We’re taking on one of the oldest and most hotly-debated topics in the swimwear world: Is a one-piece or two-piece swimsuit better? At Decisive Beachwear, we’ve heard plenty of persuasive arguments for both sides and have even thrown our own swimwear expertise into the mix. After years of gathering knowledge in the industry and some careful deliberation on the topic, we’ve come to the conclusion that …
We hate to break it to you, but there is no definitive answer when it comes to the one piece vs. two-piece swimsuits debate. Both suits are great options for a variety of shapes and sizes, and both offer modest coverage and are comfortable choices. However, one can certainly be better than the other depending on your personal preferences and the conditions of your swimming or beachside plans.
That incredibly neutral answer considered, we’re still not willing to give up without going into detail and justifying our answer. So, accompany us as we cover the entire topic of 1 piece vs. 2 piece swimsuits.
A Comparison: One-piece vs. Two-piece swimsuit
What is a One-piece Swimsuit?
A one-piece swimsuit is exactly what its name suggests: instead of multiple pieces, it’s all connected. There are no gaps between the fabrics though there can be cutout versions of the one-piece swimsuit (we’ll get to that later.)
The classic one-piece swimsuit has two straps and covers the bust, torso, and hip area. Of course, there’s plenty of variation in one-piece swimsuit design, but not so much as when it comes to two-piece swimsuits.
What is a Two-piece Swimsuit?
A two-piece swimsuit consists of two pieces, usually of the same style but not always. In a two-piece swimsuit, there’s a top and bottom piece. The most common two-piece swimsuit styles are the classic bikini, followed by crop tops and tankinis.
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
One-piece vs. Two-piece Swimsuit: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference lies in the number. The one-piece is really one piece, while the two-piece swimsuit is two pieces. Elaborating on this simple point, what we mean to say is that even though we generally imagine two piece swimsuits to expose the tummy and mid-section area, some split suits go against the grain, such as tankinis which are still designed in two parts, only with the top part offering more coverage. However, the differences between one-piece and two-piece swimsuits goes a little deeper than that.
The Pros of One-piece and Two-piece Swimsuits
Pros of one-piece swimsuit
More coverage: Some people simply aren’t comfortable exposing too much skin, and that’s completely fine. They can enjoy the extra fabric of the one-piece swimsuit that often covers the tummy area. This brings us to the next advantage of wearing a one-piece swimsuit …
Slimming effect: The tight-fighting fabric of the average one-piece swimsuit sculpts your tummy area, creating the illusion of a slimmer silhouette. One-piece swimsuits are known to smooth over love handles and any other lumps or bumps in the midsection area.
Protection against the sun: As the gift that never seems to stop giving, the one-piece’s extra coverage also acts as a fabric barrier against the sun’s rays, meaning more of your body is protected, keeping skin damage at bay.
Comfort: When people ask,” Why do people wear one-piece swimsuits?” we’d argue this is one of the most compelling reasons: this swimsuit style is simply much more comfortable and reassuring than its two-piece counterpart. If properly fitted, the one-piece swimsuit holds tightly to the body, meaning you don’t have to fear any beachside wardrobe malfunctions.
Less packing headaches: Staying organized on holidays can be hard at the best of times, never mind when you have double the swimsuit trouble! Keep things easy on yourself by halving your swimsuit organization time and effort by opting to pack one-piece swimsuits. With only one piece of fabric to take care of, you don’t run into the issue of losing a top or bottom piece and having to rummage just to find it.
The best of both worlds: One-piece cutout swimsuits have part of their fabric – well – cut out. This is a stylish and on-trend way of achieving some of the benefits of a two-piece swimsuit while also claiming the perks of wearing a one-piece swimsuit.
Pros of Two-piece Swimsuit
Cooler: In the sweltering conditions of the beach or poolside, you’re often left wishing you had less fabric to keep the heat in. That’s where two-piece swimsuits come into play. They tend to be lightweight and cover less area on your body than one-piece swimsuits, meaning you’re free to enjoy the cooling breeze against your skin or just not feel so stuffy and sweaty.
Easier to put on: For those days when you’re rushing to the beach, the split design of a two-piece swimsuit is exactly what you want. It’s easy to pull on within seconds.
Lighter packing: With less fabric to contend with, two-piece swimsuits take up less space in your luggage while ensuring you stay under those pesky bag weight limits!
Flaunt what you’ve got: If you’d like to show off your stunning figure at the beach, then the two-piece swimsuit is for you!
Make it your own: Coming in two pieces, the two-piece swimsuit opens up a whole new world of custom style to you. You can mix and match tops and bottoms as you wish; you really make your look your own. They often feature interesting and fun patterns as well as a variety of shapes and cuts, making for an endless variation of personal styles you’ll never get bored of.
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
The Cons of One-piece and Two-piece Swimsuits
Cons of One-piece Swimsuit
Lack of variation: When it comes to style choice between 1 piece vs 2 piece swimsuit, one-piece swimsuits are lagging begind. One-piece swimsuits can sometimes feel a little drab. They often are found in plain colors and don’t usually have the interesting patterns that two-piece suits feature. As well, you don’t enjoy the same mix-and-match benefits as with two-piece swimsuits.
