The Best One-Piece Bathing Suit

Buying Guide

Choosing a swimsuit can be an exhausting process. A woman’s body image perception has a direct effect on the type of swimsuit chosen. But in recent years, fashion designers have done a better job at creating swimsuits for a variety of body types, making garments that flatter every figure and allow wearers to customize the fit.

When it’s time to buy a bathing suit, you have a variety of options. Yes, there’s the one-piece versus two-piece debate, but those aren’t the only two choices. Today, you’ll find tankinis, which add a tank-style top with a bottom, as well as monokinis, which come as one pieces but have a cutout in the center section that exposes the belly and/or the lower back.

A one-piece swimsuit tends to be more comfortable for activities like swimming or walking on the beach. The top typically stays in place even during strenuous swimming sessions, and your midriff is covered, which is what some prefer. One downside is that your stomach and lower back aren’t exposed to the sun, which can get in the way if you’re trying to catch some rays.

The most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for a bathing suit is the type of activity you’ll be doing. If you’ll spend most of the day on your back, soaking up the sun or reading a good book, look for a swimsuit that doesn’t have ties or fasteners that will cut into your skin. If you’ll be swimming or playing sports like beach volleyball, look for a swimsuit that will stay snugly in place. You may also want some support in the chest area if you’ll be indulging in high-impact activities.

The quality of the fabric is important, as well. Look for material that will hold up even if it comes into contact with rocks and other harsh objects. It’s also important to ensure the fabric is thick enough so it won’t be sheer when it comes into contact with water. Most quality swimsuits come with lining to protect against this.

• Swimsuit creep is a real problem. Look for swimsuits that incorporate spandex or elastane to ensure it stays where it’s supposed to stay, especially around the buttocks and chest.
• Ruching can play an important role in concealing flaws. Ruched fabric introduces wrinkles on the sides and midsection. Some even include a panel that serves to squeeze the stomach area and flatten it.
• Body types can differ dramatically, so look for swimsuits that build in features like ties and fasteners. This will allow you to adjust the fit, especially in the top section.
• One issue with one-piece swimsuits is that you can’t differentiate the top and bottom. Unfortunately, most swimsuits feature Small, Medium and Large-style sizing, so you won’t be able to match your bra size. For best results, measure an existing swimsuit that fits well and compare them to the charts provided on the item description.
• It’s typically best to hand wash your swimsuits rather than laundering them. Pay close attention to the care instructions on the label. If you do choose to machine wash your swimsuit, use a lingerie bag and be sure you hang or lay flat to dry.
• Some swimsuits feature padding in the chest area. This can be useful, but over time, the padding can tend to bunch up. Make sure you choose a swimsuit that you can wear without the padding if this happens.
• Many one-piece bathing suits allow you to simply step into them, with no hooks or fasteners necessary. But if you choose one that has to be fastened or tied, check to ensure you can handle the fastenings on your own. If they’re out of reach, you might not always have someone nearby who can help.