What is a Swimsuit?

Can you really say you don’t know what a swimsuit is? Please, be real. But sometimes, you find yourself at the store or strolling through swimwear pages online and asking yourself, “What makes a swimsuit a swimsuit?” Is it the fabric? The coverage? Style? Fashion? Or Function?

And with so many different swimsuits these days, it's easy to be confused about what a swimsuit is. So, in this article, we’re going to try our best to explain everything you should know about a swimsuit, including the types, and well, what makes a swimsuit, a swimsuit.

Definition of a Swimsuit

So, what is a swimsuit, then?

Traditionally, swimsuits are what you wear so you can enter the water - this might be for a swim, at the beach, at the pool, or a water party. You may be used to calling it a bathing suit, swimwear, or even a swimming costume. But no matter what name you call it, all swimsuits serve the same function.

From men’s swim trunks to the skimpy two-piece bikinis ladies usually wear, swimsuits are meant to make you confident, comfortable, and stylish. You can think of them as your much-needed besties during the summer. The cool part about swimsuits is that they are made from nylon, polyester, or Lycra, so they dry even faster than you can imagine.

Finding a swimsuit that fits you well is simple, regardless of your body type, personality, or sense of style. And if you see a swimsuit as more than just the clothes you wear when you want to go swimming, it can also help boost your confidence at a beach or pool party. 

9 Types of Swimsuits Every Women Must Know

  

One-Piece Swimsuits

This type of swimsuit is a popular favorite among women, and if you’ve been to the beach, you’d have seen it a lot. One-piece swimsuits are not just for older women, if that's what you’re thinking. They’re the perfect swimsuits that make you feel comfortable and chic without you having to show off too much of your body.

You can find the ones that hug your body perfectly while still being covered, or if you feel more daring, you can go for designs that come with one hand, bandeau, open back, or plunging necklines. And if you’re a water athlete, then you’ll probably just need to stick to one-piece swimsuits, cos as much as they’re cute, they’re more functional than other women’s swimsuits.  

Bikinis

If you’ve watched a lot of Hollywood beach or pool party movies, then you’ve probably seen a lot of girls wearing what looks like underwear at the pool. They’re technically called bikinis. It’s what you wear when you want to show off your curves and be more playful and flirty while swimming.

There are so many different styles of bikinis out there, so just choose the one that matches your vibe best. You can even mix and match between your favorite pieces. You can go for a triangle or bandeau bikini top with a high-cut bikini bottom. This way, you’re still a bit covered, but your style is still on point. So if you’re packing for a beach vacation, then your bag better be filled with lots of bikinis.

Tankinis

Some ladies want to wear bikinis, but they still want to be more covered so they can be more comfortable. And there come tankinis, the middle ground between bikinis and one-piece swimsuits. This two-piece swimsuit is anything but boring.

You get to wear a tank-style top with a bikini bottom without having to worry about adjusting your swimsuit every time. With tankinis, you can decide just how much of your body you want shown. So, if you want a real-life swimsuit during the summer, tankinis just make sense; they are stylish and still practical.

Swim Dresses

Some ladies prefer wearing dresses even while swimming, and that's why swim dresses are up on this list of types of swimsuits. Swim dresses come with flared skirts that make you look more stylish and feminine.

With this, you’re definitely fully covered. And now you can spend a full day at the beach without worrying about wearing a tight swimsuit. No matter your body shape, you can choose an elegant or revealing swimsuit, and it will still look good on you.

Swim Trunks

Practically every guy has a swim trunk- they’re a practical and stylish type of everyday men’s swimwear. But what makes them so popular is the comfort, ease, and versatility they give while swimming. They’re normally long to the mid-thigh and still tailored enough not to feel tight or baggy.

Like most swimsuits, swim trunks are made from quick-drying fabrics, so they even dry faster than you’re chest hair. And you won’t need to be worried about being exposed when you’re wet, cos they mostly come with mesh lining and elastic waistbands to keep you covered. You just have to pick a color that fits your vibe, and you’re good.

Board Shorts

There’s this kind of surfer guy vibe you get when you wear board shorts, maybe cos they were originally made for surfers. But now, if swim trunks are too short for you, then board shorts are the next option since they usually reach the knee.

Board shorts are made from lightweight, quick-drying materials, so even when you come out of the water, they don’t feel soggy and irritating on your skin. They usually come with a drawstring closure, so they still stay up when you’re swimming or surfing.

Briefs

You may not have heard about swim briefs, but they’re also called Speedos. And that’s the name you’re likely more familiar with. As the name suggests, these men’s swimsuits are for confident swimmers who don’t mind showing off their legs just so they can swim better.

Cos Speedos are designed from elastic, quick drying materials, which makes it easier to swim in the water. But even if you’re not a pro, you can still water it just to look good and have that freedom of movement.

Jammers

Now, jammers are in their league of men’s swimsuits. They’re designed more for competitive swimming and endurance training cos they help increase speed and stamina in the water.

They’re made from chlorine-resistant, long-lasting fabrics, so this is the swimsuit you need to have when you’re going to spend hours working on your swimming technique. They cover more than the regular swim briefs, and they’re not extra. Just sleek, simple, and practical. So if you’re an athlete or someone who takes their swimming workout seriously, you’ll need these jammers.

Rash Guards And Swim Shirts

Most guys' swimsuits don’t come with shirts, and then you’ll have to deal with sunburn, chafing, irritation, or rash. That's why you need rash guards and swim shirts. They’re not too tight or big, but they hug your body just perfectly and still allow you to do what needs to be done.

Rash guards are especially known for their built-in UPF protection, so at least you’re covered from the rays. You can get the long-sleeved or short-sleeved swimshirts as long as you’re comfortable with them, and then pair them with any of the men’s swimsuits on this list to give you that sporty, beachy look. 

Conclusion

From swimdresses to swimtrunks, swimsuits make it easier for you to swim, surf, dive, and participate in fun water activities. And if you need a huge boost of confidence, you can get a cute but chic swimsuit that flatters your body type.

If you want to add an extra flair to your look, you can add large beach hats, sunglasses, beach sandals, and a cover, either sheer or a kimono, to your look. And trust me, all eyes will be on you at the next beach hangout.