Hard to put on and take off: while usually not an issue, the struggle of taking off and putting on a one-piece swimsuit can be especially bothersome while going to the bathroom.
Not always as flattering: A question we get often is, “Are one-piece swimsuits more flattering?”
Our answer is yes and no. It depends, really. Some one-piece swimsuits do not offer any cinching effects around the waist, while others don’t offer support or padding in the bust area, meaning they have no flattering silhouette-sculpting effect.
Cons of Two-piece Swimsuit
Wardrobe Malfunctions: It happens. A two-piece swimsuit top shows a little too much, or the bottoms fall down. It should be no issue as long as the swimsuit is properly fitted; however, no matter how tight-fitting, there are some waves that no two-piece swimsuit stands a chance against. So, suppose you plan on doing any serious swimming or taking a dip in choppy waters (not recommended). In that case, a two-piece is likely not your best option.
Hard to keep track of: The tops and bottoms of two-piece swimsuits have a habit of disappearing if not organized correctly.
When to Wear, a One-piece vs. Two-piece Swimsuit
When it comes to the question of “Are one piece or two pieces better?” what people are really asking is, “Should I wear a one-piece or two piece?”
We’d say that the main deciding factor between which swimsuit design to wear depends on comfort. If you expect waters to be choppy and unpredictable, we suggest wearing a one-piece. The same goes for if you’ll be partaking in any dynamic water sports or activities during which a swimsuit wardrobe malfunction could occur.
So, Which is better, a one-piece or two-piece swimsuit?
The answer to that question is in your hands after reading the above! That said, these days, you might not even have to make a decision. Many modern swimwear styles offer the best of worlds, featuring cutouts or extended fabric so that you can enjoy the pros of both one-piece and two-piece swimsuits. So, at the end of the day, it largely depends on your personal preference.
Summer is almost here and for most of us, it’s time to go out and enjoy the sun and warm weather. However, for others it’s can be stressful. For those that live on a tight budget, having the luxury of having a range of bathing suits might seem very far off. Fortunately, there are ways …
Since periods come around once a month, the likelihood is that at least once in your life, you’re going to be faced with swimming while on your period. This can be a daunting prospect. “Will it leak?” “Will people see that I’m on my period?” “How can I hide it?!” “What if I get period …
Big thighs are in! That’s great news for the curvier among us. The bad news? Full thighs can be tough to squeeze into clothing that’s not designed for thick thighs – especially swimsuits. Which leads us to the question, “What is the best swimsuit for big thighs?” What we found is that the best swimsuits for …
What is a monokini swimsuit? We’re all familiar with bikinis and one-piece swimsuits. But what about their more slightly confusing and currently trending counterpart? You might have heard about this third – in-between – style of swimsuit; the monokini. And like any other fashion item, designers are always at work improvising on the piece and making …
One-piece vs. Two-piece Swimsuit
We’re taking on one of the oldest and most hotly-debated topics in the swimwear world: Is a one-piece or two-piece swimsuit better? At Decisive Beachwear, we’ve heard plenty of persuasive arguments for both sides and have even thrown our own swimwear expertise into the mix. After years of gathering knowledge in the industry and some careful deliberation on the topic, we’ve come to the conclusion that …
We hate to break it to you, but there is no definitive answer when it comes to the one piece vs. two-piece swimsuits debate. Both suits are great options for a variety of shapes and sizes, and both offer modest coverage and are comfortable choices. However, one can certainly be better than the other depending on your personal preferences and the conditions of your swimming or beachside plans.
That incredibly neutral answer considered, we’re still not willing to give up without going into detail and justifying our answer. So, accompany us as we cover the entire topic of 1 piece vs. 2 piece swimsuits.
A Comparison: One-piece vs. Two-piece swimsuit
What is a One-piece Swimsuit?
A one-piece swimsuit is exactly what its name suggests: instead of multiple pieces, it’s all connected. There are no gaps between the fabrics though there can be cutout versions of the one-piece swimsuit (we’ll get to that later.)
The classic one-piece swimsuit has two straps and covers the bust, torso, and hip area. Of course, there’s plenty of variation in one-piece swimsuit design, but not so much as when it comes to two-piece swimsuits.
What is a Two-piece Swimsuit?
A two-piece swimsuit consists of two pieces, usually of the same style but not always. In a two-piece swimsuit, there’s a top and bottom piece. The most common two-piece swimsuit styles are the classic bikini, followed by crop tops and tankinis.
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£40One-piece vs. Two-piece Swimsuit: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference lies in the number. The one-piece is really one piece, while the two-piece swimsuit is two pieces. Elaborating on this simple point, what we mean to say is that even though we generally imagine two piece swimsuits to expose the tummy and mid-section area, some split suits go against the grain, such as tankinis which are still designed in two parts, only with the top part offering more coverage. However, the differences between one-piece and two-piece swimsuits goes a little deeper than that.
