February 8th, 2010
Tips For Tankinis
Like most women, you probably have some anxieties about wearing bathing suits. If this is the case, you may find that the tankini, which is basically a tank top made of spandex/cotton or Lycra/nylon blends and a bikini bottom, is the answer to your worries. It is a fairly new breed of swimwear, which first hit the market in the late 1990’s, but it is fast gaining popularity because it combines the freedom of a bikini with the modest coverage of a one-piece bathing suit.
The top of a tankini usually covers part or most of the belly, which is great for women who want to keep most of their midsection hidden, or feel too modest to wear a bikini. For the more daring ones, shorter styles that bare the midriff are also available. Bottoms also come in different styles: traditional bikini, skirted, boy shorts, string and even thong.
Whatever your body type, there are styles to flatter your figure. If you are pear-shaped, go for strapless, bandeau or racer back styles that balance your upper and lower body by giving the illusion of wider shoulders and chest. If you are lucky enough to have an hourglass figure, you can wear almost any style of swimwear, but a tankini with shorter tops are especially flattering if you want to show off a trim waist.
Women with an inverted triangle body shape can either draw attention away from wide shoulders by wearing a halter top style, or show off shapely model shoulders with bandeau or strapless styles. A tankini with a deep v-neck or gathering and shirring at the sides and middle can also give the illusion of a waist for rectangle-shaped women, and trim down the midriff for apple-shaped women. Regarding colors and prints, a rule of thumb is to wear darker colors near problems areas, such as the waist and brighter colors, or prints to emphasize features such as toned arms and shoulders.
The choice of bottoms depends on the desired coverage. Another general rule is that dark colors and vertical stripes have a slimming effect, while bright colors and horizontal stripes do the opposite. Another thing to remember: high cut bottoms elongate thighs and legs, while boy shorts give an illusion of fullness in the bottom half of the body.
Like bikinis, the top doesn’t have to match the bottom. Users can mix and match patterns, so that it is possible to buy two tankini sets and create four different bathing suits. This versatility is another one of the reasons for the popularity of tankinis.
If you are a parent buying beachwear for your children, they will appreciate the more grown up style of the tankini and the relatively modest coverage will surely meet your approval. You can also wear this kind of style when doing athletic activities, such as rafting and playing volleyball, without worrying about losing or displacing your top. The two-piece design offers more freedom of movement than one-piece styles such as maillots.
Even if you have a less-than-perfect figure or have gone through mastectomy, the tankini allows you to wear a swimsuit with confidence. It is even suggested for women with gymnophobia or fear of nudity by partnering it with a sarong. Styles for pregnant women are also available, usually having tops that are split in the middle and exposing the navel.
There is no doubt that when you are looking for modest swimsuits, one of the top priorities to look at is a tankinis. These fashion swimsuits are growing more popular because of the styles and comfort they provide. For more information on finding quality swimwear see Jill Wilson and other resources.