5 Types of Swimwear for Women: Styles, Fits, Body Shape
There are many types of swimwear for women, and without a clear idea of what each style actually does for your body, everything starts to look the same.
Think of this as a simple guide from someone who’s helping you choose, not sell to you. Once you understand the basic swimwear styles, how they fit, and what actually flatters different body shapes, online shopping becomes much easier and honestly, a lot more fun.
5 Main Types of Swimwear for Women
Let’s go through the main options in a way that actually helps you decide what to buy, not just memorize names.
1. Bikini Swimwear (The Most Flexible Option)
Bikinis are the most popular type of swimwear for women because they give you control. You’re not stuck with one fixed shape. You can choose different tops and bottoms depending on comfort, support, and how much coverage you want.
That flexibility is the reason bikinis are still everywhere especially when exploring our bikini collection designed with adjustable fits and modern minimal styles.
What bikinis actually feel like:
They feel light, easy, and adjustable. You can move freely, sunbathe comfortably, and mix styles depending on your mood.
Common bikini styles:
- Triangle bikinis feel minimal and relaxed.
- Halter neck bikinis feel more supportive and lifted.
- Bandeau bikinis give a clean strapless look.
Bottom styles:
- High waisted bikini bottoms feel more secure and smooth around the waist.
- Cheeky cuts feel lighter and more modern. Bikinis are best when you want freedom and a customizable fit.
2. One Piece Swimsuit (Simple but Powerful Fit)
One piece swimsuits have completely changed in modern fashion. They are no longer just basic or covered styles. Today’s designs are actually very stylish, often inspired by runway swimwear and resort fashion.
You’ll see details like:
- deep necklines
- open backs
- waist shaping cuts
- high leg designs
What it feels like:
A one piece feels secure the moment you wear it. You don’t need to adjust anything constantly, which makes it perfect for swimming or long beach days. It gives a smooth, clean look that feels effortless. Many women choose one pieces when they want something elegant but low-maintenance.
3. Tankini (Comfort + Coverage Balance)
Tankinis are underrated but actually very practical. It’s a two-piece set, but the top is longer, covering more of the stomach area.
3 Reasons people like it:
- It feels more relaxed than a one piece, but more covered than a bikini.
- It’s especially good for long beach days, family trips, or when you want comfort without tight fits.
- It’s basically the “easy-going” swimwear option.
4. Monokini / Cut-Out Swimwear (Statement Style)
Monokinis are for when you want something a little more bold.
They are one piece swimsuits but with cut-outs around the waist, back, or sides.
What makes them different:
- They are designed more for style than coverage.
- You’ll often see them in fashion shoots or resort collections because they create strong visual shapes.
- They feel more like a fashion outfit than just swimwear.
5. High Waisted Swimwear (Most Flattering for Many Women)
High waisted bikini sets are popular for a reason as they work for many body types. They sit higher on the waist, which gives a more structured and balanced look.
What they do:
- They smooth the midsection slightly
- They define the waist
- They give a more secure feel
- They also bring a soft vintage style that still feels modern.
This is usually the safest option when you’re unsure what to choose.Many women start with high-waisted styles because they feel balanced and easy to wear, especially when choosing from our high-waisted swimwear styles designed for everyday comfort and support.
How to Choose Swimwear by Body Shape
Forget strict rules. This is just about balance and comfort.
If you have curves (hourglass shape)
Most styles will naturally suit you. Focus on comfort and support rather than correction.
If your hips are wider
Choose detail on the upper part (like patterns or structure) to balance your look visually.
If you want more midsection comfort
One pieces or high waisted sets usually feel more relaxed and smooth.
If your body is more straight
Look for details like ruffles, cuts, or patterns that add visual shape.
Extra Knowledge: What Actually Makes Swimwear Feel Good?
A good swimsuit is not about how it looks on a hanger. It’s about how it behaves on your body.It should:
- stay in place when you walk or swim
- not dig into your skin
- feel soft but supportive
- let you forget you are even wearing it
When that happens, you instantly feel more confident without trying.
Tips for Choosing Swimwear Online
The first thing to look at is fabric quality.
Good swimwear fabric is typically an 80/20 or 78/22 blend of nylon and elastane (spandex).
This ratio matters: below 15% elastane and the fabric loses recovery after stretching; above 25% and it may feel too compressive for all-day wear.
Next is lining inside the swimsuit.
A well-made bikini or one piece will almost always have proper inner lining.
This is what prevents transparency when the fabric gets wet and also adds comfort against the skin.
You should pay attention to coverage description as well as size charts.
Words like “full coverage,” “medium coverage,” or “high cut” actually tell you more about how the swimsuit will sit on your body than numbers alone.
For example, high cut legs will visually lengthen your legs, while full coverage bottoms will feel more secure but slightly more modest.
Fit Tip: How Swimwear Sizing Actually Works
Swimwear brands size tops by bra band size and bottoms by hip measurement — not general S/M/L alone. As a guide:
-
- XS = 32" band · S = 34" · M = 36" · L = 38" · XL = 40"
- Between sizes? Size up on one-pieces (straps are adjustable). Size down on underwire bikini tops — they have more stretch than they appear.
- High cut legs visually lengthen the leg; full coverage bottoms feel more secure but run slightly smaller in the seat.
Finally, always think about how long you plan to wear it in one go.
A swimsuit that feels fine for 10 minutes might feel very different after 3–4 hours in heat, saltwater, or pool activity. That is why comfort and breathability matter just as much as style.
Where to Buy Good Quality Swimwear Online
At BERLOOK, our focus is on creating swimwear that feels good in real life, not just in pictures. We design with comfort, fit, and long-term wear in mind, using soft and stretchy fabrics made from recycled materials like recycled nylon. This helps us combine modern swimwear design with a more responsible approach to production.
Once you understand your preferred swimwear style from this guide, choosing from our collection becomes much easier because everything is designed with real comfort and everyday use in mind.
