Swimwear vs Swimsuit: What’s the Difference?

Most items of clothing go by different names. 

Those differences can originate from:

• Regional naming conventions: For example, where I come from “jumpers” are what we call “sweaters”, “vests” are “tank tops”, and “waistcoats” are “vests”. 
• Various synonyms for the same item: For example, underwear can be called “undies”, “knickers”, “panties” and more.
• Various subcategories within a clothing category: For example a “bikini” is a type of swimwear, or “boyshort” is a style of underwear.

When you’re shopping online, these differences can become confusing. Some brands really double down on specific naming conventions and avoid others. As you compare across websites, you may struggle to find what’s called one thing on one site (e.g. swimwear) is called something else on another site (like “swimsuits.”)

Let’s try to help clear it up.

Swimwear is a Catch-All Category for Anything You Can Wear Swimming

Any item of clothing you can wear swimming is swimwear. This includes everything all genders wear in water. So all of the following are kinds of swimwear:

• Swimsuits
• Bikinis
• Trunks
• Speedos
• Burkini
• Rashguard
• Etc.

When you’re shopping online, you might find this category labeled “Beachwear” or simply “Swim” on the website navigation (Related articles: swimwear vs beachwear and swimwear vs wetsuit)

A Swimsuit Is a Type of Swimwear

A swimsuit usually describes a one-piece swimsuit. Some use “one-piece” as shorthand for a one-piece swimsuit. And in different regions, you might encounter different terms (listed above in the table). They include:

• Swimming Togs
• Swimming Costume
• Bathing Suit
• Bathers
• Cossie

Swimsuits also include more specific designs styles, like monokinis, burkinis, and rashguards.

Again, depending on the retailer site you’re on, sometimes these will be broken out as a sub-category and sometimes items will just be tucked in. It usually depends on how much merchandise they have and the demand the retailer encounters for specific types of designs.

If a swimsuit is the only kind of swimwear you normally wear, you might use ‘swimsuit’ and ‘swimwear’ interchangeably, since - for you - they’re one and the same.

A Two-Piece Is Another Kind of Swimwear

A two-piece (also commonly known as a bikini) is another kind of swimwear. It also includes tankinis. The word “bikini” is often used as the shorthand for all styles of two-piece, though a tankini is usually described separately (it too is a two-piece).

Some retailers also sell their two-pieces as separates rather than suits, so you might have them sell ‘bottoms’ and ‘tops’ rather than ‘bikini sets’.

Why It Gets Confusing...

Even though there’s nearly always a “proper” definition of things, in conversation and everyday use, language becomes much more elastic.

Most of us have come up with different shorthand ways of describing things. I’ve never worn a bikini so for me, swimwear is always a swimsuit and I use the two words interchangeably. 

We also sometimes use brand names as substitutes for product categories (“Speedo” is a good example here).

And, of course, those regional differences can come into play. When I first moved to Canada I called my swimsuit a “bathing costume” and people thought I was nuts.

The good news is, little misunderstandings can usually be easily cleared up…

Wondering what kind of swimwear might be right for you? Read on.

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, and in period swimwear.