May 2026 5 MIN READ
Types of Ladies Swimwear: Our Guide to Swimsuit & Bikini Types
When it comes to sunshine-ready styling, finding the perfect swimwear is easy with our guide. From poolside lounging to beach getaways, the right fit can make you feel confident, supported, and effortlessly stylish.
We know there are lots of different styles to choose from, but not everyone knows the difference between them - that’s why we’ve created this guide! Whether you’re drawn to classic silhouettes or statement pieces, we’ll walk you through it all.
Before we get into specific styles, it’s worth thinking about what you actually want from your swimwear. Ask yourself:
Do you want more support or more freedom?
Are you planning to swim, sunbathe, or both?
Do you prefer more coverage or a minimal look?
Are you drawn to classic styles or trend-led pieces?
The beauty of modern swimwear is that there’s no “right” choice - only what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and like your best self. Explore our full range of swimwear and discover your new favourite fit.
- Already know what you’re looking for? Jump to:
- Types of bikini tops
- Types of bikini bottoms
- Types of swimsuits
What are the different types of ladies swimwear?
There are several types of swimwear to choose from, including swimsuits, bikinis, tankinis, and wetsuits or rashguards. Each style offers something different in terms of coverage, support and look, so finding the right one is all about what works best for you.
Not sure where to start? Use our swimwear for your body shape guide to help you narrow it down and find a style that makes you feel your absolute best.
First, let’s quickly run through the different types of swimwear:
A bikini is a two piece costume made up of a top and bottoms, offering flexibility in fit and styling.
A swimsuit is a one piece costume that provides more coverage and can offer enhanced support.
A tankini is similar to a bikini, but the top is longer, offering extra coverage and support.
A wetsuit or rash guard offers full body coverage (to wrists and ankles) and is typically designed for water sports or active use.
Types of bikini tops
From minimal coverage to maximum support, there’s a bikini top for every mood and moment. Explore our full bikini top collection to find your perfect match!
Triangle bikini tops
Let’s start with a classic. Triangle bikini tops are one of the most recognisable swimwear styles, and for good reason. Featuring two triangular cups, slim straps, and adjustable ties, they’re designed for a relaxed, barely-there feel. Typically, the cups slide along the tie, meaning you can adjust coverage depending on your preference, making them incredibly versatile.
Designed for comfort, the Barbuda Striped Triangle Bikini Top features a pretty pink and white stripe design, removable padding, and is adorned with a delicate starfish charm. Triangle bikinis are particularly popular for sunbathing thanks to their minimal structure and reduced tan lines. Many styles also come with removable padding, so you can customise your look even further!
Underwired Bikini Tops
Support meets style with underwired bikini tops. Designed to fit like your favourite bra, this style offers structured cups, adjustable straps, and reliable lift. Your swimwear should fit as well as your underwear, and these are the bikini tops that resemble your bra collection. Fitted in the right size, they won’t budge. Underwired bikini tops give a lift and a boost like no other bikini top type.
The Ibiza Polka Dot Plunge Bikini Top in Chocolate is the trending underwired bikini of the 2026 sunny season. Iconic polka dots in a luxurious chocolate brown will have everyone asking, “Where did you get that?!”
The underwired bikini top is a customer favourite for combining practicality with style, offering a flattering, lifted silhouette, without compromising on comfort.
Push-up bikini tops
Looking for that extra boost? Push up bikini tops are designed with padded cups to enhance cleavage while maintaining a secure fit. Featuring adjustable straps, medium coverage and a flattering shape that enhances your natural silhouette, while still feeling comfortable enough for all-day wear.
Ultimately feminine, the Fiji Push Up Bikini Topembodies Summer, in a gorgeous floral print against a white background. Underwired and padded with a double boost plunge, this bikini top ensures a perfect fit and a truly captivating look.
Padded to perfection, you’ll radiate confidence in this bikini top.
Balconette bikini tops
Elegant and flattering, balconette bikini tops are fast becoming as popular as their balcony bra cousins. Balconette bikini tops offer a structured fit with underwired cups and wide-set straps for a chic, feminine silhouette.
The Rivoli Balconette Bikini Top perfectly transforms the classic balconette silhouette ready for the ocean, with intentionally thick straps for added support. It’s a classy bikini top in a gorgeous steel blue colour, finished with a white trim, for a sophisticated nautical look.
