Slingshot Bikinis

From LoveToKnow Swimsuits

Never heard of slingshot bikinis before? Find out more right here!

All About Slingshot Bikinis

Slingshot bikinis don't really fall into any specific swimwear category. There's slightly too much connecting material to be a true bikini, and honestly, not enough material to be considered a full one piece swimsuit. Consider this alluring piece of swimwear a hybrid of both styles.

Slingshot bikinis are also referred to as "pretzels", and with good reason. This swimsuit is basically one continuous piece of spandex fabric. The bottom area is usually a very revealing thong, with thin straps of material that travel up from the waist to stretch over the breasts and wrap around the back of the neck. The neckline is really non-existent, plunging down to the pubic bone. The neck strap may be worn straight, or twisted to form a criss-cross on the upper chest, giving it the "pretzel" moniker.

Function vs. Fashion

Although slingshot bikinis are technically swimsuits, they are not swimwear in the average sense. The design of this swimwear is geared toward visual appeal, with only a fleeting nod to function.

Simply put, a slingshot looks hot, as Paris Hilton might say, but it's hard to keep in place. The whole piece depends on retaining the type of tension only found when the wearer is standing upright. Anything less and the material has a tendency to slip off curves, revealing places you might rather keep covered.

So the question begs, where do slingshot bikinis fit in. The best answer; the world of high fashion swimwear. The slingshot is really designed to be a piece of eye candy, most often donned by fashion models for photo shoot spreads in Sports Illustrated and the like. These sexy swimsuits also make a dramatic impact on the runway, gathering more than their fair share of attention as the models make their way down the catwalk.

That's not to say you won't find slingshots on the beach, but because they are so revealing, these suits are usually reserved for wear at private beaches. They're also a staple on the less inhibited shores of South America where sunbathing is practically considered a national pastime.

Not Just for the Ladies

Yes, there is a male counterpart to slingshot bikinis. The men's swimwear version is an ultra skimpy slingshot pouch thong, and while most pieces do not come equipped with shoulder straps, they are available on some designs.

Caution

If you are confident enough to wear one of these daring swimsuits, sun block is a must. You'll likely be baring more skin than you ever have before, and this means certain areas will burn quicker than others.

Start out the season with an SPF 50 lotion, and as your tan gradually deepens you can switch to a lower SPF. Just don't give up on the sun block completely, or you might still find yourself with a burn.

Conclusion

Whether you call them pretzel swimsuits or slingshot bikinis, they're all the same type of swimwear. If you're going to wear one just remember, posture is everything. Hold your head high, keep your back straight, and cross your fingers everything stays in place!

Shopping Links

If we've peaked your interest and you think you might like to give a slingshot bikini a try, you can find them for purchase at the following retailers.


 


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