Tankinis—they’re the goldilocks of women’s swimwear. Title Nine's tankini tops for women in fun, eye-catching prints and strappy styles are also supportive and flattering in all the right places, with underwire and wireless options, in high neck, halter, and v-neck styles—proving that we really can have it all (in our swimwear, at least).
First off—what’s a tankini? And why should you buy one?
A tankini is a two-piece swimsuit—it gives you the flexible sizing of a bikini, but with a longer top that provides more tummy coverage. The tankini top is a favorite for a lotta reasons, but coverage and comfort take the cake. These tops offer more support and comfort for larger busts, and the same level of coverage as a one-piece but with a little more flexibility. Tankini swimsuits first arrived on the beach scene in the late 1990s. Anne Cole, the mastermind behind this game-changing swimsuit, introduced tankinis as a happy medium—something that wasn't as revealing as a bikini, but still provided the coverage most women were wanting at the time. Since then, tankini swimsuits have evolved to suit all kinds of beach days, from sport-filled to casual and everything in between.
A tankini is a swim top that fits like a tank top that's paired with bikini or swim short bottoms, but you can mix and match to get your perfect suit. Size small on the bottom but DD-cup on top? Choose a supportive, underwire racerback tankini top (check out our
Metis Underwire Tankini Top) and pair it with our boyshort bottoms. If you're planning a more relaxed beach day, a casual kayak sesh, or hitting the waterpark with the kiddos, a wire-free or underwire tankini top might be the perfect choice.
But what if you want athletic swimwear, but can't deal with the restrictive feel of a one-piece? Get a form-fitting tankini top and pair it with stay-put
bikini bottoms.
Choosing the right swimwear for the level of activity you're up to is key to avoiding spills or having to readjust your tankini swimsuit throughout the day.
Top Benefits of Wearing a Tankini
Gone are the days of flimsy bikinis that leave you scrambling to stay covered or saggy one-piece suits that are about as practical as a flat tire. Enter the tankini—your new best friend for every beach, poolside, or outdoor adventure that comes your way. Here’s why it’s the ultimate game-changer:
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Performance Meets Coverage: You’re in full beast mode—whether you’re chasing kids down the beach, diving into a pool, or perfecting that workout routine at the shore. A tankini delivers the coverage you need while still giving you that freedom of movement. It’s like wearing a second skin, but with more style and fewer wedgies.
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Unmatched Support: Tankinis aren’t just cute—they’ve got substance. Whether it’s the swim straps keeping things locked in or the secure top that offers the perfect lift, your tankini has your back—literally. No more worrying about adjusting or tugging mid-lunge. You're here for the activity, not the wardrobe malfunctions.
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Versatility to the Max: Think of it as the chameleon of swimwear. Want to mix and match? Go ahead. Got a favorite pair of bottoms or a top that needs a little extra flair? The tankini is your go-to. From bold prints to sleek solids, it transitions seamlessly from poolside chillin’ to intense beach volleyball. Plus, it pairs effortlessly with your go-anywhere activewear, so you’re always ready to go—whether it’s a spontaneous beach run or a fast-paced morning workout.
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Durability for the Long Haul: No more delicate, see-through fabric that quits on you after one splash in the ocean. Tankinis are designed to handle everything. Chlorine, saltwater, sand —this gear is built to keep up with you. Whether you’re diving into the waves or sprinting across the sand, the tankini stays solid, keeping you looking stylish and comfortable.
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Ready for Anything: Let’s be real: You don’t have time for anything that doesn’t work as hard as you do. Tankinis don’t just look good—they’re made for action. Whether you’re doing beach sprints, yoga by the shore, or just owning that volleyball court, tankinis move with you, giving you all the freedom and confidence you need to take on whatever life throws at you.
How can I tell if a tankini is suitable for my body type?
A tankini top is a great option for all women of all shapes and sizes. That said, a tankini is suitable for everyone! So to get your fit just right, take the same approach as you would shopping for other bathing suits. What's your body type, and what styles do you feel most comfortable in? Order in your usual size, or bra size, to get the support and coverage you need. Look for a tankini top with adjustable straps and/or a built-in underwire for additional support. To get the best quality tankini top, check to see that it's made with nylon and elastane. Choose a fun, eye-catching color or pattern that you like most, and voila—you've got yourself the perfect tankini!
How are tankini swimsuits sized?
