Sheer Bikinis

Sheer bikinis may not suit every woman's style, but they're definitely attention-grabbing minimal coverage swimwear. If you feel you can pull off this super sexy look or just want to try something different as you frolic along the beach or lounge beside the pool, you need to know some of the most essential details.

When and Where to Don a Sheer Bikini

Perhaps the most essential element of a sheer bikini is that its fabric allows more sun to come through, resulting in no tan lines and an overall even glow. However, given their somewhat risqué nature, there is not always an appropriate time or location to wear it. The best thing is to do is check the rules of the public pool or beach you intend to visit about their swimsuit regulations. Every place is different, however, when in doubt, decide against wearing a sheer style at a beach or pool where children are present in abundance. Also, since these suits allow more sunrays to come through your suit, be sure to apply a generous amount of sunscreen to avoid any unnecessary burns. An important detail to keep in mind regarding this revealing swimsuit is that when they get wet, many are completely see-through, so proceed with caution.

Sheer Fabrics and Bikini Coverage

Arguably, the most important feature of a sheer bikini is its breathable, see-through fabric. There are a few choice fabrics that are used in the construction of a sheer two-piece to give it the sexy appearance it's known for.

Mesh: Mesh is the most popular fabric of this bikini design because it allows a generous amount of sun to come through, it's very breathable and doesn't hold as much moisture as traditional swimsuit styles. The small netting design of mesh fabric provides a slightly more modest look than designs with bigger patterns, like fishnet.
Fishnet: Best for ladies that are uninhibited about showing lots of skin, fishnet is not a traditional fabric for this type of bikini, but it is definitely used for a more sexy appearance. Since the netting on fishnets is larger than mesh, you want to be careful about an overexposure to sun. Be sure to apply a generous amount of sunscreen before you lay out in this revealing fabric.
Lace: Heavier than both mesh and fishnet fabric, lace is still relatively sheer when in the sun, and even more so when wet.Sheer bikinis made from lace won't allow you to receive as much sun coming through your suit as other sheer fabrics, but if they are small enough (thongs, g-strings, triangle tops) you can still get an even glow.

Styles of Sheer Bikinis

A regular bikini is characterized as a two-piece swimsuit that exposes your midriff. However, a sheer bikini exposes much more than the average bikini style, so to know what you're getting into before your purchase, check out a few popular styles:

Triangle top: This classic design is also one of the most frequently used in this bikini style. The triangular shape of the cups in the bust area are accented but slender strings that tie at the neck and around the back.
Side-tie bottoms: Adding an even sexier element to your sheer suit, side-tie bottoms are designed to fit individual curves and sit as high or as low on the hips as your like.
Thong/G-string bottoms: For the ladies that are into showing it all, there are the thong/G-string bottoms that expose a great portion of your rear. Just keep in mind that when worn at the beach, sand is more likely to come inside your suit than normal.
Halter tops: These are the best bikini tops for those of you that have a fuller bust or simply want the security of a sturdy top.
Bandeau top: Offering the least amount of support for a bikini top, a bandeau operates much like a strapless bra, and when you add the element of water to the mix you could run the risk of being more exposed than you like. This top is best for small-breasted women.

Popular Colors

As with any spring/summer fashion, one of the fun things about sheer bikinis are the vastly colorful options that they come in. Your choice of color totally depends on your preference and what type of look you're going for. Typical bright, sheer bikini fare include: yellows, pinks, blues, greens, reds, purples and oranges. There are also bikini designs that feature a combination of colors for those of you that just can't decide on only one bold hue. In addition to a vast arsenal of vibrant color choices, there are also some styles with designs on them. Some are embellished with rhinestones or other hardware, while others contain side ties, fringe and floral appliqué. To make selecting your swimsuit color even easier, use your complexion as a guide, noting the best shades that enhance your natural coloring.

Where to Buy

Of course there are stores that stock sheer bikinis, however it seems as though the majority of manufactures are online. The online shopping sites dedicated to selling them are large, and they also offer a wide variety of styles that stores may lack. Here are some of the most prominent:

Malibu Strings (www.malibustrings.com): Offers sheer when wet, sparkle sheer, and regular sheer styles.
Berrydog sells a large selection of solid and print styles.
Ujena offers several styles in mesh, including retro-inspired and string bikinis.
Bikini Flirt sells sheer items as separates.
I Love Swimwear (www.iloveswimwear.com) sells both always sheer and sheer when wet bikinis.

Wear it Well

Deciding to wear a sheer bikini is an equally personal and daring choice. Some women may feel very comfortable wearing this type of suit and forgo a coverup. Other women choose to wear it in a more modest manner, donning a cover-up until they are ready for more exposure. Whether you flaunt the suit or are more reserved, wear it with confidence to wear it well.