Tankinis for Women

Hunkemöller Tankinis

A tankini is a two-piece swimsuit that combines a longer tank-style top with separate bottoms, giving you the coverage of a one-piece with the flexibility of a two-piece. At Hunkemöller, our tankinis are designed with the same fit and support principles as the rest of our bikinis (adjustable straps, built-in cups, and tops cut long enough to meet your bottoms) so you feel covered, comfortable, and confident at the beach, the pool, or the sauna.

The tankini is a relatively recent addition to swimwear, emerging in the 1990s, and it quickly became a wardrobe staple. At Hunkemöller you'll find tankinis in a range of styles, cuts, and colours. Whether you're heading on holiday, spending a day at the beach, or visiting the sauna, a tankini is an easy, flattering choice. 

What is a tankini?

A tankini is a two-piece swimsuit, like a bikini made up of a tank-style top and separate bottoms, which is where the name (tank + bikini) comes from. The top is long enough that it usually reaches the bikini bottoms, so a tankini covers the midriff much like a swimsuit. The key advantage over a one-piece: because the top and bottoms are separate, you don't have to take the whole thing off for a bathroom break.

Tankini vs. bikini vs. swimsuit 

The three are easy to mix up, but they suit different needs:

• Tankini: a two-piece with a longer top that covers the midriff. The middle ground: stomach coverage plus the convenience of separate bottoms.
• Bikini: a two-piece that leaves the midriff bare. The most sun exposure and the most styling freedom.
• Swimsuit (one-piece): a single connected piece. Maximum coverage, but you remove the whole garment for the bathroom.

Choose a tankini when you want a covered midriff without committing to a one-piece, and the freedom to size the top and bottom separately. 

Why choose a tankini?

• Perfect if you want more coverage. Not comfortable lying on the beach in a bikini? Want a change from a swimsuit? A tankini is a great option. Some styles fall loosely around the body to skim and conceal, while others sit closer to show off your curves.
• Comfortable and flattering. Tankinis often provide more support than bikinis, which makes them comfortable to wear all day. Many also come with figure-flattering features that smooth the tummy, or a tailored top that defines the waist.

How to choose the right tankini

The right tankini comes down to four things: coverage, support, body shape, and the features that matter to you.

By coverage and fit

• To skim and conceal the midriff: choose a looser, longer top that falls away from the body.
• To define the waist: choose a tailored or ruched top that follows your shape.
• For the bottom: pair with high-waisted bottoms for tummy smoothing, or classic bikini bottoms for a lighter feel.

By body shape

• Apple / midsection focus: a loose, longer top with high-waisted bottoms balances the silhouette.
• Pear shape: a detailed or bright top with darker bottoms evens out proportions.
• Hourglass: a tailored top with high-waisted bottoms emphasises the waist.
• Pregnancy: a relaxed, stretchy top grows with the bump and adjustable straps keep the fit right throughout.

By occasion

• Holiday and beach: statement prints and easy mix-and-match sets.
• Pool and active: fitted, supportive tops with secure straps.
• Sauna and spa: simple, comfortable styles that are quick to put on and take off.

By support

• Fuller bust: look for built-in cups, an underwire, and wider adjustable straps.
• Active swimming: choose fixed, adjustable straps and a fitted top that stays in place in the water.
• All-day comfort: moulded cups and a supportive band keep the top secure without digging in.

Tankini colours, prints, and styles

There are no rules when it comes to colour or print. Plain colours give a clean, classic look, while bold shades, prints, and textures make a statement. Consider the features that matter most to you beforehand, like adjustable straps, built-in cups, ruching, or a particular neckline. The only thing that matters after that is feeling good in what you're wearing.

Frequently asked questions about tankinis

Is a tankini suitable for pregnancy? 

A tankini is a popular maternity choice because a stretchy, looser top grows with your bump and adjustable straps keep the fit comfortable as your body changes. It also covers the midriff without the tightness of a one-piece.

Can you swim in a tankini? 

For active swimming, choose a fitted tankini with built-in support and fixed, adjustable straps so the top stays in place in the water. Looser styles are better suited to lounging and beach days.

What body shape is a tankini best for? 

A tankini suits virtually everyone, and it's especially popular with anyone who wants midriff coverage with the convenience of two pieces. Apple shapes can balance the silhouette with a loose top and high-waisted bottoms, hourglass shapes can define the waist with a tailored top, and pear shapes can even out proportions with a detailed or bright top.

Do tankinis have built-in support? 

Tankinis often include built-in cups, and some styles add an underwire and wider adjustable straps, making them a supportive option for a fuller bust, generally more so than a standard bikini top.

What do you wear on the bottom with a tankini? 

Tankini tops pair with separate bikini bottoms, including high-waisted bikinis for more coverage and tummy smoothing. Because they're sold separately, you can choose a different size on top and bottom for a true fit.