How to Style Every Bikini Style
Enjoy sun and surf in stylish, comfortable bikinis. Two-piece bathing suits are versatile and always on-trend, and they come in sizes to fit every body. Keep reading for our favorite bikini tops and ways to style them with bottoms and cover-ups. First, let’s learn a bit about selecting the best swimwear fabric:
Choosing the Right Swimwear Fabric
A blend of nylon and spandex is the most popular material for swimsuits. Nylon is lightweight and holds its shape through plenty of wear, plus it dries quickly. The addition of spandex imparts stretch, so your suit moves with you for full freedom of movement. Opt for a swimsuit with LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ for maximum wear—this type of spandex lasts ten times longer than regular spandex.
The Twist-Front Underwire Bikini Top
One bikini top style is the twist-front with underwire. The twisted fabric provides a shapely effect while underwire lifts and shapes the bust. There are a variety of summery prints available in this style, which can be paired with matching bottoms or with a pair that coordinates but doesn’t exactly match. For example, you could wear a polka-dot twist-front underwire bikini top with black swim shorts.
The One-Shoulder Bikini Top
If you want a bikini top that’s on-trend, choose a one-shoulder style. There are one-shoulder women’s bikini tops with adjustable, removable straps so you can wear them multiple ways. Like various other styles—such as the above-profiled twist-front top—the one-shoulder bikini top has soft cups that are sewn in for gentle shaping and support. Wear it with a pair of traditional bikini bottoms for a balanced look, or go retro-inspired with high-waist bikini bottoms. You can even wear a skim skirt with an on-trend bikini top like the one-shoulder style. Swim skirts flatter all figures and come in different lengths.
The Scoopneck Sports Bikini Top
If you love swimming, beach volleyball, or any other type of active pursuit, opt for a sports bikini top. Scoopneck styles are trendy and comfortable, especially if you choose one with adjustable straps and a supportive, stylish criss-cross back. These tops come in an array of colors and prints to go with various bottoms. Swim leggings can be paired with a sports bikini top for modesty and sun protection with full freedom of movement. There are swim shorts in a variety of lengths that work with this bikini top style. You could also wear a scoop neck sports bikini top with low-cut brief-style bottoms for a coordinated, comfortable swimwear outfit.
The Halter Bikini Top
Halter bikini tops are comfortable and trendy. This retro-inspired style has wider straps that come around the neck for a lifting effect and all-day comfort. There are solid color halter tops and those with summery prints, so you can find one or more to go with your bikini bottoms.
High-waisted bikini bottoms pair perfectly with a halter bikini top. The look is modern yet inspired by decades past, plus it’s comparatively modest and comfortable. If you want to bare more skin, pair high-cut bikini bottoms with a halter top. Or choose more coverage with a knee-length swim skirt or pair of swim shorts.
The Cap-Sleeve Bikini Top
Modesty and style meet in the cap-sleeve bikini top. It provides coverage for the tops of your arms, and it comes slightly lower on the waist than bra-style bikini tops. There are even swim shirts with cap sleeves that go with everything from swim skirts to high-cut bottoms. Like all the other swimsuit styles, there’s everything from basic black to tropical motifs from which to choose.
Wear a cap-sleeve bikini top with high-waist bottoms for a vintage swim style. As mentioned, you can also wear one with a swim skirt in any length or create a balanced, streamlined swim look with a cap-sleeve top and high-cut bikini bottoms.
Cover-Up Tees and Dresses
No matter which bikini tops and bottoms you wear, it’s important to have cover-up apparel. Rash guards come in many styles, including T-shirts for the whole family and long-sleeve hoodies that are fast-drying and lightweight yet safeguard against the sun’s UV rays. Cover-up dresses are available in knee-length and maxi styles, and they come in enough colors and prints that coordinating with your swimwear is easy.
Swim Shoes and Accessories
Water shoes come in a variety of styles to complement your swimsuit and are a must for locker rooms and walking along the beach. They protect your feet against debris and germs, and they’re breathable and quick-drying. You may also want a pair of flip-flops for the pool or beach, along with wedge sandals for beach parties and casual dinners by the shore. Styling any type of bikini is easy with a cover-up that coordinates and a neutral pair of summer shoes. Play around with different top, bottom, and rash-guard combos to find the beach and pool outfits that work best for you.