You will never have to worry about support or lift when wearing a balconette style bikini top, it’s perfect for achieving that effortlessly chic, sculpted silhouette.
Halterneck bikini tops
A Summer staple, halterneck bikini tops tie or fasten behind the neck, offering adjustable lift and support. They provide medium coverage and are ideal for enhancing shape while keeping everything secure, making them perfect for both lounging and light swimming.
For a bold, eye-catching look, the Formentera Polka Dot Triangle Bikini Top combines the biggest swimwear trends of 2026. Bold colours, check! Polka dot pattern, check! A timeless shape, check!
Tied behind your neck, this style will naturally lift your bust, creating a sexy, confident shape.
Bandeau / strapless bikini tops
For those who love clean lines and minimal tan lines, strapless bikini tops are a Summer essential. Lower on the support and coverage side, they’re best suited for relaxed poolside moments, rather than active swimming - but they deliver effortless, chic style every time.
In a black and white floral print, the Samoa Bandeau Bikini Top is a stunning piece, designed to turn heads. Enhanced with delicate broderie and a chic ribbon trim, this strapless bikini top exudes timeless allure. Best of all? You can personalise your comfort with an adjustable back tie and removable pads.
Sleek, sexy, and understated, strapless bikini tops are ideal for catching rays and avoiding tan lines.
Cross over bikini tops
A newer addition to the bikini world, the crossover bikini features fabric that overlaps in a cross-shaped figure, either around the neck area or as the underbust. This creates a flattering, sculpted silhouette while offering medium support and coverage, making it a stylish choice if you want something a little different from classic shapes.
Tie front bikini tops
Tie front styles feature a central fastening that lets you adjust your fit to suit you. With adjustable coverage and flexible support, they combine comfort with a playful, feminine finish - perfect for creating a flattering shape that feels uniquely yours. They’re also super comfortable when sunbathing on your back.
Asymmetric bikini tops
For a fashion forward twist, asymmetric tops feature one-shoulder or uneven strap designs. They offer a unique silhouette with light-to-medium support and lower coverage, making them ideal for statement styling and standout swim moments.
Types of bikini bottoms
Now onto the other half of the equation. Happy with your bikini top selection? Then it’s time to grab the matching bottoms! At Boux Avenue, many of our bikini sets have two bikini bottom style options, so you can choose how much coverage you want when out in the sun this Summer!
Thong bikini bottoms
Minimal and bold, thong bikinis offer the least coverage, perfect for minimising tan lines and creating a confident, statement look. These styles are ideal for those who love a daring, fashion-forward finish and want to maximise sun exposure.
Many styles feature high-leg cuts, like the Ibiza Piped High Leg Thong Bikini Bottoms , designed to flatter your figure and elongate your silhouette. The white contrast detail beautifully accentuates your curves. Pair it with the Ibiza Piped Plunge Bikini Top for a seamless, stand-out look.
If you’re after that “endless legs” effect, this is the style to reach for.
Brazilian bikini bottoms
If you love the idea of a thong, but want a touch more coverage, Brazilian bikini bottoms are your perfect middle ground. They offer a flattering cut that sits between a thong and a classic brief - revealing enough to enhance your natural shape, while still providing a little more coverage at the back. The result is a curve-loving silhouette that feels both comfortable and confident.
Feeling cheeky? The Casablanca Polka Dot Brazilian Bikini Bottoms with a trending white and blue polka dot print, a confident high leg and finished with delicate broderie trim is perfect for sun-drenched escapes.
Brazilian bikini bottoms are flattering on a wide range of body shapes, and offer the perfect balance of coverage and style.
Full coverage bikini bottoms
Designed to provide maximum coverage at the back and a secure, stay-put fit, they’re perfect for swimming, beach games, or simply feeling a little more supported. Full coverage styles often sit slightly higher at the waist or hip, helping to create a smooth, flattering line.
The Sardinia High Waisted Bikini Bottoms are the perfect example of bikini bottoms that are full coverage, but still utterly stylish. The delicate 3D pink floral trim details draw the eye to the elegant high waisted cut, and are ideal if you prefer a little more coverage and support while still enjoying a flattering silhouette.
Full coverage bikini bottoms are a great option for active beach days or when you want that extra reassurance.
