Macy’s / Ideas & Inspiration / Swimwear Guide for Women / Women's Swimsuits & Bikini Styles

Women's Swimsuits & Bikini Styles

Whether you’re sitting pretty poolside or headed to the beach and beyond, your swimsuit should fit and flatter your figure. Dive in with bikini tops, swim bottoms and one-piece styles. As an added bonus, we’ve even included the flattering benefits of each swimsuit style.

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TYPES OF BIKINI TOPS

Bandeau

What is a bandeau bikini top? A bandeau bikini top typically features molded or soft cups, plus boning to help keep its shape. Go with a bandeau:

  • In strapless styles to help keep tan lines to a minimum.
  • With ruching or twisted fronts can even help enhance the appearance of cleavage.

Halter

What is a halter bikini top? A halter top usually has ties or fastens behind the neck. It even offers additional coverage thanks to wider bands. Try a halter style top:

  • If you’re looking for extra support.
  • Want to enhance your cleavage.

Triangle

What is a triangle bikini top? Triangle bikini tops feature adjustable ties at both the neck and back for support. A triangle top also:

  • Adds a little extra oomph for women with a smaller bust or are more petite.
  • Typically has minimal coverage and can come with or without padding.

Underwire

What is an underwire bikini top? Bikini tops with underwires have bra-cup shapes that are designed with built-in wires, plus adjustable straps for just the right fit. This type of top can help:

  • Enhance smaller busts with its structured shape—a great option of petite swimwear!
  • Offer more support for women with a larger chest.

Flounce

What is a flounce bikini top? A flounce bikini top has flowing fabric across the front layered over a fitted top underneath. A flounce top is great for:

  • Help give the appearance of a fuller bust and longer torso.
  • Designs can feature pull-on styling or adjustable straps for extra versatility.

TYPES OF BIKINI BOTTOMS

Side Ties

Side tie bikini bottoms feature adjustable ties at the sides and give you the opportunity to create a customizable fit.

  • Coverage: Typically, there’s less fabric along the hips.
  • Benefits: The minimal coverage helps to elongate your legs.

Cheeky

Cheeky bikini bottoms sit at your hip and (almost) bare it all with a super narrow cut.

  • Coverage: As its name says, there’s minimal rear coverage.
  • Benefits: It’s the perfect bottoms to show off a sculpted physique.

Hipster

Hipster bikini bottoms sit low on the hips like the name suggests.

  • Coverage: It provides a good amount of coverage thanks to its wider sides.
  • Benefits: The modest coverage also offers balance at the hips.

High Waisted

High-waisted bikini bottoms typically sit higher on the body at your natural waist.

  • Coverage: Its unique cut offers a higher waist and ample rear coverage.
  • Benefits: The perfect piece for retro style that gives additional coverage in the tummy.

Skirted

Skirted bikini bottoms feature a brief with a skirted layer on top in a fitted or loose silhouette.

  • Coverage: There is usually more hip and thigh coverage.
  • Benefits: The flowing shape offers modest coverage with flirty flair.

Boyshorts

Boyshort bikini bottoms are mini shorts with a sportier style and a lower rise.

  • Coverage: Resembling shorts, there’s extra coverage at the hips and rear.
  • Benefits: The tight fit with full coverage helps showcase your curves.

TYPES OF SWIMSUITS

The One Piece

A one-piece swimsuit is a single piece that may feature adjustable straps or be strapless. There’s also a wide range in styles of top silhouette and bottom coverage so it’s easy to find ones with supportive features, minimal to modest coverage and much more. A one-piece can feel modern thanks to fresh detailing! Think nautical stripes updated with unexpected colors, oh-so-tropical prints and verbiage graphics perfect for vacation mode.

Tankinis

A tankini swimsuit is a long tank top designed for swimming paired with the swim bottoms of your choice. You can get the best of both worlds: the versatility of a two-piece with the coverage of a one-piece swimsuit.

Bikinis

A bikini is a two-piece swimsuit that shows off a bit more skin. You’ll find bikini tops and bottoms in a wide range of designs—so mix and match colors, patterns, cuts and shapes to create fun, one-of-a-kind looks!

Swimdress

A swimdress is a one-piece swimsuit with an attached skirt. This unique design helps give the appearance of a shapely figure and provides more coverage—plus, has major retro vibes, too.

Active Swimwear

Active swimwear is designed for water or beach sports and activities. If you’re looking to do more than lounge by the pool, active swimwear stays in place and doesn’t ride up while you swim.

Cover-Ups

A swimsuit cover-up is a tunic-style top that’s worn over a swimsuit. It can be sheer or solid depending on your preferred coverage, and is the perfect layering piece whether you’re heading to or leaving the beach or pool.

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