I’ve always felt that the right two-piece bathing suit reigns supreme over a one-piece for active women of any age or body type. The top of a bikini provides sports bra-like support—or at least more support than the top half of a one-piece bathing suit. Bikini bottoms tend to stay in place better than the bottom of a one-piece, which, with movement, inevitably creeps and needs constant readjusting. And in the summer heat, the lack of fabric around the midsection just feels better.
Having grown up a San Diego beach kid and a Santa Barbara college kid, I’ve spent a lot of time in bathing suits so I have an informed opinion of what works and what doesn’t. Now in Boulder, Colorado, I don’t wear swimsuits as often, but I SUP and, anytime I travel to a beach, lake, or river, I like to surf, swim, paddle, bodysurf, wakeboard, and play beach volleyball, Smashball or soccer in bikinis. (I also like to go on runs after throwing on shorts and a tank over my suit).
In recent years, I’ve considered whether I need to switch to wearing one-pieces instead of bikinis because of my age. I’m not 20; I’m pretty far from it….
