Types of tankini tops

A tankini is a type of swimsuit top that offers more coverage than a standard bikini top. Tankini tops provide varying levels of support and are available in different styles.

Let’s highlight the most popular tankini top styles and discuss what suits different figures and tastes.

Quick links:

Different styles of tankini tops

Other popular styles

How to choose the perfect tankini top

What body types do tankinis work best for?

Check out our collection of cute tankini tops to find the perfect one for you!

For example, our summery Blossom tankini top features adjustable straps, removable cups, and an internal bra with moderate support. This looser-fitting, figure-flattering A-Line tankini is perfect for the pool, beach, and beyond. You can pair it with different swim bottoms (swim shorts, high-waist, or even swim pants).

What are the different styles of tankinis?

Our tankinis come in a range of styles to suit different body types and personal preferences. Whether you prefer solid colors or you are more into patterns, we have a design for you.

Some of our popular styles include:

One shoulder tankini top
Halter tankini top
A-line tankini top
Fitted tankini top

One-shoulder tankini top

Our one-shoulder tankini tops have asymmetric straps with only one shoulder covered, exposing the other shoulder and arm area. This style provides more coverage for the bust than a typical bikini, with support coming from the single strap over one shoulder.

One-shoulder tankinis are great statement pieces that can showcase a feminine silhouette. You can pair them with an array of our high-waisted bikini bottoms, swim skirts, shorts, or leggings…and maybe even your jean shorts!

Key features of our one-shoulder tankinis include:

Flattering ruching at the sides
Adjustable strap at the back
Internal bra with moderate support
Removable cups

Check out this flattering Starfish one-shoulder design. Graphic and bold, this fun print features an attention-grabbing starfish pattern set on a cute, bold blue background. Pair it with the Starfish high-waist bottoms for the ultimate impression!

Halter tankini top

Our halter tankini tops wrap around the neck and tie behind, providing comfort and support with more coverage than a bikini top. This is the perfect style for women with longer torsos, and comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

Our halter top designs offer worry-free support and maximum sun protection coverage on your chest, where you need it most.

Key features of our halter tankini tops are:

Fully lined
Removable cups
Elastic band at the bust
Racerback, halter front cut

Look at this Joyful halter tankini top! Get ready for all the joyful memories to be made wearing our captivating print top that features fun, abstract shapes in an array of colors.

A-line tankini top

Our a-line tankini tops incorporate a loose, flowing fit that gently skims over the body without tight clinging. This tankini style offers tummy coverage with its looser fit while still showing off the shoulders and arms, making it a flattering option for rectangle body shapes hoping to add curves.

A-line tankini tops can be a great choice during pregnancy or as your postpartum swimwear.

Key features of our a-line tankini designs are:

Adjustable straps that can be straight or crossed behind the back
Flattering princess seams at the front and back
Internal bra with moderate support
Removable cups

You will love this Hawaiian Rainforest a-line design. Tranquil and serene, just like its namesake, this palm-themed print features a silhouette of dried leaves set on an earthy olive-green backdrop.

Fitted tankini top

Our fitted tankini tops contour closely to the body to provide a sleek, streamlined shape. Women with curvier figures can show off their assets in these body-conscious tankini styles that keep everything smooth and held in, while allowing more flexibility in mixing and matching bottom coverage.

Key features of our fitted tankini top designs are:

Sporty, high neckline at the front for optimal sun protection
Flattering ruching at the front chest area
Internal bra with moderate support
Removable cups
Adjustable s-hook closure at the back
Void cut out at the back

Take a look at this Swirl fitted tankini design. It features a swirl of red and orange with a bright pop of blue.

