What are pros and cons to one and two piece swimsuits?

There is such variety in both that I have trouble answering. I usually only wear one piece swim suits but I wear a lot of different ones. First, I don’t have a two-piece suit but I sometimes wear a rashguard or shirt to keep the sun off my shoulders so that kinda counts and can be very important for your safety.

I wear small suits when I exercise or race. But for snorkelling and active beach time, I like a swim suit that looks like a pair of shorts. I think it is tougher for when I sit on a rough rock or something and won’t rip so easily.

Maybe I am conservative on the subject but I think this quesiton is focused on women’s suits. Modern bikinis can be suitable for sports and won’t slip or show more than you want. I am not interested in tanning but if that is your goal, then you need more than one suit so the strap marks are tanned over by wearing suits with different strap placements.

I’ll first admit to being a one piece fan, but from my perspective (and others may have wildly differing views of course), here goes! -

One Piece:

Pros: Reliable (as in VERY unlikely to come off irrespective of how rough the water is). Far more comfortable to really swim in, and obviously far better for diving or similar activities. The more conventional designs can double up as a leotard for yoga / athletic activities, so a very multi-functional piece of apparel. The many high cut leg versions are excellent for accentuating the legs - if you are somewhat petite they can make your body appear a little bit longer too!

Cons: Generally cost a little more (though online shopping has almost eliminated this problem). Generally more coverage than two pieces (though some of the more “unconventional” designs are pretty minimalist!), and after a swim you’ve got a lot more wet fabric to deal with. The wet fabric can also be cold especially in windy conditions (so necessitating a change, sometimes not in the easiest of places!)

Two Piece:

Pros: Minimalist coverage (well the current crop are pretty minimalist), so very good for getting a nearly all-over tan (in places where nudity is prohibited); OK for casual swimming, gentle water sports, and traditionally greater sex appeal (though see above with VERY minimalist one piece numbers!)

Cons: Really not idea for serious swimming especially in rougher conditions. Ditto for diving - a common cause of “wardrobe malfunctions” especially in the more minimalist numbers. The straps / string do tend to dig in and chafe a bit after a few hours, and you are still going to get tan lines (although the current fashion for clear string bikinis is supposed to eliminate this problem - the clear string / strap material being fully UV transparent).

Current minimalist one-piece “monokini” (as sold by the Surf Shop alongside my Pharmacy!) -

Bottom Type: High Cut&high Leg, Thong
Bra Type: Padded
Embellishment: Tied
Group: Woman
Material: Nylon, Polyester
Neckline: Strapless
Pattern: Animal
Sleeve Length: Sleeveless
Style: Brazilian Bikini, Sexy
Type: Monokini

Brown Tiger Print Strapless Padded High Cut Thong Sexy Monokini, $17.99



Bottom Type: High Cut&high Leg, Thong
Bra Type: Bandeau, Padded
Group: Woman
Material: Nylon, Polyester
Pattern: Tie Dye
Sleeve Length: Sleeveless
Style: Sexy Bikini
Type: Bikini
Waistline: Low Waist

Multi Tie Dye Bandeau High Cut Thong Sexy Bikini, $17.99



Bottom Type: High Cut&high Leg
Bra Type: Bandeau Bikini, Padded
Embellishment: O Ring
Group: Woman
Material: Nylon, Polyester
Pattern: Two Tone
Sleeve Length: Sleeveless
Style: Sexy
Type: Bikini
Waistline: Low Waist

Black Two Tone O Ring Bandeau High Cut Sexy Bikini, $17.99



Bottom Type: Normal
Bra Type: Padded
Group: Woman
Material: Polyester, Spandex
Neckline: Halter
Pattern: Solid Color Swimsuit
Sleeve Length: Sleeveless
Style: Sexy
Type: One Piece

Halter Padded Sexy One Piece Swimsuit, $22.99



Bottom Type: Normal
Bra Type: Padded
Embellishment: Drawstring, Printed
Group: Woman
Material: Polyester, Spandex
Neckline: Spaghetti Straps
Pattern: Floral
Sleeve Length: Sleeveless
Style: Sexy
Type: Bikini
Waistline: High Waist Swimsuit

Dark-blue Floral Print Spaghetti Straps High Waist Sexy Bikini, $22.99



Back Details: Backless
Bottom Type: High Cut Swimsuit
Bra Type: Padded
Embellishment: Lace Up
Group: Woman
Material: Polyester, Spandex
Pattern: Stripe
Sleeve Length: Sleeveless
Style: Sexy
Type: One Piece

Orange Stripe Lace Up High Cut Sexy One Piece Swimsuit, $23.99



Bottom Type: Normal
Bra Type: Padded
Embellishment: Cutout Swimsuit, Drawstring
Group: Woman
Material: Polyester, Spandex
Neckline: Spaghetti Straps
Pattern: Polka Dot
Sleeve Length: Sleeveless
Style: Sexy
Type: One Piece

Polka Dot Cutout Sexy One Piece Swimsuit, $23.99



Back Details: Crisscross
Bottom Type: High Cut&high Leg
Bra Type: Padded
Group: Woman
Material: Polyester, Spandex
Neckline: Halter Swimsuit
Pattern: Leopard
Sleeve Length: Short Sleeve
Style: Sexy
Type: One Piece

Leopard Halter Crisscross High Cut Sexy One Piece Swimsuit, $23.99



Back Details: Crisscross
Bottom Type: High Cut&high Leg
Bra Type: Padded
Embellishment: Printed
Group: Woman
Material: Polyester, Spandex
Neckline: Halter
Pattern: Floral print Swimsuit
Sleeve Length: Short Sleeve
Style: Sexy
Type: One Piece

White Floral Print Halter Crisscross High Cut Sexy One Piece Swimsuit, $23.99