Exotic Swimwear

What do you consider exotic swimwear? The dictionary defines exotic as "from another part of the world", or "intriguingly unusual or different; excitingly strange". Exotic swimwear appears to meet both of these definitions, and then some.

Try some exotic swimwear on for size!

To some people, it's the cut that determines whether a bathing suit is considered exotic swimwear.

The Brazilian Bikini is a product of the sun-drenched beaches of South America where tanning is serious business. These suits are a cut down version of the string bikini, covering as much as fifty percent less of the body.

Micros are considered to be very exotic, and are an even tinier version of the Brazilian.

A thong bottom is standard gear for both of these very daring swimsuits.

Sometimes it's not what's there, but what isn't that makes a swimsuit look quite exotic. Suits with strategic cut-outs come in both one piece, and bikini styles.

Cutting also applies to plunging necklines, practically non-existent thong bottoms and high-cut leg openings that rise to the top of the hips, all of which can give bathing suits a very unusual, and often extremely sexy look.

In many parts of the world, especially southern Europe, toplessness is so widespread as to be practically de rigueur. In most parts of North America and the UK, topless swimming and sunbathing is still seen as risqué to socially unacceptable; nonetheless the wearing of a simple bikini bottom with no top is becoming increasingly popular. The opposite - a bikini top worn without a bottom - has yet to find general social acceptance anywhere outside naturist beaches, where it is occasionally worn either for comfort or to make a personal statement. In any case, that is about as exotic as a swimsuit can get!

For some people, it's the fabric used that takes a swimsuit from ordinary to exotic. Palm tree and floral prints bring the tropics to mind, but other prints and fabrics can be far more unusual and exciting.

Hot zebra stripes!

Nothing announces "exotic" more quickly than animal print fabrics. The leopard print is a designer favorite for not only exotic swimwear but other fashions and accessories as well, evoking images of tropical jungle foliage and sweltering heat. Zebra and tiger striped prints are also quite popular choices for swimwear that takes a walk on the wild side.

Vinyl swimsuits are a totally different brand of exotic from animal print fabric. Vinyls are usually quite shiny, and depending on how they are cut, these swimsuits can almost look as though they have been painted on.

This fabric certainly create a dramatic look, but is not as comfortable as the standard Lycra and spandex blends that are used in most swimwear.

Holographic fabric is similar to vinyl in that it is very reflective.

A lame swimsuit will create quite a stir anywhere, anytime.

Sheer tan-through swimsuit fabric is a marvel of ingenuity. At first glance, this fabric looks like any other swimsuit material, but it is actually much lighter. Thousands of pin point holes have been woven through the fabric which allows light to pass through to allow tanning on the skin beneath. You can see the holes if you hold one of these rather exotic swimsuits up to the light, but you can't see through the fabric when you're wearing it.

There are also more exotic swimsuits made of very sheer, see through fabric that leaves virtually nothing to imagination.

Sometimes it's the embellishments that give a piece of swimwear its exotic flavor. South Beach swimwear designer Red Carter loves using mini mirrors as accents on some of his swimsuits. Close your eyes and imagine the dramatic sparkling effects one of these suits creates as sunlight bounces off every reflective plain.

Beads, sequins and crystals can also be used to create a suit that is far from ordinary. Sometimes these suits are more appropriate for show instead of swimming.

As you can see, many different elements contribute to the making of what can be considered exotic swimwear. It's really all a matter of perspective. If you find a particular suit out of the ordinary, yet oddly intriguing, feel free to consider it exotic.

• Microkitten.com, Brazilian swimwear.
• Exotic Closet, tan-through swimwear.
• Exotics.com, swimwear and lingerie.
• Dangerous Curves, exotic swimwear.

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