Janet, I love your point about wearing one pieces when everyone else is in bikinis. That's how I felt in Costa Rica. Not that you could have gotten me into a bikini no matter how frumpy I felt in my one-piece.

I like them both bikinis and one pieces for different reasons. Anything requiring a good amount of water-based activity gets a one piece for me. I bought one from JCrew a couple of years ago and it's flattering and holds up well. But general lounging/swimming around the beach or pool gets a bikini for the reasons Aubergine listed. For years I had boyshort tankinis but last year I picked up a high waisted retro striped bikini that I unexpectedly love.

I also grew up close enough to the beach where everyone went regularly in the summer, so I (and my friends of various shapes/sizes) wore enough bathing suits of all types to not be overly concerned with them.

I wear 2 pieces. I found some that have a cute skirt for the bottom that does not look frumpy. They sit low on my hips. The skirt hides the top of my thighs. One piece bathing suits look awful on me. I am okay with my stomach so I figure why not wear a 2 piece. I wore smaller bikinis when I was younger and my legs were firmer. I also find a halter top is flattering. Makes my shoulders look bigger. I don't need my bust to look bigger. I have wimpy shoulders and arms.

I'm either a bikini or a tankini gal. I just hate the idea of having to take the whole thing off for a bathroom break if it's a one-piece. I was less than happy about my stomach the last time we went away to Greece, but DH said I should stop worrying as there are always people with less toned middles than me on the beach and I should just enjoy my holiday, so I do

I'm on Team Bikini.
At 5' 9.75" (177cm), one-piece suits often are too short and dig either into my shoulders or ride up my crotch. I also don't like the feeling of all the wet material against my skin. Tankinis are not optimal for me either, the tops tend to not to stay in place and ride up to my natural waist.
Having said that, I do like the look of many one-piece suits and may have to try to find one that works for me.

I have a tankini at the moment, see the picture below. The bottoms are fairly new, but I lost some weight again and now they're almost too big. I'm thinking about buying a new bikini for summer. I like the look of a onepiece, but as a pear I have a hard time finding one that fits, two pieces are much easier.

Sarah - I am a huge fan of sun protective clothing so I always wear a rashguard in the water although if I am lounging I have a sunprotective jacket hat and then toss a pareo in the mix. My skin does not see the light of day without significant protection. So I am totally with you. I had no idea about the fabric content at all, polyester - who knew?!! That's a fantastic tip. I am going to check it out. Great, great suggestion - thanks so much for sharing it!!
Jules - I think it's all about comfort level. My husband would be thrilled if I put on a bikini - but I'd be look for furniture to hide under. Plus it's a lot of skin to protect, that's just a practical view. But I would bet, after reading the comments, they are easier to find pieces that fit well and going to the loo would hands down be easier. I think if you feel good and confident in what you have on, that's the most important thing. Being miserable is just not an option!
Sveta - your granny must have been an amazing woman. It sounds like she was a lot like my beloved Nana. God, confidence is the best. My MIL who is amazing is just like that. She doesn't care what anyone thinks. She's not a conventionally beautiful woman but she has such a fantastic manner I don't think anyone ever notices that. But I'm with you, if you are not comfortable showing something, you shouldn't have to. I will be with you in the covered tummy section!!
WWG - sounds like tankinis are a great choice for sizing. There are a lot of great rashguards out this year. I just ordered some of the lands end. They don't have the high neck, more sunscreen but probably more flattering. They also great sunprotective coverups. Sunprecations.com had a bunch of new ones too this year.
Parsley - that is a gorgeous suit. I wish I could wear one like that. I have not chest. I would have to pack a lunch in the top! But it's so elegant. I'm sure it looks stunning on. Love coolibar clothing although I own more pieces from their competitor sunprecautions. Both make really nice good quality pieces. They came out with pareos this year too which I thought was a great idea.
Aubergine - your suit sounds incredible. I saw a couple of gorgeous retro suits like that last year. I love the high bottom but they expect you to have a chest to fill out the top. I really look like I'm on the elementary school swim team. But I love that style!!
Rabbit - you and Aubergine are right. You are going to zip through the ladies room lines while those of us wrestling with one pieces are going to find life challenging. I have only two words in resonse to this..."fluid management!!"
Adelfa - the advantage of having pasty white skin is people point at me anyway!! Do you and Janet really think all one pieces are frumpy? I guess I don't see that. For me it's how it looks on and the style.
Dee - it sounds like you are really comfortable in your own skin. I really admire that. Your retro suit must be fab. I think that is such a nifty type. But it sounds like you are a large pick of suits which definitely gives you the advantage. I agree for serious swim a one piece gives you security!!
Style Fan - a skirted bottom with a halter top sounds totally adorable and charming!! Sounds like you found your perfect style!! Kudos!!
Diane - everybody wears bikinis in Greece so as long as you are comfortable that's all that's important. Agree that two pieces are much easier and more practical for bathroom breaks!
Minnie - I think everyone one of us has some kind of fit issues. Thank god for muliple styles, at least there is choice!! Good luck, I do hope you find a great one piece but I can see how a two piece would be much easier to fit!!
Astrid - that's a really cute suit!! You could always just bet a new bottom even to keep as a spare. Good luck shopping!!

