The tankini is a life saver when it comes to a little stomach camouflage or to cover up a white expanse of flesh on your first trip to the beach.
According to Victoria’s Secret, "the tankini has the allure of a two piece, the comfort of a one piece." A hybrid between both, with a bikini-style bottom and a separate tank top, it is respectable enough to pass muster in a beach or pool bar.
Once thought to be unsexy and boring, the tankini has emerged as stylish as its counterparts. With variations such as figure flattering halter-necks, sexy low plunge-necks, boy shorts, briefs and strings, giving you that extra bit of coverage for fat days, the humble tankini is a beach life saver of women the world over.
Its greatest appeal is its versatility and adaptability. Buy a tankini from a supplier like Victoria’s Secret, and you are able to purchase a variation in separates and styles. From strings to scoops, to belted Bond Girl briefs to boy shorts and skirts, you are able to swap and change pieces according to your mood, meaning your swimwear will never look exactly the same.
Advantages of a Tankini
- With the range of bikini bottoms and tankini tops available, it is possible to find a style to suit any body shape.
- If you are not the same size on your top and bottom half, you can mix and match sizes.
- It gives you the coverage you want plus the power to tan areas gradually by rolling up the tank.
- It gives you the chance to camouflage your stomach an waist by wearing a tank with a longer torso.
- Trips to the bathroom are easier than with a one-piece.
- It is more forgiving than a bikini or monokini when it comes to hiding lumps and bumps.
- It give you more room to expand during your pregnancy than a one-piece, especially if you buy a purposely-styled peekaboo tank.
- It stays in place; no worrying about losing a bikini top or bottoms in rough sea.
Choosing the Right Tankini for Your Shape
A tankini can be an asset to your figure or do nothing for it. Not all tankinis will be flattering to your shape so it pays to think about the cut of the tank top and the bottom half.
If you are after more than a little stomach coverage then go for a tank with a longer torso, so that it doesn’t ride up, showing an unsightly roll of flesh. Most of Victoria Secret’s tankini tops come with a longer torso option and Maryna Linchuk for Stella McCartney Spring 2008, has a flattering blue and white dolphin print ($1,095), with a tank which finishes just below the hips.
A patterned tank and a plain bikini bottom is ideal for pear shapes. If you are short, go for higher cut briefs rather then low cut legs and boy shorts. To draw attention away from the waist and tummy choose a tank with detailing around the bust, or a halter-neckline. The belted (James Bond Girl-type) briefs with an extra-wide waistband help to hide flabby and untoned hips.
Remember the pattern rule! Diagonal and vertical stripes and prints are more slimming and body-lengthening than horizontal ones.
If you are top heavy then for a halter style or wide straps rather than thin straps, as spaghetti straps will accentuate your bust more.
Tankinis for 2008
This season tankinis are hot! Set pulses racing with Victoria secrets latest line in tankinis.They have a wide range of sexy designs with push-up bras and the option to choose from skimpy or full-cover briefs. Buy two different styles or colors to go with your top, one which offers more coverage and another for tanning days! Most tanks go up to a D cup and are available in standard and longer torso lengths. Saks.com features a couple of halter-neck classic Badgley Mischka tankinis, and a fashion-forward Juicy Couture halter ruffle tankini, in keeping with one of this season’s hottest trends - ruffles and frills.