The Pros of One-piece and Two-piece Swimsuits
Pros of one-piece swimsuit
More coverage: Some people simply aren’t comfortable exposing too much skin, and that’s completely fine. They can enjoy the extra fabric of the one-piece swimsuit that often covers the tummy area. This brings us to the next advantage of wearing a one-piece swimsuit …
Slimming effect: The tight-fighting fabric of the average one-piece swimsuit sculpts your tummy area, creating the illusion of a slimmer silhouette. One-piece swimsuits are known to smooth over love handles and any other lumps or bumps in the midsection area.
Protection against the sun: As the gift that never seems to stop giving, the one-piece’s extra coverage also acts as a fabric barrier against the sun’s rays, meaning more of your body is protected, keeping skin damage at bay.
Comfort: When people ask,” Why do people wear one-piece swimsuits?” we’d argue this is one of the most compelling reasons: this swimsuit style is simply much more comfortable and reassuring than its two-piece counterpart. If properly fitted, the one-piece swimsuit holds tightly to the body, meaning you don’t have to fear any beachside wardrobe malfunctions.
Less packing headaches: Staying organized on holidays can be hard at the best of times, never mind when you have double the swimsuit trouble! Keep things easy on yourself by halving your swimsuit organization time and effort by opting to pack one-piece swimsuits. With only one piece of fabric to take care of, you don’t run into the issue of losing a top or bottom piece and having to rummage just to find it.
The best of both worlds: One-piece cutout swimsuits have part of their fabric – well – cut out. This is a stylish and on-trend way of achieving some of the benefits of a two-piece swimsuit while also claiming the perks of wearing a one-piece swimsuit.
Pros of Two-piece Swimsuit
Cooler: In the sweltering conditions of the beach or poolside, you’re often left wishing you had less fabric to keep the heat in. That’s where two-piece swimsuits come into play. They tend to be lightweight and cover less area on your body than one-piece swimsuits, meaning you’re free to enjoy the cooling breeze against your skin or just not feel so stuffy and sweaty.
Easier to put on: For those days when you’re rushing to the beach, the split design of a two-piece swimsuit is exactly what you want. It’s easy to pull on within seconds.
Lighter packing: With less fabric to contend with, two-piece swimsuits take up less space in your luggage while ensuring you stay under those pesky bag weight limits!
Flaunt what you’ve got: If you’d like to show off your stunning figure at the beach, then the two-piece swimsuit is for you!
Make it your own: Coming in two pieces, the two-piece swimsuit opens up a whole new world of custom style to you. You can mix and match tops and bottoms as you wish; you really make your look your own. They often feature interesting and fun patterns as well as a variety of shapes and cuts, making for an endless variation of personal styles you’ll never get bored of.
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£52The Cons of One-piece and Two-piece Swimsuits
Cons of One-piece Swimsuit
Lack of variation: When it comes to style choice between 1 piece vs 2 piece swimsuit, one-piece swimsuits are lagging begind. One-piece swimsuits can sometimes feel a little drab. They often are found in plain colors and don’t usually have the interesting patterns that two-piece suits feature. As well, you don’t enjoy the same mix-and-match benefits as with two-piece swimsuits.
Hard to put on and take off: while usually not an issue, the struggle of taking off and putting on a one-piece swimsuit can be especially bothersome while going to the bathroom.
Not always as flattering: A question we get often is, “Are one-piece swimsuits more flattering?”
Our answer is yes and no. It depends, really. Some one-piece swimsuits do not offer any cinching effects around the waist, while others don’t offer support or padding in the bust area, meaning they have no flattering silhouette-sculpting effect.
Cons of Two-piece Swimsuit
Wardrobe Malfunctions: It happens. A two-piece swimsuit top shows a little too much, or the bottoms fall down. It should be no issue as long as the swimsuit is properly fitted; however, no matter how tight-fitting, there are some waves that no two-piece swimsuit stands a chance against. So, suppose you plan on doing any serious swimming or taking a dip in choppy waters (not recommended). In that case, a two-piece is likely not your best option.
Hard to keep track of: The tops and bottoms of two-piece swimsuits have a habit of disappearing if not organized correctly.
When to Wear, a One-piece vs. Two-piece Swimsuit
When it comes to the question of “Are one piece or two pieces better?” what people are really asking is, “Should I wear a one-piece or two piece?”
We’d say that the main deciding factor between which swimsuit design to wear depends on comfort. If you expect waters to be choppy and unpredictable, we suggest wearing a one-piece. The same goes for if you’ll be partaking in any dynamic water sports or activities during which a swimsuit wardrobe malfunction could occur.
So, Which is better, a one-piece or two-piece swimsuit?
The answer to that question is in your hands after reading the above! That said, these days, you might not even have to make a decision. Many modern swimwear styles offer the best of worlds, featuring cutouts or extended fabric so that you can enjoy the pros of both one-piece and two-piece swimsuits. So, at the end of the day, it largely depends on your personal preference.
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