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Tankinis are a relatively new entry into the swimwear market. They are the design of US swimwear designer Anne Cole and were launched in 1998. Tankinis provide the support of a bikini with the body coverage of a swimsuit, but what makes them unique is their two piece design which allows for stomach coverage without being too tight, plus they can be mixed and matched to create a variety of styles to suit all tastes and body shapes.
The making of the tankini
The same fabrics that are used to make swimsuits and bikinis are also used to produce a tankini. Tankinis can be made from a combination of Lycra and nylon or cotton and spandex to ensure that they are stretchy.
The tankini style
The tankini top is what sets tankinis apart from other swimwear. The top is designed to reach down to the navel in order to provide cover of the midriff region. There are different styles of tankini tops which can be worn to create the tankini bikini look.
Cropped – a cropped tankini top is more like a larger bikini top and closely resembles a sports bra. This style of top is seen worn by swimmers or women who are happy to display their torso.
Traditional – the traditional top is low cut with standard thicker straps which are designed to show the arms but add coverage to the stomach area. A similar tankini style top, called a camikini has spaghetti straps in order to display more of the shoulder, but also had the required coverage of the midriff.
Strapless – the strapless tankini top tends to help up with a form of elastic around the top or has a halter neck fastening design.
Under-wired – a majority of tankini bikini tops that are available to purchase are non under-wired, nevertheless under-wired tankinis are becoming popular and can be easily found in high street retailers.
The tankini bikini
Once the tankini part has been resolved, in that a suitable tankini top has been purchased it is now time to create the bikini part. To transform a tankini into a tankini bikini requires selecting the right bikini bottoms, these can be;
Hipsters – have a slim waistline and rest on the hips
Thong – provides minimal coverage of the crotch, but leaves the buttocks exposed
String – has a triangular piece of fabric for the crotch and buttocks, which are held together with a thin string around the waist.
The emphasis with a tankini bikini is to select a style which works for you and that you are happy with.
© Tankinis.me.uk 2010
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