What is a Tankini? Everything You Need to Know
A tankini is a two-piece swimsuit that pairs a tank top with a bikini bottom. Unlike a traditional bikini top, the tankini top extends down to cover the midriff — anywhere from just below the bust to hip level depending on the style. You get the coverage of a one-piece with the convenience of separates.
The tankini became popular in the late 1990s as an alternative for women who wanted more torso coverage without giving up a two-piece silhouette. It's remained a staple ever since — practical, versatile, and easier to wear than most people expect.
How a Tankini Differs from a Bikini and a One-Piece
A bikini exposes the midriff entirely. A one-piece covers it completely. A tankini sits in between — the top covers the stomach while the bottom functions exactly like a bikini bottom.
The key practical difference from a one-piece: you can mix and match sizes for your top and bottom independently, and bathroom breaks are considerably easier.
Types of Tankini Tops
Not all tankinis are cut the same. The main variations:
Standard tankini — a fitted or semi-fitted tank that hits at the hip or waist. Most versatile cut, works as a swimsuit top or can be styled as a bodysuit with shorts.
Ruched tankini — gathered fabric across the front that creates texture and draws the eye away from the midsection. Popular for postpartum or anyone who wants a softer silhouette.
Halterneck tankini — the top ties or clasps at the neck, offering more support than a standard tank strap. Good for larger busts.
Square neck tankini — structured neckline that sits flat across the chest, suits smaller to medium busts and gives a clean, modern look.
Skirted tankini — the top extends into a short skirt that covers the upper thigh. Maximum coverage, often chosen for sun protection or personal modesty preferences.
Who Should Wear a Tankini
Tankinis work for almost any body type, but they're particularly useful for:
Women who want midriff coverage without a one-piece — postpartum, or simply a personal preference for more fabric.
Women who are different sizes on top and bottom — the ability to size the top and bottom independently is a significant practical advantage over a one-piece.
Women who are active at the beach or pool — the tank top stays in place during movement in a way that a standard bikini top often doesn't.
Women who want a swimsuit they can also wear as an outfit — a good tankini top tucks into shorts or a skirt and functions as a regular top.
How to Style a Tankini
At the beach: pair with a wide-brimmed straw hat, a linen sarong, and flat sandals. The tankini top does enough work that you don't need much else.
At the pool: a tankini in a bold print with minimal accessories — a tote bag and one piece of gold jewellery — keeps the look clean.
For a casual outing: wear the tank top tucked into high-waisted shorts or a midi skirt. Add a light jacket for the evening.
Explore Be Juliet's full swimwear collection for mix-and-match options that work as well out of the water as in it.
Sizing and Fit
Because a tankini top covers the midriff, fit through the torso matters more than with a standard bikini top. Look for:
- Adjustable straps — these let you customise the length so the hem sits where you want it, not where the manufacturer assumed you'd want it
- Stretch fabric — a good tankini top should move with you, not pull or gap
- Built-in cups or shelf bra — for a more natural shape and light support without needing a separate bra
When in doubt on size, size up. A slightly larger tankini top skims the body more flatteringly than one that pulls across the stomach.
Caring for Your Tankini
Hand wash in cold water with mild detergent after each wear. Press water out gently — don't wring. Lay flat to dry in shade. Rinse immediately after pool use to remove chlorine before it breaks down the fabric and elastic.
FAQs: What is a Tankini
Q: What exactly is a tankini?
A: A tankini is a two-piece swimsuit with a tank top instead of a standard bikini top. The top covers the midriff while the bottom is a normal bikini bottom. It gives more coverage than a bikini without the constraints of a one-piece.
Q: Is a tankini more flattering than a bikini?
A: Depends on what you're looking for. If you want midriff coverage or prefer not to show your stomach, a tankini is more flattering for that preference. If you prefer an open silhouette, a bikini works better. Neither is inherently more flattering — it's a matter of what makes you feel good.
Q: Can you swim in a tankini?
A: Yes. Tankinis are designed for swimming. The top stays in place during movement better than a standard bikini top for most body types, particularly for larger busts or anyone doing more active water activities.
Q: How is a tankini different from a one-piece?
A: A tankini has a separate top and bottom so you can size them independently and take bathroom breaks easily. A one-piece is a single garment. Tankinis generally offer similar midriff coverage to a one-piece but with the flexibility of separates.
Q: Can you wear a tankini top as a regular top?
A: Yes — a good fitted tankini top tucks into shorts, jeans, or a skirt and functions as a regular bodysuit-style top. Look for styles with a clean neckline and fabric that doesn't look obviously like swimwear.