What Is a Monokini Swimsuit?

We’re all familiar with bikinis (two-pieces) and one-piece swimsuits. But you might also hear about a third - in-between - style of swimsuit; the monokini. 

Like most fashion items, the monokini has evolved over time, and designers continue to improvise on the basic concept. So, if you’re confused about what a monokini is, that’s completely understandable. Let’s explore…

The Origins of the Monokini: The Heydey of Toplessness

The original monokini was a topless swimsuit. It was designed by Rudi Gernreich in 1964. The design consisted of a close-fitting bottom and two thin straps that extended over the shoulders. It was not intended as a fashion garment but as a symbolic protest against a repressive society that had outdated attitudes to women’s bodies, particularly their breasts (sound familiar?)

In an interview with Time Magazine, Gernreich said “Baring the breasts seemed logical in a period of freer attitudes, freer minds, the emancipation of women." Reaction to the monokini was outrage, but there was also a surge of demand for the swimsuit. 

Sunbathing and swimming topless might seem shocking to North Americans, but it was once  (and is still) considered wholly uncontroversial in certain parts of the world. Going topless on the beach reached its highest popularity during the 1970s.

Two Thin Straps Kept the Monokini in Place

Women often go topless by wearing only a bikini bottom. But the monokini gave them another option to make a striking fashion statement. Moreover, those thin straps attached to the brief part of the swimsuit may have helped keep the bottom in place and prevented it from falling down.

The Common Monokini Today: One-Piece Coverage, Two-Piece Appearance

One-piece suits that leave the breasts uncovered, like the original monokini, still exist. 

However, in mainstream fashion, the term ‘monokini’ has evolved to describe a modified one-piece swimsuit that creates an impression of being a two-piece, with cutouts, particularly around the midriff and waist. These modified monokinis keep the breasts covered but are often designed to emphasize an hourglass figure and enhance the waist.

These cut-outs may make the monokini look like a bikini either from the front or the back, but it is still a single-piece garment— a one-piece bathing suit.

Fashion designers off are all kinds of designs, and the cutouts are connected with varying fabrics, including mesh, chain, and other materials to link the top and bottom sections together. You can also find monokinis with a ruffled upper half, a halter monokini, embroidered monokini, pleated monokini, and much more.

The style of these swimsuits may strike you as very sexy; even though they have more fabric than many bikinis, the cutouts may emphasize the curves of a woman’s body or provide a peekaboo effect that makes them seem more overtly sexualizing.

However, some monokinis are much more modest than others. As with all swimsuit designs, there are huge variations within the basic design. Some will have a thong design, be very high-cut on the leg, or have design details like drawstrings or mesh that might seem more overtly sexy to some. But others will be much more modest, with a full coverage bottom, excellent bust support, and just a peek of the midriff, for example.

The Difference Between a Monokini and a Bikini

The fundamental difference between a monokini and a bikini is that a bikini is made of two separate garments: a top and a bottom. 

A monokini is a single garment. So, while you can mix and match the tops and bottoms of bikinis with a monokini, you have one item. It is, in essence, a variation on a one-piece rather than a two-piece

However, viewed from certain angles, a monokini may have the appearance of a bikini.

And similar to a bikini (and swimsuits in general), there are lots of style options when it comes to monokinis. You can choose different colors, materials, and design embellishments, from mesh to ruffles.

Why Not Just Wear a Bikini?

If you want the look of a two-piece, why wouldn’t you just wear a two-piece? 

Some monokinis are more modest than a traditional two-piece. They might reveal only a small sliver of midriff (like the Knix Leakproof Wrap One Piece) Or offer you coverage at the front but reveal more at the back. As with all clothing, it’s a very personal choice what feels like ‘you.’ For many women, different styles of monokini strike the perfect balance.

Depending on the design, the monokini might be easier to keep in place than a two-piece. Bikini bottoms (especially skimpy ones) may slide down when wet. But the monokini can be more ‘held’ in place because it runs over your shoulders too.

The Difference Between a Monokini and a One-Piece Swimsuit

Okay, so if it’s not a two-piece bikini, isn’t it just a one-piece suit? In essence, yes, the monokini is a variation of a traditional one-piece. What ‘monokini’ implies is that it will have more of the appearance of a two-piece swimsuit from a certain angle. 

‘Monokini’ is also still used today to refer to the original design or vintage monokini that left the breasts uncovered.

Discover the Knix Wrap One-Piece Swimsuit

While we don’t name our Leakproof Wrap One-Piece a monokini, it is the design in our swimsuit collection that comes closest to a monokini design.

A favorite around our office, it's part bikini & part one-piece! This gorgeous suit features a flattering bikini-style wrap top design with thick straps to support a full bust.

It also has a built-in absorbent liner for confident period protection – about the same as 3 tampons. Check out more of our period swimwear for additional styles.

How it Fits: 

The wrap top provides a customizable fit and look. The bottom half sits comfortably with slightly more than medium coverage on the thigh and bum.

Size Options: XS to XXXXL

Things to Consider When Shopping for a Monokini

Sold on the idea of a monokini? Here are some things to consider when you’re shopping for one:

‘Interesting’ Tan Lines

Depending on the design of the monokini, you may end up with some interesting tan lines. While this is true of all swimsuit designs, it’s always worth considering!

Practicality in Water

Some swimsuits are better designed for the poolside rather than doing laps. Depending on the design and materials of your monokini swimsuit, you may find it less practical in the water. This is more of a problem if you’re hoping to get in some serious swims than an occasional dip.

Ease of Putting On / Getting Off

Even though it’s essentially a one-piece swimsuit, the monokini might be more complex to put on and get off because it has more openings, cut-outs, and straps. If you’re the kind of person who wants to throw something on and enjoy your day, some monokinis might seem more trouble than they’re worth. Again, this boils down to your own personality and what you prioritize when it comes to appearance and comfort!

If you decide you want to wear a monokini, you certainly have many options to suit every style and body type.

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.