Swimwear has evolved far beyond being just a beach essential. Today, it’s a perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance. These are designed to suit different body types and lifestyles. The global swimwear market is projected to reach around USD 22.04 billion in 2025, reflecting a growing demand for swimwear that balances functionality and fashion.
From sleek one-pieces to trendy bikinis, the world of swimwear offers endless options for both men and women. For brands and fashion startups, understanding the types of swimwear is essential for creating collections that meet customer expectations across beachwear, pool use, and sports.
As the swimwear market continues to grow, customization has become a major trend. Many brands are now partnering with manufacturers like Argus Apparel, a leading custom swimwear manufacturer in the USA, to develop unique designs that reflect their brand identity while meeting high-quality standards.
Why Knowing Swimwear Types Matters
Choosing the right swimwear style goes beyond fashion—it’s about function and confidence. For consumers, knowing the different types of swimsuits helps in selecting the best design for their body shape and activities. For brands, this knowledge is vital when designing collections that appeal to diverse markets.
- Style and body type: Each swimwear type complements different silhouettes. For instance, a one-piece enhances sleekness and comfort, while a high-waisted bikini offers a vintage-inspired, flattering look.
- Activity and comfort: Swimmers, surfers, or beachgoers all need specific fits and fabrics suited for movement and durability.
- Fabric and quality: High-quality materials ensure comfort, stretch, and resistance to chlorine or salt water.
Understanding these details helps both consumers and brands make informed choices that combine aesthetics with functionality.
Popular Types of Swimwear
The world of swimwear is full of variety. Here’s a complete swimwear guide highlighting the most popular types for both women and men.
1. One-Piece Swimsuit
The one-piece swimsuit is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Known for its sleek, full-coverage design, it’s ideal for swimming, training, and water sports. Modern one-pieces come in many variations, plunging necklines, halter styles, and open-back cuts, to blend elegance with performance.
For brands, one-pieces remain a staple in every collection because they appeal to all age groups and body types. Argus Apparel often manufactures custom one-piece swimsuits for brands that want to combine sporty comfort with stylish appeal.
2. Bikini
The bikini is one of the most iconic swimwear styles worldwide. It consists of two separate pieces—a top and a bottom—offering minimal coverage and maximum freedom. From triangle tops to bandeaus and cheeky bottoms, bikinis come in endless designs to suit every personality.
They’re perfect for sunbathing, beach holidays, or resort wear. Fashion brands often experiment with prints, textures, and sustainable fabrics when designing custom bikinis with Argus Apparel.
3. Tankini
A tankini offers the best of both worlds: the coverage of a tank top with the flexibility of a bikini bottom. It’s popular among women who prefer moderate coverage without compromising style.
Tankinis are practical for swimming, beach sports, or family outings. They’re also a great option for brands targeting women looking for stylish yet comfortable alternatives to the traditional one-piece.
4. Monokini
A monokini is a modern and stylish version of the one-piece, featuring bold cut-outs and unique shapes. It’s a favorite among those who want to make a fashion statement while still enjoying partial coverage.
Designers love experimenting with monokinis because they allow creativity in pattern, strap design, and texture. Argus Apparel often develops custom monokinis for brands focusing on luxury or trend-driven swimwear lines.
5. Swim Dresses
Swim dresses combine femininity and function. They feature a skirted design that provides extra coverage while maintaining a chic, elegant look. Swim dresses are especially popular among women who prefer modest styles but still want fashionable beachwear.
For brands targeting inclusive swimwear markets, adding swim dresses to their range can attract a wider audience.
6. Rash Guards & Surf Suits
Rash guards and surf suits are designed for performance and protection. They’re perfect for active swimmers, surfers, or anyone spending long hours under the sun. These suits are typically made from UV-protective, quick-drying fabrics that offer comfort and safety.
Men and women both wear rash guards, often paired with board shorts or swim leggings. At Argus Apparel, custom rash guards are crafted using high-quality, stretchable fabrics to ensure durability and comfort for professional and recreational use.
7. Board Shorts
Board shorts are the go-to choice for men’s swimwear. Originally designed for surfers, they’ve now become a casual beach essential. They offer a loose fit, adjustable waistband, and quick-drying material, making them perfect for both water activities and relaxed beach days.
