Shopping for a one-piece swimsuit can feel overwhelming, especially if you're used to bikinis or haven't purchased swimwear in years. The market has evolved dramatically, offering an incredible variety of styles, fabrics, and features designed for every body type and activity. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to find your perfect first one-piece.
One-piece swimsuits have experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity over the past decade. No longer seen as less fashionable than their two-piece counterparts, modern one-pieces offer sophisticated styling, superior functionality, and often more flattering fits than traditional bikinis. Understanding what makes a great one-piece will help you shop with confidence.
Understanding Your Needs
Before browsing styles, take a moment to consider how you'll actually use your swimsuit. Your intended activities significantly influence which features matter most.
Activity Considerations
Different swimming activities demand different swimsuit characteristics. A suit perfect for lap swimming might not be ideal for a beach holiday, and vice versa.
- Lap swimming: Look for low-drag fabrics, secure straps (racerback designs work well), and chlorine-resistant materials
- Ocean swimming: Prioritise secure fits that won't shift in waves, quick-dry fabrics, and sand-resistant linings
- Resort lounging: Focus on style and comfort; fashion-forward cuts and luxe fabrics take priority
- Active beach days: Balance between security for movement and style for beach cafe visits
If you need one suit for various activities, look for versatile sport-elegant hybrids. These typically feature secure but adjustable straps, moderate coverage, and fabrics that perform well in both chlorinated pools and salt water.
Choosing the Right Style
One-piece swimsuits come in numerous silhouettes, each offering different benefits. Understanding the main style categories helps narrow your search.
Classic Tank
The traditional one-piece silhouette features moderate coverage with a scooped or square neckline and full back. Tank styles suit most body types and activities, making them an excellent starting point for first-time buyers. They're particularly versatile, transitioning easily from active swimming to casual lounging.
High-Neck
Featuring a neckline that extends toward the collarbone, high-neck swimsuits offer excellent coverage and sun protection. This style provides additional bust support and creates a sporty, streamlined look. It's particularly flattering for smaller busts and those who prefer more modest coverage.
Plunge
A plunge neckline dips lower between the bust, creating a more dramatic, fashion-forward look. While stunning for resort wear, plunge styles may not suit active swimming. They work best for those comfortable with showing more chest area and typically suit medium to larger busts.
One-Shoulder
Asymmetrical designs with a single strap create visual interest and can be particularly flattering for broader shoulders. These fashion-forward suits make a statement but may not provide the same support as traditional two-strap options.
Understanding Support Features
Bust support is often the deciding factor in whether a swimsuit feels comfortable or constantly requires adjustment. Understanding different support mechanisms helps you find a suit that works with your body.
Light support: Removable soft cups, suitable for A-B cups or those who don't need significant support. Medium support: Built-in shelf bras with underbust elastic, works for B-C cups. High support: Underwire, moulded cups, or compression panels, ideal for D+ cups or active swimming.
Strap Configurations
Straps play a crucial role in both support and style. Adjustable straps allow you to customise the fit, which is particularly important for those with longer torsos or larger busts.
- Traditional straps: Sit on the shoulders, easy to adjust, work for most activities
- Racerback: Straps meet between the shoulder blades, excellent for active swimming and secure support
- Wide straps: Distribute weight across a larger area, more comfortable for larger busts
- Cross-back: X-pattern across the back, stylish and supportive
Fabric and Construction
The fabric composition of your swimsuit affects everything from how it fits to how long it lasts. Familiarising yourself with common swimwear materials helps you make informed choices.
Common Fabric Types
Nylon/Elastane blends: The most common swimwear fabric, offering good stretch, recovery, and durability. Look for blends with 18-25% elastane for optimal stretch.
Polyester blends: More chlorine-resistant than nylon, making them ideal for regular pool swimmers. They may feel slightly less soft but maintain their colour and shape longer in chlorinated water.
Italian or European stretch fabrics: Premium materials known for superior drape, colour retention, and luxurious feel. Often used in higher-end swimwear.
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) indicates how much UV radiation a fabric blocks. UPF50+ blocks 98% of UV rays. For Australian conditions, choosing swimwear with a UPF rating provides valuable additional sun protection.
Getting the Right Fit
A properly fitting one-piece should feel secure without digging in anywhere. The fabric should lie smooth against your skin without bunching or gaping.
Signs of Good Fit
- Straps stay in place without constant adjustment
- The neckline sits flat without gaping or cutting in
- The leg openings follow your natural leg line without riding up
- You can move freely without the suit shifting
- The torso length is appropriate, with no pulling or bunching
Common Fit Issues
Too small: Straps dig into shoulders, fabric pulls across the bust, leg openings cut into thighs, difficulty moving freely.
Too large: Straps slip off shoulders, gaping at the neckline or leg openings, excess fabric bunches at the torso, suit shifts during movement.
- Consider your primary swimming activities when choosing style and features
- Match support level to your bust size and activity intensity
- Understand fabric types to choose materials suited to your swimming environment
- Try multiple sizes; swimwear sizing varies significantly between brands
- A well-fitting suit should feel secure without restriction
Practical Shopping Tips
Armed with knowledge about styles, support, and fabrics, you're ready to start shopping. A few practical strategies can make the process smoother.
When shopping online, always check the size chart for each specific brand, as sizing varies considerably. Read customer reviews for insights on fit, particularly from reviewers with similar body types. Look for detailed product descriptions that specify cup support, torso length options, and fabric composition.
If possible, order from retailers with generous return policies. Swimwear fit is highly personal, and it often takes trying several options to find the perfect match. Don't be discouraged if your first choice doesn't work out; even experienced swimmers occasionally need to exchange sizes or styles.
Your first one-piece swimsuit should make you feel confident and comfortable in the water. Take your time with the selection process, prioritise fit and function over trend, and remember that the best swimsuit is one you'll actually enjoy wearing.