Swimwear made to move has to fit just right—and we know that small, medium, and large don’t cover all the shapes and sizes women come in. That’s why many of our tankini tops come with band and cup sizing (here's looking at you, D-cup and up) and adjustable straps. Some of our tankini swimsuits also include a comfortable, hidden underwire a bit of extra support. Mix and match a bra-sized crossback tankini top with your favorite
swimsuit bottom to get just the right swimsuit combo for your body.
How do I choose the right size for a tankini?
Many of our tankini tops come with band and cup sizing, so we recommend choosing a tankini top that's the same size as your best-fitting, everyday bra. An underwire tankini top or wire-free option can either be form-fitting or just slightly loose over the tummy, but should never feel constricting.
Does T9 carry different neckline styles?
You betcha—from a high neck tankini top to an adjustable halter neck design, with a built-in underwire or wire-free support, T9 has a wide variety of different tankini top styles. One thing they all have in common? Every tankini is designed with coverage, support, and a shape-flattering fit in mind. Here are some of the different styles we offer for women:
Halter tankinis: Halter tops with adjustable straps let us decide just how much support we need, so you spend zero time readjusting, and more time adventuring underwater.
- Strapless tankinis: Truly the best of both worlds. The free-feel of a bikini, but with the coverage and support of a tankini that's still fuss-free.
- High-neck tankinis: Whether you want a little extra sun protection, or you want to make sure the girls are safe and secure in your swim top, a high neck tankini is the perfect choice.
- Racerback tankinis: A sporty fit that's ready for anything. Just-right support plus ideal coverage in the front and back makes the racerback tankini our top choice for higher-intensity beach activities.
- Plus-size tankinis: Our plus-size tops give you everything you want and more so you can swim, dive, and float on in total comfort.
Can I match a tankini top with any bottom style?
Yes! Whether you’re looking for a high-waisted boyshort,
swim shorts & board shorts, or a bikini bottom, your favorite wire-free or underwire tankini top is built to pair up perfectly with the bottoms that work best for you. All our tankini bathing suits are designed to be quick-drying, so you can hit the snack shack or boardwalk with your tankini as a top. Pair it with linen pants, a skirt, or denim shorts for an easy 'fit that's beach-approved.
How should a tankini top fit?
A wire-free or underwire tankini top should have all the same features as a well-fitting one-piece or bikini top. Look for a snug fit (swimsuits stretch a bit when wet) that doesn’t gap or pinch. Check out our
How to Choose a Swimsuit guide to get the lowdown on swim sizing.
Can a tankini be worn for both swimming and sunbathing?
The short answer: yes! A tankini top is a great choice for a swim or day soaking up the sun. Many of our tankini tops feature UPF 50 protection, so while your tummy's covered from the harsh UV rays, don't forget to reapply on your shoulders, chest (if it's not up to your neck), back, and arms!
Can a tankini be worn for water sports?
Absolutely. T9's athletic tankinis give you the benefits of a one-piece swimsuit with the flexibility of a two-piece bikini. Our athletic styles are more form-fitting and slimming to prevent drag during a swim, and stay-put through SUPing or surfing adventures.
What materials are best for a tankini?
High-quality swimwear is usually made with nylon and elastane: two stretchy and durable fabrics that can take on a whole lotta water. The entire collection of T9 swimwear and tankini swimsuits are made with nylon, elastane, and even recycled nylon for better-performing fabrics that hold up swim after swim.
How do I properly care for a tankini?
Caring for your swimsuits is the same across the board. Once you're out of the water, rinse off your swimsuit with cold, fresh water and let it air dry. A dab of gentle soap and a good hand wash is all you need to keep your tankini top looking and feeling fresh. Never wash your swimsuit in the washing machine with harsh detergent, or regular clothing. Give your suit a full 24 hours to "bounce back" before wearing it out again.
If you plan to wear your tankini top in a hot tub, make that your designated hot tub top, since hot tub chemicals can do a number on your bathing suit.
Are there any specific care instructions for chlorine-resistant tankinis?
Chlorine-resistant tankini bathing suits aren't exactly invincible, so you should still follow the same care techniques listed above.
How do you keep a tankini top from floating up?
The key to a tankini top that stays put? It's all about fit. While blouson or flowy style tankini tops tend to billow a bit underwater, snug-fitting tankini tops or tankini tops with drawstring or elastic around the bottom hem stay put while we're active, whether we're going for a swim or playing with the kids. As long as you have a great fit, you can choose the top style you feel the most comfortable in, from twist front to v-neck to bandeau, to wire-free or underwire support.
