Invisible Swimsuits

What Are Invisible Swimsuits?

When you hear the term "invisible swimsuits" what do you envision? Perhaps you think of swimsuits made from clear vinyl? They're out there, but this isn't exactly what we're looking for. Maybe you think the term is a euphemism for skinny dipping? Some people may use it that way, but we still haven't hit the mark.

Actually, the term "invisible swimsuits" is a clever marketing ploy used to describe swimwear that effectively disappears when wet. Of course, this is an illusion. The suit is still there, but where it once provided adequate coverage when dry, it becomes quite see-through when wet.

This kind of swimwear certainly has its shock value, but it's not suitable for general public wear. If you're intrigued enough to buy an invisible swimsuit, its best to reserve it for private swimming venues.

What Are They Made From?

Invisible swimsuits can be made from various materials, but the main requirement is that the material is sheer and of a skin tone or white color to get the invisible effect. Yes, you can opt for suits in other colors that will be virtually translucent. It all depends on the look you're trying to achieve.

Typical materials include:

• Mesh
• Ultra sheer Lycra
• Sheer nylon
• Gauze

The First Invisible Bathing Suit

It may not have been the very first invisible bathing suit, but it was certainly the first exposure to one for many people, including Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Cheryl Tiegs. Tiegs was wearing a white mesh one piece during one shoot, and the moment she hit the water it became transparent. As the story goes, apparently Tiegs was unaware of her transformation, and the photographer kept clicking away. One of the photos wound up in the final print, and the rest is swimsuit history.

Shopping

Lest you think invisible swimsuits are only for women, think again. These suits are made for guys too. Let's do a little window shopping.

Wicked Weasel

Wicked Weasel carries a full array of sheer swimsuits in every bikini cut imaginable. Many of the suits are already fairly transparent, but when wet- watch out!

Koala

There's really only one word for Koala Swimwear: outrageous! Koala only makes men's swimsuits, and they are extremely revealing whether you plan to swim in them or not. In fact, the website is off limits to anyone under 18 due to the racy swimsuit model images. You can find invisible suits here, but there's nudity as well, so enter with caution.

Dangerous Curves

Dangerous Curves is one swimsuit company that lives up to its name. There are plenty of bikinis here that qualify as invisible when wet. Case in point, their white sheer thong. When dry, it's a classic string bikini that's a bit too translucent for the public beach or pool. Add water, and you may as well be wearing nothing at all.

Malibu Strings

MalibuStrings.com carries a full array of daring swimsuits, including a few ultra sheer numbers that qualify as translucent when wet. Sheer bikinis like their Malibu micro and Bandeau/X-micro are alluring enough, but choose these suits in white and they seem to melt away like ice cream on a hot summer day when you get them wet.

Skinz

Skinz Swimwear has a reputation for offering racy swimsuits for men and women. Their men's white satin short trunks are unlined and come with a caution: revealing when wet. Their nude colored men's thong also becomes quite translucent in water. Need we say more? You can find Skinz on Ebay.

Brazilian Bikinis.org

BrazilianBikinis.org offers a number of see-through bikinis made from gauze and other materials, and if you actually prefer a one piece translucent swimsuit, this is the place to be. Check out their sheer one piece Double Dip. It's a stunner.