What to wear under a women’s swimsuit? (2023)

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For some women, wearing a swimsuit can leave them feeling a little off. If this sounds like you, you might have wondered if you should wear something under your swimsuit for extra comfort and coverage – and that’s okay.

It’s actually a question that a lot of women ask, and we have all of the answers.

First things first…

We’re going to let you in on a secret: If you’re feeling this way, the likelihood is that your swimsuit just isn’t the right fit for you. Consider using a size guide to measure your dimensions, or think about getting fitted. Finding the right swimming suit for you can prevent you from ever having to ask these questions again. But since it’s a valid question we receive often – we’re going to give our answer by getting right to the heart of things …

Pink Striped Swimsuit
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Turtle Swimsuit
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Pineapple Swimsuit
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Blue Striped Swimsuits
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Should you wear anything under your swimsuit?

Generally, no. Swimsuits are specifically designed to provide enough coverage and support to eliminate the need for underwear. In fact, most swimsuits have a built-in underwear alternative that provides the same function as a typical bra or pair of underwear.

Women’s swimsuits usually have a special lining and additional padding in the bust and crotch areas. These design features are intended to mimic the feel and provide the function of underwear. However, it can be hard to determine if your swimsuit doesn’t have lining/padding or is just a bad fit.

How to tell if a swimsuit has underwear-like features:

Firstly, turn the swimsuit inside out. Next, look for a second layer of inner material under the main exterior layer. This lining is usually white but can also be any other color. Pinch the second layer of material between your fingers and pull it from the other. Both layers should easily separate from one another – that’s the lining.

In the crotch area, expect to find an extra rectangular shape lining sewn into the swimsuit’s sides. Sometimes there’ll be padding inserted into the lining – sometimes not. The same goes for the bust area.

Palm Swim Shorts
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Pineapple Watermelon Swim Shorts
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Stripes 2-Pack Swim Shorts
$80

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Turtle Palm – Father and Son
$68

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Why shouldn’t I wear underwear under my swimsuit?

Swimsuit’s material – a blend of tightly-woven polyester and nylon – can withstand harsh chemicals such as chlorine. On the other hand, underwear, typically made from cotton, absorbs these chemicals and other such residues, causing their fibers to weaken with time.

As well, it can’t be denied that comfort plays a role in whether or not you should wear underwear beneath your swimwear. Wet cotton can feel heavy and often fall away from the skin, leaving you adjusting it constantly as you swim. Waterlogged underwear also increases drag and makes swimming more difficult. Extra water retention will also increase the drying time of the garment.

And perhaps one of the most convincing reasons to not wear underwear under your swimsuit: it doesn’t look good. Wet underwear bundles and can ‘peak’ out from the sides of the swimsuit – not ideal.

Warning: Underwear can transport dirt and water-borne disease to the pool, harming other swimmers.

Can you wear a bra with a swimsuit?

Whether or not you should consider wearing a bra under your swimsuit largely depends on the swimsuit’s design and how you feel in it. Along with lining, recreational swimwear tops can have an underwire for additional support. Some swimsuits also feature padding around the bust area to add an extra layer of support and avoid transparency. In the case your swimsuit has neither of these bra-like design features, it makes sense you’d want to wear a bra underneath. Even so, purchasing a new, quality swimsuit can help you bypass the need.

Some advanced swimsuits do not include any padding in the bust area. Instead, they are made out of thicker material, preventing any chance of transparency upon contact with water.

If you’re worried about your swimsuit being see-through, avoid those without lining and pink/yellow colored designs. For peace-of-mind, try on the swimsuit and splash some water on any areas you’re concerned about.

Atlantic
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Maldives
$60

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Pink Striped Matching Couples Swimwear
$80

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Dots Swim Shorts
$60

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Can I ever wear underwear under my swimsuit?

In rare circumstances, yes. If you feel that your swimsuit doesn’t offer enough support, you can try putting a bra on underneath. Or, if your swimming bottoms don’t have any lining, it’s best to wear underwear for your own comfort.

Some people may be simply afraid that their swim bottoms will fall down. Some just want extra support or compression – all valid reasons to wear underwear.

Can I wear underwear as swimwear?

Technically, yes. There’s nothing to stop you from wearing underwear as an alternative to swimwear. However, before diving in, you’ll want to consider how the water conditions will affect your underwear.

Some materials don’t take kindly to chlorine or salt water, and they just happen to be made up of the highly absorbable fibers that constitute most bras and underwear. So, if you’re jumping into fresh water, you shouldn’t have to worry. But, on the other hand, you may want to think twice about subjecting any of your favorite bra or briefs to chlorinated or salty water.

But, if you have no other option, go for it! Just be sure to treat your underwear as you would your swimwear after your dip. You know the drill: rinse with cold water right away, fold up, and drip or surface dry out of the way of direct sun as soon as possible. As well, to be considerate of other swimmers (especially when jumping into a pool,) it’s best to wear fresh underwear to avoid any contaminants entering the water.

Flamingo – Father and Son
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Turtle Palm – Father and Son
$68

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Ocean
$60

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Pineapple Palm – Father and Son
$70

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Can I wear swimwear as underwear?

While not recommended, there’s nothing to stop you from wearing swimwear as underwear. In fact, a high-quality swimsuit designed with support and comfort in mind can equal, if not surpass, underwear when it comes to going about your daily life.

Some pregnant women sport taut one-piece swimsuits under their clothes for extra support during the later month of their pregnancy for a support boost.

Often, when a woman feels like she needs to wear something under her swimsuit, it’s due to feelings of discomfort. Or, fear that her swimsuit may reveal a little too much or not offer the correct kind of support. These worries can easily be remedied by having a selection of quality swimsuits to choose from.

How many swimsuits should a woman have?

Most women have 5-10 swimsuit options in their wardrobe at any one time. This gives them the freedom to pick and choose according to their comfort and style needs. Having swimsuits with a mix of features is always recommendable, given that you’ll have something to wear on those days when you want a little extra support and coverage.

Atlantic
$60

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Maldives
$60

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Pink Striped Matching Couples Swimwear
$80

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Dots Swim Shorts
$60

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So, to conclude, can you wear something under your swimsuit?

Yes! But usually, you shouldn’t and nor should you need to. Having a selection of quality swimsuits should prevent the need for any extra support or coverage. Moreover, underwear isn’t made for watery conditions, whereas swimsuits are specifically designed for that environment.

You shouldn’t have to put your underwear at risk because your swimsuit isn’t doing its job. That said, if you really feel the need to wear something under your swimsuit – that’s completely fine! You shouldn’t have to swim with worries in mind. Still, we recommend you treat yourself to a swimsuit that completely wipes away these concerns!