Skin Bikini Monokini

Hide and Seek: Skin Bikini Monokini

In most cases, you know exactly what to expect when you see a girl in a bikini; cleavage, bare from below the breasts to the hips, with very few surprises in between. A monokini will take that look to the next level. When it comes to the combination of a skin bikini monokini and the art of surprise (and quite possibly summer seduction!), there's no way you can't win. Who knows where the cutouts will be, or which types of embellishments will make the swimsuit special?

Also, the wearer gets to feel a bit more covered up due to strips of fabric down the middle, sides and/or back. In addition to that, it's easier to hide or at least distract from trouble spots while avoiding a matronly look in a one-piece swimsuit.

Granted, this statement refers to the better known type of monokini, not the topless monokini that is popular in Europe (also the original style of "monokini" from the 1960s) and will show plenty of skin.

In general, your monokini will be a peek-a-boo display of the skin traditionally found between a normal bikini top and bottom.

Show Your Skin in These

Here are a few sexy monokinis to consider slipping into before you lie down on that towel, jump into that wave or lounge by the pool:

Victoria's Secret has a selection of monokinis you'll love. Here are a few:

• Very Sexy® Crisscross One-Piece Monokini: As the name suggests, there is a crisscross design involved with this swimsuit— front and center. It's extremely low-cut and flares back out from the central point on the abdomen, creating the crisscross. You can choose from racy red or black. The original price is $60.00, but don't be surprised if you catch it on sale.

• Vix® Jeweled Cut-Out One-Piece Monokini: This swimsuit's worth mentioning because most monokinis have a strip of material right down the middle of the abdomen. This one's got it on one side, in a C-shape surrounding the midsection. There's one shoulder strap rather than two, and it's only available in white. However, don't worry because it's fully lined!. This monokini is normally priced at $165.00.

Department Stores and Monokinis

Department stores like Macy's and JC Penney also have monokini styles available.

The Guess Collection High Roller Monokini from Macy's normally runs about $110.00 and is accented with gold sequins, a v-neck and halter straps. Foam cups are removable.

The Arizona® Stripe Monokini from JC Penney has the surprisingly low price of just $38.00 on most days, although you could find yourself looking at a sale price if you time it right. This swimsuit features nautical navy blue and white stripes, and the fit is somewhat customizable thanks to the straps that tie in the back.

Newport News has monokinis in their line-up, too. Consider the $39.00 Ring-Cinched Monokini in Black or Blue-Multi. There's a bandeau top, soft cups, removable halter strap and full-coverage bottom. Another option is the similarly priced Backless Leopard-Print Monokini with a v-neck, side cutouts and a full-coverage bottom.

The Bottom Line

Skin, bikinis, monokinis and sophisticated surprise all go together when you consider the more modern versions of the swimsuit style. Choose these suits for fashion's sake or simply to grab attention, but one thing is sure. Monokinis will make you look sexy at any beach or pool.