Brands can experiment with prints, solid colors, or hybrid materials to create stylish board shorts that align with their identity.
8. High-Waisted Bikini
The high-waisted bikini has made a major comeback, inspired by retro fashion. It provides extra coverage around the waist, creating a flattering silhouette that appeals to many women.
It’s stylish, supportive, and ideal for those who want a blend of modern trends with vintage charm. Argus Apparel often receives requests from brands wanting to produce custom high-waisted bikinis to cater to this timeless trend.
9. Cover-Ups & Beach Wraps
While not technically swimwear, cover-ups and beach wraps are essential accessories. They add elegance, comfort, and versatility to swimwear looks. Made from sheer or lightweight fabrics, they are perfect for transitioning from beach to café effortlessly.
Including matching cover-ups in a swimwear collection enhances brand value and offers customers complete beachwear experience.
Also read about: Types of Panties in our blog.
Swimwear Fabrics You Should Know
The right swimwear fabric can make or break a swimsuit’s performance and comfort.
The most common materials include:
- Nylon: Smooth, lightweight, and quick drying. Ideal for everyday swimwear.
- Spandex (Lycra): Offers superior stretch and flexibility for active use.
- Polyester blends: Known for durability, chlorine resistance, and color retention.
Brands focusing on long-lasting, sustainable swimwear often choose fabric blends that resist fading and provide UPF protection. Argus Apparel uses premium materials in its custom swimwear manufacturing to ensure durability, comfort, and style for every collection.
Tips for Choosing the Right Swimwear
Selecting the right swimwear is all about finding the perfect balance between style, comfort, and practicality. Whether you’re a brand designing a new collection or a consumer looking for the perfect swimsuit, it’s important to consider how, where, and why the swimwear will be used. The right choice not only enhances comfort but also ensures durability and confidence while wearing it.
- Purpose:
Start by thinking about where the swimwear will be worn. A swimsuit made for lounging at the beach will differ from one designed for surfing or competitive swimming. For example, if it’s for a beach holiday, focus on trendy designs and comfortable fits. For sports or active use, go for styles that stay secure and offer flexibility, such as one-pieces or rash guards. Knowing the purpose helps narrow down the best swimwear type for each need. - Fit and Comfort:
Fit is one of the most important aspects of swimwear. A well-fitted swimsuit provides the right level of support, movement, and coverage. Look for fabrics with good stretches, such as spandex or nylon blends, as they adjust well to your body shape. The swimwear should feel snug but not tight, and it should allow easy movement in and out of water. For brands, offering multiple sizes and body-inclusive fits can help attract a broader customer base. - UV Protection:
Spending long hours under the sun means protection is essential. Modern swimwear often includes fabrics with built-in UV protection, which helps shield the skin from harmful rays. This feature is especially valuable for outdoor swimmers, surfers, and children. Choosing UV-protective materials not only enhances safety but also adds extra value to the product line for brands. - Sustainability:
Today’s consumers are more eco-conscious than ever. Sustainable swimwear is gaining popularity as brands move toward environmentally friendly materials like recycled nylon, polyester, or organic fabrics. These materials reduce waste without compromising on quality or design. Brands that prioritize sustainability not only appeal to conscious customers but also contribute to a more responsible fashion industry.
When fashion startups or established brands collaborate with experienced manufacturers like Argus Apparel, they can tailor every detail, fabric selection, design, fit, and branding, to match their target audience. Argus Apparel helps brands bring their vision to life by producing custom swimwear that stands out in both style and quality, ensuring every piece delivers comfort, durability, and a perfect fit for its purpose.
Conclusion
Understanding the types of swimwear helps both consumers and brands make smarter choices. From functional one-pieces and trendy bikinis to protective rash guards and stylish cover-ups, each style serves a unique purpose.
For fashion startups and established labels, offering a diverse range of swimwear styles ensures wider customer appeal. And when it comes to creating high-quality, customizable collections, Argus Apparel stands as a trusted partner for private label swimwear manufacturing in the USA.
Ready to launch your swimwear line?
Contact Argus Apparel today to design and produce premium-quality, custom swimwear that brings your brand the audience and customers it deserves.