I am on team dear.heavens.please.dont.let.me.anywhere.near.water! Seriously. I hate wearing swimsuits so much. I actually have had my eye on this swim dress for a while...
http://athleta.gap.com/browse/.....=413972012

Can I bat for two Teams? Bikini and Full Piece?

In reference to the rashguard question above, Gryffin, sorry, have not tried them, have just tried the tankinis. I wonder if wearing a bikini under the rashguard would work.

My whole family is sick sooo...disappearing for a bit

I have seen a lot of cool looking rash guards popping up lately, and was interested in trying a couple. But i was under the impression that you wear a rashguard OVER a bikini and not as a bathing suit top on its own? Or are the new ones built with more support?

Diana, rash guards don't supply any sort of support (unless there's some new ones out I'm not aware of.

Most of the time, if I'm in the water, I'm on a wakeboard, and I'm wearing a bikini bottom, sports bra, running shorts (easier to find than women's board shorts), and a rash guard. Swim suit tops just don't provide enough support.
(pic attached)

If I'm doing laps, I've got a one-piece, but it's currently too big/starting to disintegrate.

I've also got a bikini for lounging/looking cute.

If ever ... Umm ...ever .. I buy a swimsuit ... After I learn to swim (gasp .. Did I just admit that?!!!!).....it would be a one piece. Because in addition to my monstrous water splashing skills, I don't really want to subject anyone to my flabby mid section.

I mean, who doesn't know to swim even to save a life ..... Except me?! Embarrasing to say the least. It's there in my wish list though ..... I'll get there. Is it wrong if I bought a swimsuit just for fun?! o_O. Or should I treat myself to the most expensive one once I learn to swim? Decisions decisions.

I'm Team Bikini, I love a bit of sunbathing and splashing around and I'm with Sveta's granny about the wet rag on the tummy. When I'm in a swimsuit I'm mostly self conscious about my thighs and bottom, so I might as well expose my midsection as well. We live near the beach, so I'm used to it, and almost no one wears one piece suits in Italy. I have a couple of those and I find them more elegant, but bikinis work better for me, and I need plenty so I am always on the hunt.

I bought a lovely tankini top and bikini bottom last year. I never got the chance to wear it. (when I went on vacation to Florida -- they were having an unusual cold snap -- no pool for me unless I was willing to freeze.) The suit came it a fabulous pewter with accents of black white fuchsia and goldenrod. I prefer 2 pieces (that cover my belly) because I am 2 completely different sizes on top and bottom and this allows me to fit both well. The suit is a Panache brand so I was able to buy it in my bra size so the top fit perfectly. I'll see if I can find a picture of it. Found it!

Neel, I can't swim. Well, if dropped into the middle of a pool I might be able to doggie paddle to the side, but if dropped in the middle of a lake, I'd drown. I put my kids in lessons until they were able to swim the length of an Olympic sized pool without touching bottom, but in the Great White North there just isn't much occasion to swim. We often go to waterparks, but most of those are slides and fun things that don't involve depth. There are enough hotels with pools and holidays in warm locations that we all need swimwear regardless of our competency in the water!

