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 fact that the top of a tankini covers part or most of the belly is a major selling point for those who want to hide less-than-perfect midsections, or feel too modest to wear bikinis. Those whose are more daring but still uncomfortable in a bikini can opt for shorter, midriff-baring tops. For the bottom, one can choose from traditional bikini, skirted, boy shorts, string or even thong styles.

With the wide variety of styles available, this kind of swimsuit flatters most body types. Strapless, bandeau, racer back or tank top styles help balance the lower and upper body parts of pear-shaped women by adding more volume and width to shoulders and chest. On the other hand, hourglass-shaped women can emphasize their waist with shorter tankini tops.

Shoulders on women with an inverted triangle body type can be shown off with a bandeau or strapless tankini or be downplayed with a halter-top style. The midsection is usually a problem area for apple-shaped women, but an illusion of a waist and trimmed down midriff can be achieved with designs that have deep necklines or ruching and shirring at the sides and middle. A rule of thumb for choosing colors and prints: wear darker colors near problems areas such as the waist and brighter colors near areas to be emphasized 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.

It is also popular with parents who buy them for their children’s beachwear. Women wearing this kind of swimsuit do not need to worry about losing their top, so they can use it for athletic activities such as rafting and playing volleyball. Also, its two-piece design is less restrictive in terms of movement than one-piece designs 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 in search of modest swimwear, one of the top priorities to look at is a tankinis. These fashion swimsuits are growing more popular because of the styles, comfort, and coverage they provide. To learn more on finding quality swimwear see Jill Wilson and hapari.com..