Other tankini top types

Other tankini styles include the following:

Bandeau tankinis. Strapless tankini tops that wrap snugly around the bust, often with optional straps for extra support.
Classic tank top styles. Simple racerback or wide strap tanks reminiscent of everyday tank tops provide reliable coverage.
High-neck tankinis. Offer more restricted coverage up top with higher necklines and varying shoulder/sleeve cuts.
Blouson tankinis. Loose, billowy tops with elasticized waistbands that flow outwards from the bust for a flattering silhouette.
Lace-up corset-style tankinis. Boned tops with striking shoelace ties up the front that cinch the bust for a secure, pushed-up fit.
Wrap tanks with crisscross fronts. Wraparound style tops with crossing front ties that customize the coverage and lift.
Camis with adjustable straps. Versatile classic camisole tops with thinner straps are perfect for layering or wearing alone.

How do I choose the right tankini top type?

Here are some tips on how to choose the right tankini top type for you:

Consider your body type—some styles are more flattering to certain shapes than others, like A-line tanks for rectangle body types.
Determine your desired level of coverage, from plunging necklines to full high-neck tanks.
Evaluate your support needs—look for built-in bras or supportive halter ties if needed.
Assess how much skin you want to show with higher or lower-cut tops, cut-out designs, etc.
Choose comfort features that matter, like adjustable straps or stretch fabrics.
Pick patterns, graphics, and colors reflecting your style.
Mix and match with different bottoms for a customized two-piece look.

The perfect tankini style should suit your body type, comfort level, and personal taste.

What body types do tankinis work best for?

Each body type has its distinct features and proportions, which lends itself best to certain tankini styles and silhouettes over others for a harmonious, confidence-boosting look.

Let’s take a look!

Triangle

Triangle body type is characterized by broader hips and shoulders that taper up to a smaller bust.

Here are some tankini recommendations to consider:

A-line and babydoll tanks add volume and curves up top
Halter and one-shoulder styles balance shoulders
Bold colors, patterns, and details draw eyes up

Inverted triangle

The inverted triangle shape has a fuller bust and narrower hips. It is often athletic with defined shoulders.

Tankini top recommendations include:

Bandeau, tube, and strapless tops to minimize broad shoulders
Wrap and twist front styles to cinch the waist
V-necks and front detail create bust-waist definition

Rectangle

The rectangle body type has hips and shoulders that are proportionally the same.

The right tankini tops for a rectangle body shape are:

Ruffled trims, peplums, and bows add dimension
Wrap and ruched fronts create curves
V-neck style and horizontal patterns add balance

Oval

The oval body shape has narrow hips and shoulders with centralized weight in the midsection.

Tankini top recommendations for an oval body are:

Dark solid colors and angular designs slimming effect
Tops with structure through the torso offer control
Tailored princess seams and diagonal lines flatter

Hourglass

The hourglass shape tends to be curvy with proportional hips to shoulders and a narrow waist.

The best tankini tops for this body shape are:

Halter tops highlight the shoulders and neckline
Bust-enhancing padded or underwire suits
High necklines combined with shaping briefs

What is the difference between tankinis and bikinis?

A tankini is a two-piece swimsuit that consists of a tank swim top and bikini bottoms. The tank top provides extra coverage compared to a typical bikini top.

While both tankinis and bikinis are two-piece swimsuits, a tankini offers more modest chest and torso coverage with its tank-style top.

What is better for tanning: a tankini or a one-piece swimsuit?

Tankinis allow better tanning than a one-piece swimsuit. The separate tankini top and bottoms expose more skin to the sun than full-coverage one-piece swimwear. More two-piece swimsuits like tankinis can be adjusted for customized coverage.

For example, removing tankini straps to prevent strap lines or shifting the top while tanning leads to more even sun exposure. Tankini swimsuits made of quick-drying materials are ideal for alternating between sunbathing and swimming.

Tankinis also offer more flexibility and skin exposure for optimal tanning than more restrictive single-piece swimsuits.

Choose Swimzip for your swimwear

At SwimZip, we offer a range of tankini tops that are designed to make you look and feel your best. Our swim tops are not only fashionable but also provide complete sun protection, blocking 98% of the sun’s harmful UVA & UVB rays. They are made of the highest-rated, most comfortable UPF 50+ sun-protective fabric, and are quick-drying and chlorine-resistant.

