Has spring cleaning commenced in your household? If you’re like us, you’re doing a deep dive of your wardrobe with a thorough closet edit. Or maybe you have a tropical trip on the horizon and need to start a getaway checklist—including swimsuits. Have you tried on or even looked at your swimsuits in the past year? Now that we mention it, how long do swimsuits last? Let’s chat about the suits that are no longer serving you and how to find the swimsuit style (or styles!) that’s just right for you.
When Should I Replace My Swimsuit?
So you might be wondering, “How long do swimsuits last?” The truth is, there are no cut and dry answers here because it depends on a few factors. Your swimsuit will likely last longer if you only wear it a couple times a season vs. every day, all summer long. The quality of fabric, the way you care for your pieces, and if you’re consistently swimming in chlorine also play a role in the miles you get out of your swimsuit styles.
Generally, look for signs of fading, stretching out, and if your swimsuit is ill-fitting. If you no longer feel confident putting it on, that’s a good sign you should replace your swimsuit. After all, you deserve to feel beautiful in everything you wear.
How Do I Choose a Good Swimsuit?
Out with the old, in with the new. You’ve made the decision to ditch your tired swimsuit styles which means you’re on the hunt for new ones. Not sure where to start? Choosing a good swimsuit all comes down to finding the styles you feel confident in. A few ways to get there is by finding the suits that flatter your shape, highlight your favorite features, and have the coverage you’re looking for.
Is it Better for a Swimsuit to be Tight or Loose?
Look for the Goldilocks of fit when you’re trying on different swimsuit types—meaning not too tight or too loose. Fit is important because you don’t want to feel restricted in your suit but you also want it to feel secure to your body, especially while tackling waves in the ocean. If you’re not a fan of form-fitting styles, don’t worry. There are swimsuit styles made with flattering ruching and draping that will complement your curves in all the right ways.
What Types of Swimsuits Are There?
When it comes to different swimsuit types, you have lots of options. You’ve got two-piece styles like a classic bikini or tankini top with coordinating bottoms. There’s also the one-piece swimsuit style that can range in coverage from flirty to fully covered. Looking for even more coverage? You might enjoy the look and feel of a skirted style that features a little more fabric around your bottom. There’s a world of swimsuit types to explore so let’s dive right in!
Swim Tops
When embarking on your new swimsuit hunt, you’ll find there are a lot of swimsuit top types. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular:
Bikini tops feature two separate cups or triangles and often have adjustable straps or self-tie strings.
Tankini tops are like the tank top version of swimwear with full tummy coverage.
Halter tops feature straps that tie around the neck like a classic halterneck design.
Bandeau tops are often strapless with a neckline that goes straight across the chest.
Swim crop tops are just how they sound—basically the swim version of a regular crop top!
Another important feature in swimsuit top types, especially when figuring out your best swimsuit sizes, is the bra component. Soma® Swim styles feature built-in bras with various levels of support. You’ll find swim tops with a built-in shelf bra as well as bra cup sizing with supportive underwires and adjustable straps.
Swim Bottoms
Just like swim tops, there are a handful of swimsuit bottom types to explore. See the most common silhouettes below.
Bikini bottoms are similar in cut to bikini panties but can range from minimal to full back coverage.
High-waisted bottoms refer to the rise of the swim bottom and depending on your body type can reach as high as your natural waist or higher.
Hipster bottoms are designed to sit on the hips and typically have moderate to full back coverage.
Boyshorts feature a shorts-style silhouette making them an excellent, fuller coverage option.
Swim skirt designs have a skirted bottom and are a popular choice for modest dressers, those that enjoy more coverage, or simply love the girly touch.
One-Piece Swimsuits
Are you flirting with the idea of trying a one-piece swimsuit? If you’re looking for a flattering swimsuit that is also full coverage on your tummy or bottom, a one-piece is an excellent option. Choose from styles that offer shirring along the hips or stomach which will flatter your curves and provide the coverage you want.
However, just because a one-piece swimsuit can offer more coverage doesn’t mean they’re dowdy or boring. They often come in bright colors, patterns, silhouettes, and eye-catching details like keyholes and cutouts. One-piece swimsuits can be downright sexy with sheer crochet paneling, lace-up details, low backs, and plunge necklines. There’s truly something for everyone when it comes to this versatile swimsuit style!
Skirted Styles
On the hunt for a flattering swimsuit that doesn’t skimp on full coverage or style? Check out skirted swim styles that focus on providing extra coverage on bottom. Most skirted styles feature a skirt overlay with regular bottom coverage so no need to wear anything additional underneath.
They come as skirt separates that easily mix and match with swim tops or as full-on one-pieces that resemble a dress. These swimsuit types are a stellar option for those who prefer to dress more modestly when at the beach or pool. If that’s not the case for you, you might simply enjoy the feminine look of swimsuit skirts and dresses!
What Style of Swimsuit Should I Choose?
Now that you know all the different swimsuit types, how do you know which styles are right for you? You’ll find the most flattering swimsuit for your body type by considering a few factors. Think about your proportions, any areas you’d like to either highlight or minimize, and the level of coverage you prefer. It may come down to a little trial and error and trying on a range of different options.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with silhouettes you haven’t tried before—you might be surprised. Ultimately, if a swimsuit makes you feel comfortable and confident, you know you’ve found a winner.
Complete Your Swim Look
You’ve found your new favorite swimsuits, but what about the rest of your swim wardrobe? From beach vacations to backyard pool parties, many waterside events call for more than just a swimsuit. Be prepared for all that your calendar calls for this season by finding the perfect cover-ups and accessories.
Consider any vacation plans or parties you have coming up. If you’re going to an all-inclusive resort, you might bring a flirty sarong to wear from pool to cabana. Or if you have a family lake day you might choose a caftan with more coverage. From jumpsuits to oversize button-ups, you’ve got tons of stylish swim cover-ups to choose from.
Don’t forget about your essential accessories too! Protect your feet on hot pavement or sand with slide sandals that are easy to slip on and off. Shade your face from the sun with a wide-brim hat or handy visor that effortlessly rolls up when not in use. Lastly, you’ll need an oversized beach bag to house all of your necessities while you catch a wave or swim laps in the pool.
What Color Swimsuit is Most Flattering?
Everyone has certain hues that they look best in. Some people look excellent in warm bright colors while others pop under cool-toned pastels. Unsure about your personal colors? A color analysis can be done through a professional service or app on your phone to help you determine your ideal shade range. It takes into account your skin tone, and hair and eye color, and recommends harmonious colors that enhance your natural beauty.
If you don’t feel like doing a deep dive into your best colors, no worries! In general, dark colors like black and navy look great on most people. Or simply throw color theory out the window and wear the colors you love most.
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