About Swimsuits

Since most beaches frown on skinny-dipping, if you're going to swim, you'll need a swimsuit. Swimsuits are available in styles for men, women and children and range from sturdy sports-style suits to more casual suits for sunbathing. For women's and girls' suits, the basic choices are one-piece or two-piece. If you're choosing a suit for fashion rather than for function, it's also important to pick a suit that flatters your body type.

History

Swimsuits have changed since the early 1900s.

Before the 1800s, swimsuits were uncommon. Images from earlier times show that most people swam in the nude or simply in their undergarments. In the 1800s in England and America, bathing suits evolved from everyday wear. Men wore suits somewhat like abbreviated long johns, while women wore special bathing dresses that didn't become transparent when they were wet.
In the early 1900s, bathing suits became somewhat more abbreviated, but still covered most of the torso and legs down to mid-thigh. Throughout the twentieth century, swimsuits evolved to show more and more skin, and bikinis were introduced in the late 1940s. Since the 1970s, some swim wear has become even smaller, including thongs for women and very small briefs for men, though more modest swim wear is still available as well.

Types

For men and women alike, the basic choices for swimsuits come down to serious swim wear for competitive swimming or casual suits for the beach or sunbathing. Athletic swim wear is somewhat less prone to fashion influences and is tailored for comfort and speed.
Casual swimsuits for men come in two main types: swim trunks or briefs. Swim trunks are still the most common for men, and resemble a typical pair of shorts. They come in materials that don't turn transparent when wet and often have mesh inserts. Swimming briefs are smaller, show more skin and are often the choice for competitive swimmers.
Swimsuits for women and girls come in a wider variety of styles. The main choices are one-piece or two piece, but there are many variations on both. One-piece bathing suits can be strapless or have halter straps. They can reveal a lot of the back or having plunging necklines. A tank swimsuit can have a small ruffly skirt attached as well.
A two-piece swimsuit that leaves the midriff bare is a bikini. A string bikini has very thin string-like straps around the neck and at the hips. A two-piece swimsuit that includes a top that covers the belly is sometimes called a "tankini"--a cross between a tank suit and a bikini.

Function

Casual swim wear is made for frolics at the beach or sunbathing in the back yard. Swimsuits for casual wear are often not as sturdy as swim wear made for athletics. Athletic swimsuits are are usually streamlined and sleek, with no ruffles or special ornaments that would slow a swimmer down. Athletic swimsuits for both men and women are tailored to be close-fitting so they create less drag in the water.

Considerations

Choices in swimsuit styles for men are somewhat limited. Many men opt for standard swim trunks. Competitive swimmers or casual sun-bathers who want to show off their physiques may wear smaller briefs.
For women, swimsuit choices are quite varied. After deciding whether she wants a suit for serious exercise or simply for casual wear, a woman's next consideration is often finding a swimsuit that flatters her body type. Some women like to show off their flat stomachs in a bikini. Other women might choose high-necked one-piece suits with a swim skirt to cover up more flesh for modesty.
Each body type is flattered by different shapes and patterns in a swimsuit. Women who are bottom heavy might do better with high-cut thigh openings rather than trying to cover up with a swim skirt. They can bring attention upward by wearing a dark color on the bottom and a splash of bright color near the neck. Women who are small chested can often pull off bikini tops quite well. Large-chested women need suits with good support in the form of a built-in bra. Women with round bellies will get a more streamlined look from deep V-necks and vertical stripes or piping.

Features

One main feature to consider when choosing a swimsuit is the type of material. If you'll swim often in a pool, you might want to look for a suit made from chlorine-resistant material. If you want to minimize your tan lines, you can look for a suit made from "tan-thru" fabric. If you're a serious competitive swimmer or swim often for fitness, you may want to look for suits made from slick, low-drag material.

Resources

• Shop for men's and women's swimsuits here.