Swimwear shopping can feel overwhelming — but knowing your options, understanding which styles flatter your specific figure, and having a clear idea of what you need it for transforms it from a stressful purchase into a straightforward and enjoyable one. This guide covers every main swimwear type, how to choose based on body shape and occasion, and how to care for your swimwear so it lasts across multiple seasons.
What Are the Main Types of Women's Swimwear?
The bikini is the most popular swimwear style globally and in the UK. A two-piece construction with a top and bottom — bought together as a set or as separates — gives maximum flexibility: you can mix tops and bottoms in different sizes or styles to suit your figure. Bikinis range from barely-there triangle styles to structured, supportive balcony tops with high-waist bottoms. The ability to size mix-and-match is the biggest practical advantage of buying bikini separates over a one-piece.
The swimsuit or one-piece provides more coverage and often more support than a bikini. It suits women who prefer more coverage at the torso, who swim actively (the one-piece stays in place more reliably during movement), or who find the one-piece more comfortable and convenient. Contemporary one-piece swimsuits range from sporty and structured to deeply-cut and glamorous, making them no less fashion-forward than bikinis.
The high-waist bikini combines a bikini top with high-rise bottoms that sit at or above the natural waist. This style provides coverage at the midsection while retaining the bikini's two-piece format and is one of the most universally flattering swimwear styles across body types.
The trikini or monokini is a cut-out one-piece that has the visual impact of a bikini but the coverage structure of a one-piece. This style creates a striking, fashion-forward look that photographs beautifully.
The tankini pairs a tank-top style swim top with a bikini bottom. It provides coverage at the torso without the one-piece's practical constraints, making it popular for women who prefer torso coverage but want the ease of a two-piece.
The swimming costume with built-in shorts or a swim skirt provides the most coverage of all swimwear options and is particularly practical for water sports and active swimming.
Which Swimwear Style Suits Different Body Shapes?
Hourglass figures suit most bikini styles, particularly those that highlight the waist: a high-waist bikini, a tie-side bottom with a balcony top, or a belted one-piece. Avoid boxy or shapeless cuts that hide the waist definition.
Pear-shaped figures suit swimwear that adds visual width to the upper body and minimises emphasis on the hips: a bikini top with ruffles, frills, or embellishment versus a plain bottom; or a tankini that provides visual balance across the torso.
Apple-shaped figures suit swimwear with ruching, draping, or side panels at the midsection (which draw the fabric away from the tummy area), a V-neckline to elongate the torso, and a one-piece or tankini that provides abdominal coverage.
Petite figures suit Brazilian or low-rise bikini bottoms (which lengthen the leg visually), and a crop-style or triangle bikini top that doesn't overwhelm a shorter torso. High-waist styles on petite figures can shorten the visual leg unless worn with a high-cut leg on the bottom.
Larger-bust figures should prioritise support in swimwear: structured balcony or underwire bikini tops with adjustable straps; one-piece swimsuits with built-in shelf bra or underwire support; and halterneck styles that distribute weight across the neck and shoulders.
How Do You Care for Swimwear?
Swimwear is damaged by chlorine, salt water, sunscreen, and UV exposure. To extend its life: rinse thoroughly in cold fresh water immediately after swimming to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen residues. Hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics. Never machine wash swimwear — the spin cycle stretches and distorts the elastane. Never tumble dry — heat destroys elastane permanently. Lay flat or hang in shade to dry — avoid drying swimwear in direct sunlight, which fades colour and degrades fabric. Rotate between at least two swimwear pieces to allow each to recover its elasticity between uses.
Browse Fashionfitz's summer dresses and cover-ups to pair with your swimwear, and explore women's tops for lightweight summer layering pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions: Women's Swimwear UK
How do you know if swimwear fits correctly?
A bikini top that fits correctly: cups that fully contain the bust without overflow or gaping; straps that sit flat without digging in; a band that provides genuine support without rolling up. A bikini bottom or swimsuit bottom that fits correctly: sits comfortably at the intended rise (hip, mid-rise, or high-waist) without rolling down or pulling; doesn't cut into the thigh or feel tight through the bottom; provides adequate coverage for the intended activity.
Should you size up or down for swimwear?
Swimwear fabrics have significant stretch, so many women find they size down in swimwear relative to their clothing size. A new swimsuit that feels slightly snug when dry will feel more comfortable in the water as the fabric relaxes slightly. If in doubt, try both sizes if possible. For bikini separates, it's common and advisable to buy tops and bottoms in different sizes to accommodate the natural difference in bust and hip measurements.
How often should you replace your swimwear?
With proper care, good-quality swimwear should last two to three seasons of regular use. Signs a swimsuit needs replacing: fabric has lost its stretch and doesn't spring back after washing; colour has faded significantly; fabric has become thin or transparent; the silicone or underwire in a structured top has become uncomfortable. Swimwear that is used frequently (daily swimming) will show wear more quickly than holiday-only pieces.
Is it better to buy bikini tops and bottoms separately?
Buying separately provides the most practical benefit because it allows you to size the top and bottom independently, mix styles and patterns for a more individual look, and replace just one piece if the other wears out faster. The main advantage of buying a set is the guarantee of a matched pattern. For most UK women, buying separates provides significantly more flexibility and is generally worth the slightly higher cost per piece.
How do you prevent swimwear from fading?
Always rinse in cold fresh water immediately after swimming — chlorine and salt water both accelerate fading if left in the fabric. Wash with a gentle detergent for delicates in cool water. Dry in shade rather than direct sunlight. Apply sunscreen to your body before putting on your swimsuit (not after) to minimise the amount of sunscreen that directly contacts the fabric. These four measures together significantly extend the colour life of any swimwear.
