Underwire Tankini

The Tankini Style

You may think of a tankini as basically a tank top style for your upper half and a regular bathing suit bottom for your lower half. Together, they combine to give the illusion of a one-piece swimsuit with a flash of midsection every now and then.

In reality, you may see pieces labeled as "tankinis" when they actually have no straps at all. Strapless styles can be considered tankinis as long as they cover most of your midriff. You'll see halter styles as well. The key to being called a tankini isn't related to the straps, but to the amount of coverage they offer.

Who Can Wear an Underwire Tankini

In reality, almost any body type can look great in the underwire tankini. However, the women who get the most benefits from this style are those whose breasts are large enough to need a little extra support and those who wish to hide their midsections from public view.

Since the bottoms are interchangeable, you can choose the style that works best for your thighs, hips and butt. Most commonly, you'll find a classic brief bottom paired with a tankini, if they're paired up at all. Many tankinis are now sold as separates.

The underwire tankini is for the modest girl who doesn't mind a little flash of skin, but wishes not to put herself on display for the whole beach. It's easier to keep up with than a beach coverup, but offers you a degree of comfort. You don't have to worry too much about whether or not your pasta salad lunch is making you look too bloated for beachwear.

Girls who tend to be active on the beach, swimming, playing sports, running and more, will love the tankini style. That's because there's very little opportunity for it to ride up and create cause for embarrassment. Just be sure to pick a bottom that fits snugly and a top that has straps that hug your body well.

Where to Get Yours

There are quite a few places that offer the underwire tankini style of swimsuit. Check the following websites to find the one (or ones) you're looking for.

• Aerin Rose has four tankini styles to choose from, including the Banded Halter, Tie Halter, Shirred Tube Top and the Shirred Over-Shoulder.

• Bigger Bras is a site designed for women who need extra support. Their tankini tops feature underwires, and you can mix and match the tops with the bottoms.

• Macy's also has supportive tankini styles to choose from. Shop online or in stores.

• Fig Leaves has tankinis available with and without underwire. Two of the styles you should be sure to check out while you're there are the Pour Moi? and the Fantasie.

• OBX Sunwear offers plus size underwire tankini swimsuits. Expect to pay about $120.00-$140.00 for their suits. The Carol Wior Plus Size Surplice Tank featured on the site is $120.00 and comes in turquoise with black trim. The bottom is black and attached despite the two-piece appearance.

A Final Word

Underwire tankini styles are great for almost every body type, although some girls may prefer more or less coverage than the typical tankini offers. Why cover up great abs with a top that covers all the way down to your navel? On the same note, why wear a one-piece if what you really prefer is a two-piece? The tankini is a fantastic middle ground.

The great news is, you should be able to find this style nearly anywhere you plan to shop for your next swimsuit. It's not too racy and not too matronly, so shopping for one should be a breeze.