A Guide to Custom Tankini Swimwear
A tankini top combines the convenience of a two-piece swimsuit with the coverage of a longer swimwear top. Unlike a traditional bikini top, a tankini top usually extends down over the torso, providing additional coverage while allowing the wearer to pair it with different bikini bottoms.
For swimwear brands, tankini tops offer plenty of room for customization. Different necklines, lengths, straps, fabrics, prints, and bottom combinations can create very different product directions.
What Is a Tankini?
A tankini is a two-piece swimsuit consisting of a longer top and a separate bottom.
The top typically covers part or most of the torso, making it different from conventional bikini tops such as:
Triangle Bikini Top
Bandeau Bikini Top
Underwire Bikini Top
Halter Bikini TopThe main characteristic of a tankini is its extended body length.
Depending on the design, a tankini top may end around the waist, hip, or lower torso.
Different Tankini Styles
1. Neckline Design: The First Impression
Round Neck
A round neckline creates a clean and classic appearance. It can work well for simple, everyday swimwear collections.
V-Neck
A V-neck adds a more defined neckline and can create a feminine, elegant look.
Square Neck
A square neckline gives a tankini a more structured, contemporary appearance. It pairs well with minimalist fabrics and clean construction.
Halter Neck
A halter tankini creates a different shoulder and neckline shape, making it suitable for resort wear and fashion-focused collections.
The same tankini body can look completely different simply by changing the neckline.
2. Body Length: A Detail That Changes the Silhouette
A shorter tankini top creates a more traditional two-piece appearance, while a longer silhouette gives the design a more coverage-focused direction.
Body length should be considered together with the bikini bottom. A high-waisted bottom can create a coordinated, retro-inspired look, while a classic or cheeky bottom can give the same top a more contemporary appearance.
For brands developing custom tankini swimwear, the desired length should be confirmed before pattern development and sampling.
3. Printed Tankini Design
Prints can transform a simple tankini into a distinctive seasonal product.
Popular design directions include:
Tropical and floral prints
Animal prints
Abstract artwork
Geometric patterns
Coastal-inspired stripes
Custom brand printsA tankini can also use print placement to create a more intentional design. For example, a continuous print across the top and bottom can create a coordinated look, while a contrasting print can highlight the neckline or side panels.
4. Textured Fabrics and Color
Fabric selection is another way to change the visual identity of a tankini.
Ribbed fabrics can add texture and a more casual, contemporary feeling. Matte fabrics can create a clean and understated look, while metallic fabrics can bring a more statement-making resort wear direction.
Color combinations also influence the overall mood
Navy and cream: Classic and refined
Black and white: Minimalist and timeless
Pink and red: Bold and energetic
Green and blue: Fresh and vibrant
Brown and orange: Warm and earthy
The right fabric and color combination should match the brand’s intended positioning and collection concept.
5. Small Details That Make a Difference
A tankini does not need a complicated construction to become a distinctive product.
Small details can change its style, including:
Cut-Out Details
Cut-outs can introduce a more contemporary look while changing the visual balance of the garment.
Ruffles can add softness, movement, and a more playful or feminine appearance.
Decorative Hardware
Rings, sliders, and other accessories can create a more elevated finish. Their position and construction should be considered carefully during development.
Contrast Binding
Contrasting binding can highlight the edges of a tankini and create a sporty or graphic appearance.
Panel Construction
Different panels can add visual structure and create opportunities for color blocking or shaping details.
6. Tankini Design Ideas for Different Brand Directions
A single tankini silhouette can be adapted into different collections.
Minimalist Tankini
Clean lines, solid colors, and subtle branding create a simple and versatile design.
Resort wear Tankini
Tropical prints, decorative details, and coordinated bikini bottoms create a vacation-inspired collection.
Sporty Tankini
Contrast binding, secure straps, and practical construction can create a more active-inspired look.
Premium Tankini
Refined fabrics, structured cups, and carefully selected hardware can create a more elevated product direction.
Youthful Tankini
Bright colors, playful prints, and contemporary details can create a fresh and energetic aesthetic.
7. From Tankini Design to Custom Swimwear
For swimwear brands, a good design concept is only the beginning.
A custom tankini project may involve:
Design Concept → Fabric Selection → Pattern Development → Sample Making → Fit Review → Revision → Production
Before making a sample, it is helpful to confirm the neckline, body length, bust construction, fabric, lining, print, and matching bottom.