3 Types of Swimwear for Ladies & How to Style Them
The versatile types of swimwear for ladies are a champagne problem, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and indecisive when choosing your suits for the season.
We’re here to make that decision simpler by helping you figure out which types of swimsuits flatter your body, make you feel comfortable, and boost your confidence. We’ll also give you tips for how to style your swimwear so you can always show up looking your best whether that’s at the poolside on vacation or at your local beach.
- The Classic One-Piece
- The Bikini
- The Tankini
- Popular Cover-Up Options to Pair with Your Swimwear
- Types of Swimsuits That Are Most Flattering for Your Body Type
- Choosing the Best Swimsuit Color for You
- Styling Your Swimwear on the Beach or at the Pool
- Styling Swimwear on the go
- Ready to Make a Swimwear Statement This Summer?
The Classic One-Piece
One-piece swimsuits are considered a timeless classic due to their versatility in offering both style and coverage. With a long history of embracing diverse body types and promoting body positivity, the wide selection of one-piece swimwear caters to every body type.
Elegant halter neck swimsuits provide superior support while creating a flattering silhouette by accentuating the shoulders. Monokinis blend the traditional coverage of a one-piece with the allure of a bikini to create stylish designs of modesty and boldness that showcase an individual's unique style.
V-neck plunge swimsuits that lengthen the torso silhouette, create a statement, and add a tasteful touch of sensuality, while still enjoying the support and comfort of a one-piece.
Plus, styling a one-piece swimsuit is easy; either layer it with a cover-up, for a relaxing day by the water, create a casual summer day look by pairing your one-piece with some classic denim shorts, or mix it up a little bit with a pair of high-waisted flowy pants or a skirt.
The Bikini
It’s easy to feel like a bikini won't be flattering or isn’t for you, but don’t cross them off just yet. With a wide range of swimwear in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors you’re bound to find the right bikini that’s fashionably styled to suit your personality and body type, and boost your confidence.
For example, high-waisted bikinis enhance your natural curves and create flattering hourglass silhouettes. The addition of a stylish detail, like a decorative lace-up grommet or a twisted drape effect around the waist, adds elevation to even the simplest design.
The Tankini
When it comes to the different types of female swimsuits, the creation of the tankini was a game changer. Tankinis are two-piece swimsuits with separated bikini bottoms and a tank or halter top style that provides more coverage, particularly over the tummy area, than a bikini.
Tankini swimwear is more versatile, can be worn for various activities, and allows for mixing and matching of tops and bottoms to create more comfortable and flattering styles.
Popular Cover-Up Options to Pair with Your Swimwear
Wearing a bathing suit at the beach or by the pool is one thing, but what about when you need to run into the store or more importantly, get a coffee? You’ll need a cover-up.
Lightweight pants
Lightweight pants with a simple top or tee are some of the best cover-up options available for all swimwear types. Easy, comfortable, and almost no one will know you're in a swimsuit.
Feeling bold? Wear your bikini top with these bottoms for a casual coastal look. If you’re wearing a one-piece, a wrap sweater is an easy way to create a fashionable ensemble with minimal effort.
Rompers
Matching sets or rompers provide a more elegant or stylish swimwear cover-up option. Perfect for covering up your bikini or one-piece after a day at the pool, and easy to slip on and get going.
Poncho-style
Poncho-style cover-ups and caftans are probably the easiest and most comfortable cover-ups for all swimwear types after a day on the water. You just throw it on and you’re good to go, making them by far the most popular choice.
Dresses
Dresses are another simple solution, but far more versatile after a day out by the water. Going from casual to evening wear with only a few additional accessories, dresses are a vital option for those late summer dates.
Types of Swimsuits That Are Most Flattering for Your Body Type
Knowing your body type is half the battle–are you pear-shaped, hourglass, or rectangular? It can help guide you toward what cut and style of suite will naturally suit you.
While this info is helpful when it comes down to the different types of swimwear for ladies, what’s most important is that you feel confident and comfortable.
For example, you may prefer the fit of a one-piece because it’s universally flattering and provides coverage for any water activity. Or maybe you feel best in a high-waisted bikini because it elongates your legs.
Or maybe you want to show off that hourglass figure you’ve been working for and prefer the fit of a halter top bikini because it accentuates your curves and helps you feel feminine and confident.
Whether you prefer elegant one-pieces or stylish and versatile two-pieces, you’re one step closer to finding a flattering swimsuit to wear to the beach, lake, or pool.
Choosing the Best Swimsuit Color for You
There are no hard and fast rules for what color swimsuit you should buy, but certain shades complement some skin tones more than others.
Warmer skin tones look great in earthy or saturated, bright colors. And fair skin tones are better suited to make jewel tones and deeper shades pop. But that doesn’t mean you need to cut yourself off from the other options out there and to stick solely to the colors that pair best with your skin tone.
So, if you’d prefer to choose a swimsuit color that matches your style, is your favorite color, or maybe it's a color you wouldn’t normally get but fits your destination's aesthetic, we say seize the moment.
Styling Your Swimwear on the Beach or at the Pool
When you’re choosing which type of swimwear would be best for your outing, plan for the water. If you’re planning on swimming at a beach or lake, you probably want to choose something with more coverage in case the water gets a little rough.
For your typical pool or hot tub, or just sticking your toes in at the beach, you don’t have to worry too much about your bathing suit staying in place.
Now, when it comes to what to wear on top, setting plays an important role. For example, at a resort, you’ll be expected to wear something that completely covers your suit–such as a midi dress or opaque cover-up.
If you’re not planning on getting wet, you have more options for cover-ups and accessories to personalize your look and create a unique beach or pool style.
Styling Swimwear On the Go
Planning for the beach or pool means being prepared for what comes next. Your one-piece or bikini by the water is fine, but most places require you to wear something more.
Style your swimwear for on the go with a romper and wedges to grab lunch afterward, or throw a dress over the top to easily transform your look for running errands. Add a few additional accessories, swap the flip-flops for sandals, and be ready for your night out.
Ready to Make a Swimwear Statement This Summer?
Step out into the sun with style. Whether you have an exciting tropical trip planned or want to make the most of the pool in your backyard, having swimsuits that you love wearing makes all the difference.
Find complimentary swimsuit styles that flatter your body type and make a statement this summer with White House Black Market’s versatile and trend-forward swimwear for women.