The introduction of the tankini in 1998 by leading US swimwear designer Anne Cole bridged the gap in the swimsuit market between the bikini and full swimsuit. The tankini meant that body conscious women everywhere could now wear a feminine outfit on the beach which provided coverage of the stomach and abs area.
The tankini set up
Tankini swimwear is made up of a tank top and a pair of bikini bottoms or swim shorts. All tankini tops and bottoms can be purchased in a variety of styles and colours which makes them ideal for mixing and matching with each other as well catering for different body shapes.
The top
The tankini swimwear top is the most important part of the tankini and is the reason that it has become so popular. This is because it covers the torso and stomach area in a flattering and feminine way, plus by providing this coverage it can add additional support and sometimes a more defined shape. There are several different designs of tankini swimwear tops that are available, these include;
Controlled – these types of tankini swimwear are fitted with a specialist control panel around the stomach area, which is hidden inside in order to give a sliming appearance to the wearer.
Apron – these tankini tops are secure and practically fitted around the breast area, but create a flowing effect around the waist and midriff region.
Traditional – the traditional tops are tank tops which have either thick straps or spaghetti straps, which are often referred to as Camkinis.
Strapless –there are two styles of strapless tankinis that are available, the completely strapless tankini or the halter neck tankini swimwear top. Some strapless tankinis are also referred to as bandeau tankinis because of the band effect around the waist.
Tankini bottoms
Tankini swimwear bottoms can be anything from bikini bottoms, female board shorts, hipster bottoms or even a style of shorts known as boy shorts. All tankini swimsuit shorts provide coverage of the hip and bottom area and the different styles allows for the more boy conscious women to customise her swimsuit look.
Tankini swimwear everywhere!
The tankini style swimwear has come on leaps and bounds since it was first launched in the late 1990s. Today cropped tankini style tops are worn by female athletes, because they can offer maximum support and comfort and there are even designer tankinis, with designers incorporating jewels to add a touch of elegance to the everyday tankini.
© Tankinis.me.uk 2010
![]() |