Whether you're planning a beach day, a pool party, or a casual walk around town, our tankinis are a must-have addition to your wardrobe. They are available in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes, ensuring there's a perfect fit for everyone.

Check out what this purchaser has to say about our fitted Color pop tankini top.

Tankini top FAQ

Who should wear a tankini?

Anyone looking for a swimwear option that offers more coverage than a bikini but with the flexibility and comfort of a two-piece can wear a tankini. Tankinis are particularly flattering for all women of all body types, providing gorgeous and flattering coverage. They are a great choice for those who prefer not to show too much skin while still enjoying the benefits of a two-piece swimsuit.

What swimwear option is the best for a big belly?

For individuals with a big belly, tankini bathing suits, especially those with tummy control features, are an excellent option. These swimsuits offer added coverage and can help to smooth and shape the midsection, providing a flattering silhouette. Tankinis with ruched or layered fabric can also be particularly effective at providing a slimming effect.

What color swimsuit makes you look thinner?

Dark colors, such as black and navy blue, have a slimming effect and are perfect for those looking to appear thinner in their swimsuit. These shades can help to visually streamline the body, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking to minimize their silhouette.

Are underwire tankinis a good option for a big belly?

Underwire tankinis can be a good option for individuals with a big belly, especially for those seeking additional support for the bust area. The underwire provides support and can help to lift and shape the bust, which can, in turn, create a more balanced and flattering silhouette. When combined with tummy control features or ruched fabric, underwire tankinis can offer both support and a slimming effect

Are tankinis more flattering?

Tankinis are considered more figure flattering as they slenderize thick waists while showing some skin. The tank elongates the torso while adjustable cuts optimize shoulder, bust and tummy coverage. Added style, support and slimming versatility render the modest two-piece tankini the most complimentary for imperfect figures.

What is the difference between a swim dress and a tankini?

A swim dress is a one-piece swimsuit with a skirted bottom that extends down to cover more of the hips and thighs, while a tankini is a two-piece swimsuit with a tank-style top and separate bottoms. Swim dresses offer more coverage and are often chosen for their modesty and ability to camouflage the lower body. Tankinis, on the other hand, provide the flexibility of a two-piece with added coverage for the midsection, and they can be paired with various styles of bottoms.

What is a trikini swimsuit?

A trikini swimsuit style features three pieces—a traditional bikini top and bottom coupled with a matching tank top worn over the bust, and secured at the back. The removable loose tank provides adjustable coverage while allowing versatility to remove layers and transform the look into a standard bikini set.

Can I wear a tankini with shorts?

You can wear a tankini with shorts. It is fashionable to pair tankini tops with casual shorts, like denim cutoffs. High-waisted shorts coordinated to match or contrast the color and pattern of the tankini top pieces together a chic swim outfit.

Is a triangle bikini top a good option for women with big breasts?

Triangle tops may not be the best option for women with big breasts, because they provide minimal support and coverage. Women with larger busts may benefit more from swimsuits that offer underwire support, wider straps, and more structured cups to ensure comfort and adequate support. Tankinis with underwire or halter styles can be more suitable alternatives that provide both support and a flattering fit.

What is the best swimsuit type for pear-shaped bodies?

The most flattering swimsuit silhouette for a pear body shape is a tankini with a structured top fitted through the torso. This contrasts the bottom with skirted boy shorts minimizing the rear while streamlining curves. Halter tankini tops also beautifully showcase pear figures as they widen the upper body in balance.

Can a woman with an apple-shaped body wear a tankini?

While an apple-shaped figure with a rounded torso may shy from two-pieces, tankinis serve as excellent apple body type swimwear. The tank top provides tummy control, balancing the top half better with bottoms like high-waisted shorts minimizing a stomach pooch. Dark tanks with angular lines, A-line swing shapes, and strategic draping camouflage and slenderize apple shape figures. Underwire cups, adjustable lacing, and smocked sides offer slimming structure perfect for apple figures to confidently wear tankinis.