A one-piece swimwear most commonly refers to a swimsuit worn primarily by women and girls when swimming in the sea or in a swimming pool, playing water polo, or for any activity in the sun, such as sunbathing. Today, the one-piece swimwear is usually a skin-tight garment that covers the torso, although some designs expose the back or upper chest.
Before the popularity of the two-piece swimwear and then the bikini, virtually all women's swimsuits completely covered at least the wearer's torso. Men also wore similar swimwear. While the bikini has increasingly found popular acceptance since the 1960s, the one-piece swimwear has maintained a place on beaches to this day.
The most common type of one-piece suit is the maillot (a term that is not generally used anymore) or tank suit, which resembles a sleeveless leotard or bodysuit.
There are numerous variants of the one-piece swimwear:
Halterneck Styles: These have straps that tie around the neck.
Plunge Front Swimwear: Characterized by a deep neckline.
Wrap-round ("Surplice") Styles: These cross over the torso, providing a wrapped appearance.
Bandeau Styles: Strapless designs that wrap around the bust.
Recently, athletic swimwear has used a variety of new shoulder strap styles, including the racerback, fastback, and flyback styles. Some of these styles have also been used in other athletic wear.
Another recent innovation in one-piece swimwear is the bodyskin, which superficially resembles a unitard or wetsuit. Although these cover the entire torso, arms, and legs, their function is not modesty but reducing friction through the water for professional swimmers. Their surfaces are made of textured technical fabrics engineered to cut through the water in the same way as fish or sharkskin.
The one-piece swimwear remains a staple in swimwear fashion, balancing style, function, and modesty. Its evolution from the traditional maillot to modern athletic bodyskins demonstrates its adaptability and enduring popularity.