Sarah - I think a swim dress would be very elegant. Is it the bathing suit? or do you not like water? Gosh with board shorts and rash guards you can be pretty covered but still enjoy the water if you want to stay under wraps. But I know exactly how you feel!!
Angie - this is one time when I think batting for as many teams as possible is to our advantage. As long as you're comfortable it gives you many more options!
Columbine - sorry the gang is under the weather. Hope you are staying well and that your family is feeling better soon!! I was confused by their picutre. I've always worn a rashguard over a suit. The way they were showing it I could not see another piece underneath. When I went to "swim outfits" they put a top under the rashguard. This made much more sense!! Thanks so much for the input!! Stay well!!
Diana - I saw those rashguard suits on nordies site. I thought it looked that it was the batihng suit top. Interested, because I felt the same way - rashguard on top of suit. Definitely waiting to see how this pans out!!
froggiesbecky - awesome pic!! Way to go! You are definitely water girl and I think you've got an awesome take on the best outfit for the task!! Good luck on finding a new lap suit!!
Neel - my MIL can't swim. She never learned but she taught all the kids at the bungalow colony how to swim. Is that funny or what?!! I think you need the most awesome gorgeous suit inthe universe and the hunkiest lifeguard and then you can have a blast learning to swim. Why would everyone know. But I think it's fantastic you want to learn. Have a great time and be safe!!
EveningMood - Confidence and comfort!! I think that's awesome. Enjoy the water. I think it's everyones fantasy to live in a place like that!! Enjoy it for us!! You go girl!!

I used to be very afraid of wearing a bikini because of some abdominal scarring and a bit of tummy, but I also found it very challenging to find a once piece that wasn't giving me wedgie all the time.

Love my bikini - picked it up at a teen bopper store - and just wear it to do swim a lap or two at a hotel pool if it's big enough, and hang out in the hot tub

Day Vies - That's a really pretty suit!! Plus glad you have perfect fit. Sorry you did not get to wear it, but a suit in hand is a great thing to have!!
Lyn - so glad you found a suit you like that you feel great in!! I don't think there is anything better for morale!! Kudos!!

Gryffin and Echo - I think you just enabled me to buy a swimsuit .... And gave me the YLF nudge to learn to swim. Never too late .... Moreover who can resist a hunky lifeguard?

Gryffin - I am really impressed by your MIL! Wow! Isn't swimming an important life lesson? And I owe you an apology for hijacking your thread ..
A bit!

Echo - My kids learn swimming too! I don't want them to be in a situation where they can't save themselves! I am not sure if I can even doggie paddle. Lol!

Per your last post, griffin, I'm thinking that anyone who spends any time in the water--a backyard pool, beach or lake vacation, water park or hotel jacuzzi needs a swim capsule!

Suit for activity - one piece, tankini, or athletic style bikini that stays put
Suit for lounging - one piece or bikini
Sun protection - rash guard, hooded light weight jacket, mesh dress
In transit - shorts, dress, parero
Accessories-flip flops, sandals, or water shoes, hat, sunnies, beach bag, towel

Although it might not get the most wear, there would be no last minute panic like when trying to find a suit in February for a mid winter break, or no excuse not to accept a last minute invite to a friend's lakeside cottage! No more embarrassed slink down the hotel hallway and elevator with a towel as wrap, and sport sneaks. Nothing so precious that it couldn't be wash and hang to dry or would get stained by chlorine or saltwater.

Team one-piece for me. I bought an emerald green La Blanca suit in January for my trip to Key West and am thrilled with it. It was my first new suit in 5 years! I'm pretty sure it's the same one Parsley has. Super comfortable and flattering. I am tossing all my old tankinis!

http://www.everythingbutwater......3+188.html

I saw this thread days ago, and ignored it because the subject is so painful for me. I am long in the torso, and find it difficult to find a comfortable one piece. I dislike tankinis because I don't like the flapping feeling on my belly underwater. Ideally, I'd wear a two piece. However, despite the fact that I go to vigorous exercise classes four times a week, have lost fifteen pounds in the last year, and am at close to an ideal weight/bodyfat level, my tummy is puckered looking and doesn't look toned.

I'd really like to find a two piece swimsuit with a higher waist than bikini, and a top with some sort of support. I found what look like the perfect bottoms on the Nordstrom website, but the top is bandeau style, not halter, and I need the uplifting help of straps.

I'm hoping that I haven't waited too long to find a suit for this year. I'm worried that last year's suit won't fit properly anymore!

I'm with Sveta's Grandma - Bikini - I can't stand the way the fabric of a one piece feels on the mid-section. And I don't want a tanned body with a white mid-section.

