30 Different Types of Swimsuits To Love

Updated: August 22, 2025

Whether you are heading to a sandy beach, relaxing by the pool, or taking a trip on the water, you'll want a comfortable and flattering swimsuit. Swimsuits have changed a lot over time, alongside fashion trends and new fabric technology that make them soft and moisture-wicking. The choices range from trendy and revealing micro bikinis to more modest and sculpting one-pieces. Explore 30 different types of swimsuits and learn about the pros and cons of each style.

What Are the Different Types of Bikinis?

Bikinis are some of the most diverse types of swimwear with each style of top and bottom creating a unique effect on different body types. When choosing the right bikini, it's important to consider both the style, fit, and comfort needed for different occasions and activities.

Triangle: Triangle bikinis are a classic choice. The minimalist design tends to emphasize the inner and outer curve of your breast with halter style straps that tie around the neck and back.
Underwire: An underwire provides the most support and structure for a bra-like fit
Push-Up Tops: For lift and definition, try a push-up bikini with extra padding and lining.
Strapless and Bandeau: Strapless bikinis are better for tanning because they leave more skin exposed, although they may not provide enough support for large breasts.
Balconette and Demi: Balconette and Demi swimsuits are both half cup styles that offer plenty of coverage while still leaving the top of the breasts more exposed for a curvy, full look.
Tankini: Tankinis are a type of bikini that covers most or all of your torso. They usually fit like a bikini on top and then extend down with either a skin-tight or flowy top. Make sure to pair with a matching bikini bottom.
Longline: Whether it's a bra or bikini, "longline" refers to a wide and oversized band. Longline bikinis typically cover your ribcage. Remember that the band is the main source of support, which makes longline bikinis great for sports and other activities.
Micro: Micro bikinis have skimpy coverage in front and back. These teeny swimsuits highlight natural curves with minimal fabric, lining, and padding. They typically have a very small triangle top and minimal coverage bottoms, which is a good choice for tanning.

Common Swim Top Necklines

Racerback: A racerback top has straps that meet in between your shoulders before attaching to the band. The Y-shape evenly distributes the weight of your chest for a comfortable, sporty swimsuit.
Scoop: A scoop is a rounded cut that sweeps lower than a crewneck for a look that's super flattering on all sizes, plus they are easy to take on and off.
Plunge: Plunge bikini tops have a daring, deep-cut design that extends often to or past the sternum. This style can elongate the frame and highlight cleavage.
One-Shoulder: This asymmetrical look is a statement piece that effectively creates a curve no matter what your body shape.
Halter: Halter bikinis are very common in swimwear because they are flattering for on all breast sizes and most will find the style lifts and pushes in. A halter bikini typically has strings that wrap tie behind the neck.
Corset: Corsets help define the waist and create cleavage. A corset bikini will usually be a longline or tankini style with soft underwire structure.
Keyhole: A keyhole is a front cutout that tastefully exposes cleavage and underboob.

Common Bikini Bottom Styles

High-Waisted: A high-waisted bikini bottom will rise above your hips to define the waist. This style has a vintage vibe and adds tummy control.

Swim Shorts: Bikini shorts are a full coverage option that's cute and sporty. They have a comfortable, supportive waistband, and typically cover your cheeks with a super short inseam.

Swim Skirts: A full coverage option in the style of a cute mini skirt. Look for fun details like ruffles, a notch, or a sarong-style skirt.

Brazilian: Just like Brazilian panties, this style has a low rise in the front with high-cut sides and a cheeky back. The unique cut emphasizes both the curve of your hips and the cinch in your waist.

Thong: Thongs have a barely-there coverage that usually falls in between cheeks for a skin baring look.

Hipster: Hipsters or hiphuggers are a comfortable style with moderate coverage that rises to the hips.
High-Cut: When something is "high-cut" or "high-leg" it means the sides reach high on the hips or waist, regardless of the front or back coverage. The effect elongates the legs and defines the waist.
String and Side-Tie: String bikinis have thin strings that tie around the hips for minimal side coverage, plus the strings give you the freedom to find the right fit.

What Are the Different Types of One-Piece Swimsuits?

Shapewear Swimsuits: For a streamlined silhouette, shaping swimsuits have built-in panels and strategic ruching that work to smooth and contour the body for a slimming effect.

Swim Dresses: Swim dresses are an elegant, full-coverage bathing suit. They usually consist of a full one-piece swimsuit with an attached skirt on top that covers the bottom in a cute flare.

Strapless: A strapless one-piece bathing suit can help eliminate tan lines on top, plus it has a sexier look.

Monokinis: Monokinis are a unique mix between a bikini and one-piece swimsuit, offering both coverage and playful, sexy cutouts.

Fun Bathing Suit Designs

Ruffles: Add a fluttering edge to your bathing suit with ruffles. Ruffle swimsuits flair out for a cute look that also adds the appearance of volume on small breasts and hips.

Crinkles: Crinkle swimsuits have a textured scrunch fabric that adjusts to always fit and flatter your shape.

Tie Front: A tie-front or bow style is another cute option. The tie may or may not be functional, but either way adds a fun look.

Finding the Right Swimwear for Your Body Type

The concept of dressing for your body shape is restrictive since nobody fits into a neat category. However, you may find that certain styles have a different effect than others. For example, ruffles and push-up bikinis draw attention upwards, while high-cut bikini bottoms and thongs elongate the legs. Shapewear swimsuits and crinkle textured fabric have a slimming effect.

About Swimsuit Coverage

Full Coverage Swimsuits

When it comes to swimwear, more coverage tends to mean more support. Whether you're looking for something sporty or want a bit more modesty, full-coverage swimsuits come in a variety of fun and flattering designs. A good place to start is one-piece swimsuits like swim dresses. You could also try a tankini or bikini shorts for similar levels of torso and cheek coverage. Full coverage swimsuits are often designed with supportive underwire for a bra-like lift, making them a great choice for full figured women.

Cheeky Swimsuits

Cheeky swimsuits range from moderate to daring skin coverage in the back. Certain types of bikini tops and bottoms will inherently expose more skin. For example, triangle bikinis usually have minimal coverage and lining for a sexy look. Thongs, Brazilian, and high-cut bikini bottoms tend to expose more skin around the hips and cheeks. Cheeky styles have minimal shaping and support and highlight your natural lines instead.

How Should a Swimsuit Fit?

The key to a perfect fit is using the size guide associated with each product. Remember, each swimsuit style fits differently: hipster bikinis have a low rise, thong bikinis will only cover your cheeks partially, underwire swimsuits will have a rigid structure to stay in place.

When fitting a bikini top, make sure the straps are snug but not too tight. Use straps to adjust the fit and watch out for signs that your straps are too tight, like if they dig into skin. Similarly, one-piece bathing suits should hug your body without pinching. If you find wrinkles or excess fabric, you might want to size down. A well-fitting swimsuit will be more comfortable and easier to take off when wet. Most importantly, make sure your swimsuit allows you to move freely while keeping your intimates covered.

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