The selection of a bathing suit can be an annual struggle if you aren’t sure what to purchase or when you don’t have an adequate set of options. Is a one-piece suit or a two-piece a better choice for your body type and summertime activity level? These questions can be difficult and overwhelming to answer. Fortunately, we can help you consider all the factors that can get you homed in on the perfect bathing suit for you.
Options
If you get down to it, there is a huge range of bathing suit styles between the one-piece and two-piece ends of the spectrum. You can have a maillot-style one-piece, which offers pretty full coverage without a lot of frills. Then there are sexier versions of the one-piece, some of which have cutouts or straps that bare more skin. A tankini technically is a two-piece, because the top and bottom are separate garments, but the overall appearance is more like that of a one-piece. Bikinis are definitely two-pieces, but many people change out the bottoms for other choices such as swim skirts, board shorts, or sarongs.
Activities
As with any type of gear, the way you plan to use your bathing suit will play a large role in which you select. For example, if you swim for exercise, a one-piece is the obvious choice. If you are planning a vacation during which you intend to do nothing more than lounge in a beach chair, a two-piece will do nicely. Most women, however, are somewhere in the middle of this activity range. They plan to relax most of the time, but they might take a dip in the ocean or pool, or they might want to go snorkeling or try their hand at surfing. If these cases, tankinis or one-pieces look like good options as they allow movement while offering support and coverage.
Body Shape
Although many women may feel as though their body shape is not ideal for a two-piece suit, the rules governing beachwear for women of all sizes are not rigid. Bikinis no longer are the exclusive realm of thin women. Plus, there are plenty of people who choose a one-piece even though they could do well in two. If you will be at the beach with a group of friends, you can rest assured that no one will be scrutinizing your bathing suit expect to tell you how cute it is. The key to pulling off a two-piece bathing suit is to wear it with confidence, no matter what your size. However, if you just feel more comfortable with the coverage of a one-piece, there are many attractive options in that category.
Accessories
If you decide to go with a two-piece bathing suit but are still a little squeamish about bearing all that skin, there are plenty of attractive coverup options that can take the edge off your worry. Crocheted garments and those with fringe are stylish at the moment, or you could opt for flowy tunic that keeps you cool under the sun’s rays. Long shorts paired with a bandeau top is a trendy, sporty look. Many women cover their legs with a sarong of varying lengths, and the bonus is that the fabric can serve double duty as a towel or shawl. Don’t be afraid to explore accessories to alter the overall appearance of your beach wear.
The decision between a one-piece bathing suit or a two-piece is one that some women face with apprehension. Perhaps, however, a more relaxed approach can help during the process. Think about your needs, your body shape, and your personal style before making a choice and you are unlikely to go wrong.