Tank Tops

While tank tops designed specially for swimming are generally known as tankini swimsuits, the cotton tanks tops you're used to wearing with jeans and skirts can also make a good addition to your swimwear wardrobe. Throw one into your beach bag and pull it on over your bikini when you've had enough rays. It will help protect your skin from the sun, and protect your modesty if your bikini top feels a little too skimpy.

By carrying a tank top and shorts to the beach, you'll also have the perfect, easy outfit to throw on when it's time to find a pool side bar or bistro for lunch. You can even wear one with your bikini bottoms to swim in, just make sure you wear a swimsuit under it if your tank top is white or you could find yourself taking part in an impromptu wet T-shirt competition!

The Tankini Swimsuit

The tank top's swim-ready cousin is called the tankini and it's flattering, yet modest shape has made it a big hit amongst women of all shapes and sizes. A combination of regular bikini bottoms and a Lycra tank top, the tankini is a casual and comfortable type of swimsuit that is the perfect half-way home between the bikini and the one piece.

The tankini is also very versatile. Tops can be any color or fabric you like, and you can pair them with your choice of boy shorts, string bikini bottoms, a thong, or even a swim skirt. Better still, buy a selection of different style bottoms so that you can change your look anytime you like.

Different Styles

Thanks to the wide variety of tankinis available, it's hard to pick any one outlet to shop at, so have some fun shopping around, and trying on different styles. Here are some of our favourites:

Classic Tank

The classic tank top is sleeveless, and shaped like a vest, with a long body reaching to the waist. Within this classic style you'll find subtle variations, such as cropped tank tops, or tanks with spaghetti straps, although the basic shape is always the same. One of the most versatile tops around, the classic tank will fit and flatter most shapes.

Halter Neck Tank Top

Halter tops have been fashionable this year, both in regular day wear as well as in swimwear. Halter-style tank tops are a great choice for women looking for a little glamour in their swimsuit. They flatter the bust area, and when worn with boy shorts or hipster bikini bottoms, create a look reminiscent of the type of swimsuits worn by classic icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Esther Williams. Just keep in mind that although a halter looks great on nearly all shapes, it is not as flattering to women with pear shaped figures, accentuating a larger bottom.

Bandeau Tankini

The bandeau tank top is stapless, exposing the shoulders and uppermost chest. This is one of the more glamorous styles of tankini, and can be easily dressed up with a swim skirt or sarong.

Faux Tankini

The "faux", or "false" tankini isn't actually a tankini at all, it's a one piece swimsuit masquerading as a tankini, like this one from JC Penney. Designed for those who like the tankini style, but prefer the security of a one piece, this style is slightly harder to find.

Where to Buy Tank Tops

Try these retailers for a wide range of tank tops:

• Victoria's Secret
• Target
• Venus Swimwear
• Tankinis at eBay
• Compare tankini swimsuits at Nextag