Tankini

Another newer invention in the swimwear market is the tankini. The tankini is a two-piece bathing suit very similar to the bikini and the major difference between tankini and bikini being the shape of the top. Tankini swimwear is characterized by a top resembling some form of a tank top and essentially covering more than a bikini. The body coverage of tankinis is very similar to a one-piece bathing suit but with the convenience of having two separate pieces. The name for tankini swim suits is derived from putting tank and bikini together by replacing the bi. One advantage of tankini swimsuits over one-piece suits for women is that only the pants and not the whole suit has to be removed when going to the restroom.

Just like so many other swimwear pieces tankini bathing suits come in a wide variety of shapes, styles and colors. The halter tankini for example has a built in bra halter and some have even push up bras. The tankini swimsuit is generally more modest than a bikini through hiding some more of the body. A boy short tankini is possibly the modest form of tankinis having a tank top combined with a shorts bottom. Another way to hid emore, but be more femal than male would be a skirted tankini. The tankini top is in this case combined with a skirt made from swimwear fabric. These skirts usually have abuilt in swim pants or come with an additional swim pants. Of course there are also sexy tankinis, usually having very low cut breast openings and high leg openings as well as no fabric in the back.

As with most clothing items there are bigger versions and a plus size tankini can be found at special plus size stores as well as online stores.

Most pregnancy swimming suits are very much like tankinis and some maternity tankinis are divided in the front to expose the navel. This special maternity tankini is also called peek-a-boo tankini.

And our youngest members of the society are not forgotten either. Iplay tankinis start at the tender age of a few months. These very practical bating suits usually have a built in washable, reusable swim diaper and a separate top. An infants and toddler tankini swim suit is usually easier to put on than a one-piece bathing suit.

In the 2007 swim season in the United States tankinis are actually very popular and therefore are widely available at any department store carrying swimwear items.