Goodbye Bikinis, Hello Tankinis: The Tankini is Taking Over This Summer

Summer is finally upon us, and you know what that means. It’s swim season! And because it’s swim season, it’s also time to buy new bathing suits. Now, if you’ve been on TikTok recently, you may have noticed a throwback trend that seems to be reemerging. That trend is none other than the tankini, the bikini’s distant cousin. So, why is the tankini trending again, and is it better than its shorter counterpart?

When I discovered that the tankini was making its comeback, I was flabbergasted. It was always the modest bathing suit that I wore as a kid (I was a fiend for Justice tankinis.) And I’m going to be honest; they were not cute. However, the tankinis that are trending now are slightly different than the ones I was wearing as a kid. The ones that I wore were very boxy and did nothing to make you look good. These newer ones, however, seem to be almost like wearing a flattering crop top: bathing suit version.

Now, what’s the difference between tankinis and bikinis besides the apparent length difference? Well, while they may have a few things in common, several things separate these two swimwear options. For example, the bikini offers an easier way to tan because of its short top. On the other side of the coin, the tankini provides more coverage from the sun. So, if you happen to be sensitive to the sun, a tankini still allows you to enjoy a beach day.

New styles? Sign me up!

The old-school tankini styles you once knew seem to have been replaced with a revamped version. These new 2025 tankinis are geared more towards adults, removing the boxy shape and instead featuring low-rise bottoms, plunging necklines, and even cute cutouts. You can even mix things up and switch up your looks by pairing different tops and bottoms together, helping you create custom beach fits.

They even have styles for the modest girls. You may be thinking, “One-piece bathing suits exist.” While yes, one-pieces still exist, let’s be real, they aren’t the cutest. Team tankini features high-rise bottoms that you can pair with a halter top that adds the perfect level of coverage. Others also come with a looser top if you aren’t comfortable with a tighter top. Additionally, you can also opt to wear a skirt or shorts with your tankini, adding the perfect level of modesty.

And if you prefer to show off more skin, they’ve got you covered as well. Tops can have fun little cutouts, and can be skintight, allowing for a stunning look that features your body. Not to mention the versatility. You can get halter tops, strapless, ruffles, maybe even something a little on the flowy side for a more romantic look. While it may not show as much as a bikini, the tankini will still make your body look tea.

Does tankini = comfort?

When choosing the latest edition to your swimwear collection, it’s important to make sure that you find the most comfortable fit. Some people prefer more support for their chest, so they opt for something with an underwire. Others want something flowy, so they don’t feel restricted in their movement. For example, I prefer something skintight because I feel it is more supportive as opposed to something looser.

So, how do tankinis fit into this equation? Well, unlike bikinis, tankinis tend to offer more bust support through their tank top design. This longer design style provides the wearer with the option of built-in cups, underwire, and wide straps. This means you’ve just lessened your chances of accidentally flashing someone as you get in and out of the water. I’d call that a tankini win!

So far, we have discussed the tankini’s many new designs, as well as its comfort. However, while that is all great, we haven’t gotten to the main question: Why is it trending again? For that, we must turn to the most (somewhat) reliable source of information regarding trending items: TikTok.

What does TikTok think?

The best place to figure out why the tankini is trending again is TikTok, especially since trends tend to spread like wildfire on the app, giving you many opportunities to see what’s new and hot. You can also see the many different opinions on popular trends. In the tankini’s case, some thoughts are positive and some are negative. This is good, however, because it lets you look at both sides of the argument before you purchase a tankini.

@saintjenni

#rant #tankini

♬ original sound – jennifer 🧸

Let’s start with the positives. One reason that the tankinis are making a comeback is because of the nostalgia factor. Gen Z is all about bringing back the older styles and incorporating them into the newer, more modern styles, as we see with the latest, revamped tankinis. Not to mention, tankinis trending again is a part of the Y2K revival trend amongst Gen Z. Makes you wonder, what will Gen Z bring back next?

Following that, tankinis are an excellent choice for athletes who aren’t fans of a one-piece bathing suit. The snug fit is ideal for more intense water workouts; however, they still have the convenience of a two-piece suit, making it easier to put on and take off after your workout. Additionally, another way a product starts trending is through influencers and celebrities. So, when you have people like Bella Hadid wearing a tankini on social media, it’s sure to start trending the next day. Who knew my childhood bathing suit would return with a splash?

Some tankini cons

When debating the negatives of the tankini, the first one that came to mind was the tanning situation. Of course, when you go to the beach, you hope to get tan, right? Well, unfortunately, wearing a tankini defeats that purpose. The longer style covers most of your stomach, so unless you roll it up (awkward), you’re going to have a pretty weird tan line. The solution? Unless you can find a tankini that won’t look weird bunched up, I would wear a bikini if you planned on tanning.

Next, depending on the tankini style you choose, the summer body you’ve been working on since January might be hidden. If you want to showcase your rock-hard abs, a bathing suit that covers your stomach may not be the best move. However, some styles will still complement your body; it’s all about finding the right one. So don’t worry, your hard-earned muscles can still be on display!

Lastly, some people are saying that by wearing tankinis and “covering up,” conservatism is becoming more of a trend, which is inherently setting us back as women. Of course, some women are not comfortable wearing bikinis, while others are. The tankini provides a safe option for those who want to cover up a bit more while still rocking a two-piece. That being said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing either option; the bottom line is to wear what makes you comfortable and confident!

It’s time for the tankini vs. bikini showdown: which is better?

I’ve already talked about how the tankini is more supportive and beneficial to athletes, but what if you aren’t an athlete? Well, the tankini not only offers a cute bathing suit choice, but certain styles can also double as a going-out shirt. Talk about getting the most out of your money! As for the bottoms, it’s so easy to use the bottoms you already own for both bikini and tankini tops. I like to call that saving money!

What about comfort? Bikinis are typically smaller than tankinis (duh) and often come with triangle cups. The triangle cups, while cute, do not provide a lot of coverage or support. Not to mention, some styles feel like they’re digging into your sides. However, I will say some tankini tops (depending on the style) have the same issues as some bikini tops. It’s all about finding the right style for you.

Now, as much as I would love to tell you that the tankini is cheaper than the bikini, I fear I have some bad news. Unfortunately, the tankini is pricier than a bikini. While this is partly due to the tankini having more fabric, the more durable the tankini, the more expensive it will be. It’s pretty unfortunate, however, that’s the price of looking fabulous.

Tankini or bikini, which will you choose? Will you hop on the bandwagon and join the tankini takeover? Or are you loyal to your trusty bikini? You only live once, so perhaps it’s time to switch things up, buy that tankini, and enjoy your tankini summer!