, and Maternity

Beyond the basic one-piece and two-piece framework, several categories serve specific needs:

• Athletic and racerback swimsuits: Designed for performance—lap swimming, surfing, training—with supportive straps, secure cups, and performance fabrics that stay in place during movement.
• Rash guard and long-sleeve swimwear: Full-coverage tops (and sometimes full suits) intended for UV protection and water sports. High-neck styles are described as better for active use and extended sun exposure.
• Maternity swimsuits: Swimwear specifically cut and sized for pregnancy, listed as a distinct specialty category by swimwear guides.

If you’re looking for a high-quality two-piece to start with, our team has tested dozens of options in our best two-piece bathing suit roundup to help narrow the choices by fit, support, and value.

How to Choose the Right Style for You

Experts recommend choosing by body type, coverage preference, and activity level rather than by trend alone. For active use, look for supportive straps, secure cups, and performance fabric. For sun exposure, choose long-sleeve or rash guard styles. For smoothing or contouring, look for compression fabric, ruching, and solid lining—CNN Underscored specifically notes that thin or poor-quality fabric can become transparent when wet, making solid lining a key quality sign. For tanning, strapless and plunging designs reduce tan lines but may trade off support, particularly for larger bust sizes, where underwire or pre-formed cup styles are often recommended instead.