One-Piece vs Two-Piece Swimsuits: Which Is Right for You?
Throughout your life, you’ve likely worn a dozen different swimsuits, in nearly as many styles. From rashguards to tankinis, you might find yourself overwhelmed with the number of swimsuit styles available.
We’ve found that it’s easier to choose the perfect swimsuit when you look at a few different factors: function, versatility, comfort, and support. Let’s explore each of these categories to help you decide if a one-piece or two-piece swimsuit is the right fit for you.
Function
For some people, a day at the beach means laying out as you slowly build to that perfect shade of tan. If this sounds like you, a two-piece swimsuit could be a great option. You’re not moving around too much, and the fewer the tan lines, the better.
Then there are the active beach goers. Maybe you’re playing frisbee with your daughter or attempting to boogie board to entertain your son. Or perhaps you’ll be open-water swimming up and down the shore.
When you’re going to be moving a lot, you don’t want to have to worry about swimwear shifting to places it shouldn’t. A one-piece swimsuit is often more structured than a two-piece, meaning you’ll be able to move around more freely while the fabric stays in place.
Versatility
There are often times when you want to show off part of your cute swimsuit, but not the whole thing. For example, after an afternoon at the beach, you might want to grab food at a nearby beach club. Rather than change completely, you may want to just throw something on over your swimsuit.
If you’re wearing a two-piece, you’ll likely opt for a full-body cover-up like a breezy dress or shorts and a linen shirt. If you’re wearing a one-piece, however, you can choose to dress up your swimsuit. You could slip on a long, satin skirt that complements the color of your swimwear. Or you can pull on some denim Bermuda shorts for a cooler option. Now, you’re getting to still show off your cute swimsuit while feeling comfortable in a restaurant setting.
If you like to keep variety in your wardrobe, remember to look for a reversible swimsuit, like the Whitney Reversible Swimsuit. Now, you’ll get to switch up your look while saving space in your suitcase.
Comfort
Consider your own personal comfort level. Are you going to feel confident at the pool in a two-piece? Or will you feel exposed?
Everyone has their own comfort measure, and it can change over time. Two-pieces and one-pieces can both be equally flattering, so the right suit for you is one that helps you feel good. To help you achieve this level of comfort, consider more modest styles that reveal just enough to get you a nice tan.
When you’re shopping, look for swimsuits made from high-quality materials. Thicker, silky fabrics will provide a more flattering coverage than clingy fabrics.
Support
When it comes to the top half of a swimsuit, some women can wear very thin fabric while others are looking for a more structured support system. Which you gravitate toward will play an important role in whether you get a one-piece or two-piece swimsuit.
Picture an Olympic swimmer for a moment. Aside from the tight swimcap, what type of swimsuit is she wearing? A one-piece. That’s because one-pieces are designed to lock everything in place. The single piece of fabric also offers specific benefits that two-pieces can’t, such as compression over the mid-area and a more secure environment for padded cups.
However, two-pieces can also provide some level of support. How much depends on the choice of strap. If you choose a bikini with string ties, the strings become stretched out over the day, lessening your support. If you instead opt for thicker, adjustable straps, the top is going to hold its structure for longer.
Find the Swimsuit That Checks All the Boxes
At Hadley’s Bungalow, we design modest, high-quality swimsuits that allow women to feel beautiful. With reversible styles, hand-drawn prints, and classic coverage, our swimwear will help you feel confident to walk along the beach or play in the pool with your kids.
If you want an even more special experience, consider our matching swimsuit sets. On your next beach day, Mommy can match your little girls while Daddy matches the boys. Check out our full line of swimwear for the whole family today.