Tie side bikini bottoms
The most adaptable of all bikini bottoms, string tie styles are designed with versatility in mind. Featuring adjustable ties at each side, they can be styled exactly how you like - whether that’s ruched up for a cheekier look, loosened for more coverage, or worn higher on the hips to create a flattering high-leg silhouette.
Bring a playful twist to your swimwear with the Ibiza fruity tie side brief bikini bottoms . Set on a sunshine-yellow base and finished with a vibrant orange print, they capture that carefree, just-landed-on-holiday feeling. Cut in a classic brief silhouette with flattering medium coverage, they strike the perfect balance between confidence and comfort.
Effortlessly stylish and endlessly flexible, string tie bikini bottoms make it easy to achieve your perfect fit every time, while giving you the freedom to express your own unique beachside look.
High waisted and high cut leg bikini bottoms
Flattering and on-trend, high waisted bikini bottoms offer more coverage around the waist and a sculpting effect. High cut leg styles, on the other hand, sit higher on the hip to elongate the legs and enhance your natural shape. Both options are designed to boost confidence while delivering a stylish, modern finish.
Hipster bikini bottoms
Sitting low on the hips, hipster styles offer medium coverage with a relaxed, easy fit. They’re a great everyday option, combining comfort and style for effortless beachwear that you can wear all day long.
Fold over bikini bottoms
Foldover styles feature an adjustable waistband that can be worn higher or lower depending on your preference. This adds versatility while offering medium to high coverage, making them a great choice for a customisable fit that works with your shape.
Types of swimsuits
If you prefer a one-piece look, there are plenty of swimsuit styles to explore. Many feature the same supportive elements as bikini tops, but with added coverage, shaping, and versatility. However, a great swimsuit does more than just look good, it shapes, supports, and adapts to the way you want to wear it. From clean, minimal silhouettes to more detailed, fashion-led designs, modern one-pieces are created to flatter every curve while offering all-day comfort and confidence. Think sculpting fabrics, considered cut-outs, and adjustable elements that let you personalise the fit to suit your style.
Designed with versatility at its core, the Honolulu Multiway Swimsuit lets you switch up your look with ease. Multiway straps mean you can wear it your way, whether that’s classic, asymmetric, or something more statement, while underwired support and light boost padding enhance your natural shape.
Whether you want something sculpting and supportive or light and decorative, the right one-piece makes getting dressed for the beach feel easy and effortless.
Monokini and cut out swimsuits
A monokini is a one-piece with cut-out sections, creating the illusion of a bikini while maintaining a connected silhouette. Cut out swimsuits are the ultimate blend of statement and shape. Designed to contour and define, they highlight your silhouette with strategically placed cut-outs that show just the right amount of skin. Whether subtle or more daring, these details create a sculpted, flattering effect while keeping the ease and confidence of a one-piece.
The Naples Crinkle Super Push Up Swimsuit is designed to sculpt, lift, and define, combining bold cut-out detailing with a super push-up fit for maximum impact. Confident, sculpting, and effortlessly striking, this is the swimsuit that turns a simple swim look into a statement.
Modern, versatile, and undeniably eye-catching, cut-out styles bring a fashion-led edge to your swimwear.
Backless swimsuits
Backless styles are all about drama. With an open back and sleek front, they offer a striking silhouette that feels both elegant and modern. They usually provide medium coverage with lighter support, making them ideal for lounging, sunbathing, or making a statement by the pool.
The Syros Plunge Swimsuit combines the backless feature and a gorgeous halterneck plunging neckline for a striking, sexy look. In a sophisticated deep red, finished with gold statement hardwear, this swimsuit is a must have this Summer!
It’s a less-is-more approach that delivers maximum impact, perfect for those who want their swimwear to feel effortlessly confident. Easy to wear yet impossible to ignore, they transition seamlessly from beach to bar, just add a beachy skirt and let the open back do all the talking.
Smoothing and Tummy Control Swimsuits
Designed to sculpt and support, these swimsuits feature built-in panels and structured fabrics to smooth the silhouette. With high coverage and enhanced support, they’re perfect for feeling confident, comfortable, and secure without compromising on style.
Ready To Dive In?
With so many styles to choose from, finding your perfect swimwear is all about understanding what works for you. At Boux Avenue, our swimwear is designed with fit in mind, including cup-sized options to help you feel your best. Ready to find your perfect match? Explore the full collection of swimwear and discover styles you’ll love all Summer long.