I love the swim dress from Athleta that is linked in an earlier comment. Super cute.

I am definitely on the tankini with swim skirt team. I would love to wear a one-piece swimsuit but need some sort of skirt to cover my upper thighs.

This year, and last, I bought my suit from Lands End. They hold up well and like the fact that they sell D-cup suits. This year I bought a black and white print flounce swim mini and a black top. Last year I had the same styles but pink top and black paisley bottom. It's funny, I tend not to wear black and white prints (least of all tapestry prints -- too home decor) but I thought this pairing looked super cute and it is.

Neel - You never have to apologize to me. We're having a conversation and I am so happy you felt comfortable enough to discuss it. I love when threads take on a life of their own. Why else are we here!! I think you are totally awesome Neel. One of the most important things, at least to me in life, is being open and curious, continuing to learn and grow. I think learning to swim is such an important skill, not just for pleasure, but for safety. You should be so proud of yourself. I hope you find a fantastic suit and I think you will have a terrific time!! I hope we'll get to hear about it!! You go girl!!!
Runcarla - that is the best advice on this entire thread!! Thank you for putting that out there. You are so right. Although not all of us will use that capsule all year round, if we had it (just like the formal/evening capsule) how much panic would we avoid!! Great, great, great list!!!
Debora - that is such a gorgeous suit!! You and Parsley will be elegant twins. Great color too!! Enjoy!
Marmee - I still don't have a great suit either. I don't think that will make you feel better but you know that you are not alone. I think there will still be suits out there but it would be prudent to look soon. Just a toss out, could you use the bottom of the suit you like and look for a separate top? I know it's a waste of cash but just to have in the back of your mind!
texstyle - you go girl and be just like granny sveta!! She sounds like the most awesome role model!! Enjoy your bikini!!
fastkat - that might be exactly the print I got for the rashguard. I thought it was supercute too. Can't wait to see it IRL. Going to check out you links right now!!

Carla, love that picture of you!!!

I wore a one-piece until I had kids, and then I joined team bikini. I keep telling myself I am getting too old to wear one, but I just can;t seem to make the move to a one piece. To me, bikinis are so, so much easier to fit since you can buy each piece separately, and much more flattering to small-breasted women. And like texstyle, I really, really like getting a little color on my stomach.

While I covet the one piece from Tory Burch's runway show, I will probably not spend the money on it, and will instead trot out a bikini on vacation and when I go to the beach this summer. I have one black and white tie-dyed bikini from Ralph Lauren, and a plain pair of navy bottoms, as well as two structured tops from JCrew, and I mix and match everything -- which is also fun.

One pieces and bikinis both have their place! I usually choose something demure for the morning and something a bit more fun for when the swim up bar opens This is not necessarily dictated by the amount of flesh covered or revealed but by the vibe of the swimsuit eg a high waisted bikini is fairly conservative but a one piece with mesh inserts might be considered a bit racey.....

Gryffin- what to wear under a rashie? A bikini top of course!

I tried a bikini a few years ago, and was so self conscious of my extra bits when I wore it that I've pretty much given up. Each summer I try and try to lose the few pounds that I think it would take for me to feel comfortable, but it just never happens. So, I've resigned myself to finding one-piece suits that flatter.

I found this one at Land's End, although it looks like it's discontinued.

I also did buy a tankini with boy shorts from Athleta, for paddleboarding.

Viva - it seems like you are in a great place with your swimwear!! If you feel great in a bikini why would you swap it up? Plus sound like you found awesome suits that fit well!! Kudos!
Fuzzy - I have always put a rashguard on top of a suit. Did you see the new rashguard suits on Nordies site? It looks like that's the top. It would be a total gyp if you had to but a matching top to put under that. That was confusing. Also LE was marketing a swimoutfit where I could not see a piece underneath. But when I clicked on the outfit button a third piece was listed. A rashguard without an underpiece, well it could make a wet tee shirt contest look tame!! Those puppies are thin!! I do find the one piece suits with cutouts, mesh, much racier than some bikinis too. But it's one way for the more conservative set to be alluring while feeling a bit more covered. Swim bar...you go girl!!
Sarah - I give you so much credit for trying something outside your comfort zone. I think one pieces can look very alluring. Fuzzy made a great point about suits with mesh and of course tankinis. You can get a bit more coverage while feeling like you're having fun with it!!