Swimwear vs Beachwear: What’s the Difference?

The world of fashion can sometimes be confusing. It seems there are many different names of the same thing and then random, subtle differences between things that seem the same, but are different.

Cultural differences play into this too. A sweater in the U.S. is a jumper in the UK. A jumper to Americans are dungarees to Brits. So, if you’ve been confused about swimwear versus beachwear, you’re not losing it.

Let’s look at the differences and similarities.

Swimwear Includes Everything You Might Wear Swimming

Looking for something designed for swimming? That’s swimwear. Swimwear is generally a tight-fitting garment worn in the water. For women, modern swimsuits include:

• One-piece swimsuit
• Period swimwear (learn more about period swimwear here)
• Monokinis
• Two-piece swimsuits, like bikinis, tankinis, etc.
• Separates (i.e., bikini tops or bottoms sold separately)
• Rash guards (learn more about rash guards here)

For men, swimwear includes swim trunks (or swimming trunks), Speedos, and more.

Swimwear comes in a variety of styles and colors. They can have embellishments, cut-outs, ruffles, scalloped edges, or be simple and unadorned.

Swimwear can also be known as: 

• In Australia: Bathers, swimmers, or cossie
• In the UK and Ireland: Swimming costume or swimming togs
• Everywhere: A bathing suit or swimsuit

Nylon and polyester are the most popular swimwear fabrics, though there are other bathing suit materials too. Knix bathing suits, for example, are primarily made of nylon (~85%) and spandex (~15%). You’ll find similar spandex blends in swimsuit fabric across most mainstream brands today. Other bathing suit materials include:

• PBT: Polybutylene Terephthalate, or PBT for short, is a plastic yarn fiber with natural stretch and recovery. It is part of the polyester family of fabrics. PBT has a natural stretch similar to Lycra and can be incorporated into sportswear, including bathing suit fabrics. Due to its chlorine resistance, it is commonly found in competitive swimwear. However, PBT is not considered environmentally friendly as it is a petroleum-based product.
• ECONYL®: Introduced just in 2011, ECONYL® is regenerated nylon from pre and post-consumer products. According to Wikipedia, ECONYL® is made entirely from the ocean and landfill waste, such as industrial plastic, fabric scraps from clothing manufacturing companies, old carpets, and "ghost nets" (lost or abandoned fishing nets.)

Basically: If it’s designed for swimming in, it’s swimwear. 

What to Look for in a Swimming Suit in 2022

When you’re shopping for a bathing suit, what should you look for? 

1. Look and Feel

First and foremost, don’t buy a swimsuit or bikini that you don’t like the look of. You deserve nothing less than a swimsuit that makes you feel confident and beautiful. But beyond the look, you should feel good in it too. That means supported the way you want to be, ‘held in’ if that’s the feeling you want, free to move and jump and run in it. There shouldn’t be any bits that dig in uncomfortably or straps that slip. 

2. Style Options

There are probably thousands of styles out there. Suffice to say: You should be able to find the style (or styles) you want. And if you’re completely overwhelmed by all the choices, you can never go wrong with a classic maillot style. It is, simply put, the little black dress of the swimsuit world. 

3. Size Range

The right fit means a wide range of sizes to suit everybody. Knix swimsuits come in sizes from XS to XXXXL and a number of different styles that will flatter different shapes and silhouettes. There’s a stylish, chic option for every kind of body and design taste.

4. Color Options & Colorfast

Any material that’s going to go in the water needs to be colorfast. That’s why synthetics are so great for swimsuits—they generally hold their color and withstand the elements, like sun, saltwater, and chlorine. And you should be able to find any color you crave!

5. Period / Leakproof Swimwear

If you’ll be swimming or vacationing while on your period, it’s good to consider period swimwear. Period swimwear is a relatively new option on the market, but it’s worth considering! Period swimwear is designed to look just like regular swimwear. 

6. UV Protection (UPF)

If protection from the sun is a top concern (and it should be!), it’s worth checking to make sure your swimsuit has an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating. Clothing with a UPF is tested according to strict guidelines. Ultraviolet Protection Factors of 50 or more represent excellent protection.

7. Quick-Drying

Another bonus of those common swimsuit materials like polyester and nylon is that they are quick-drying. This allows you to dry off quickly between dips, while lounging poolside, or on the beach. 

8. Stretch/Elasticity

A bathing costume should be a tight-fitting garment. But just like leggings, cheaper bathing suits can get baggy quickly. So think about investing a little more to get a higher quality swimsuit. Then do your part to prolong its lifespan. Lay it flat to dry, so it isn’t stretching out. Alternate a few swimsuits, so they have a ‘rest period’ between wears.

9. Easy to Care for

This is a rule for almost any garment: Check the care instructions. Most swimsuits should be a simple hand wash/rinse, followed by an instruction to lay flat to dry. Anything more complex might become too much of a chore (especially when you’re supposed to be enjoying a vacation.)

10. Sustainability / Longevity

While we don’t yet have a perfect solution for a sustainable swimsuit, one thing you can do is invest in a swimsuit that will last for longer. Cheap clothing that gets discarded after a short season does significantly more damage to the environment. A classic and flattering swimsuit that will last you many more seasons is a choice that has more longevity and, therefore, reduces the turnover of waste.

Beachwear Includes Swimwear, But Also Other Things You Might Wear on the Beach

It should be pretty obvious that you can also wear swimwear while on the beach, while sunbathing, lounging, or between dips. So beachwear includes swimwear. But you can also wear other items on the beach that are definitely NOT designed for swimming in. 

Common examples of beachwear that are not swimwear include:

• Cover-ups (learn more about cover-ups here)
• Beach dresses
• Beach shorts
• Shoes like flip-flops

But generally, any clothing suitable for the beach is considered beachwear!

Hopefully, you’re feeling crystal clear on the difference between clothing suitable for beachwear and sun-orientated activities and a swimming swimsuit!

We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.