How many swimsuits should you own?

There comes a time in everyone’s life when they must ask themselves the question, “how many swimsuits should I own?” When Summer rolls around, and the swimwear collections roll out, it’s easy to get lost in the abundance of it all and become overwhelmed. 

Or maybe your swimsuit drawer is just starting to overflow. Perhaps you’re moving to sunnier shores where regular swimsuit wear is a must. You could even be wondering how many swimsuits you’ll need to see you through your vacation.

If any of the above resonates with you, or you really just are trying to figure out how many swimsuits you should own in general, we have the answer: 

But really, how many swimsuits should I own?

If we’re measuring ‘how many swimsuits should I own?” by general standards, we have a simple answer: most women have 4-5 swimwear options in their wardrobes, while men have considerably fewer (we’re going to go with 1-2.)

But that’s not the rule, more of a guideline. Take a few variables into account, and things start to vary.

Say you live near a body of water, you’re more than likely to swim often. In that case, you should have plenty of swimsuits to your name. That way, you can rotate suits without worrying about washing them every other day. 

And, of course, different swimsuits lend themselves to different occasions. Say you’re going to a pool party; you’ll want a cool, colorful number that stands out. Just going for your morning sea swim? The coverage of a one-piece swimsuit should more than suffice. If you’re a fan of watersports, you’ll probably also want to stock up on swimwear.

So, really, at the end of the day, how many swimsuits you own is entirely up to you and your circumstances. But it can also be a matter of preference, with some people simply preferring to own more swimsuits than others, owing their choice primarily to the advantages and disadvantages of owning a lot (or a little of) swimsuits. 

The benefits of owning multiple swimsuits

A simple fact about swimsuits is that they tend to deteriorate over time. While their intricate blend of polyester and nylon makes for a comfortable, cozy fit, it’s also rather delicate. As a result, the soft material absorbs its surroundings. Chlorine, salt, oils, and creams all find their way into the space between the fibers, weakening them in the process. Even the heat, sun, and rough surfaces can take their toll on your swimsuit. 

So, if you’ve been looking for an excuse to buy more swimsuits – now you have it! Having the choice to rotate your swimsuits can lessen the burden on one swimsuit, giving it time to rest and prolonging its lifespan!

Selection

Think about it. There are one-piece swimsuits and bikinis. And just expanding on bikinis, you can choose from underwire women’s bikini tops, v-neck cross-back tops, bandeau bikini tops, convertible bikini tops, mid-rise bikini bottoms, high rise bikini bottoms with tummy control, reversible swim bottoms, swim skirts, and swim shorts, just to name a few. 

In short – there’s a swimsuit to match every mood, environment, and occasion.

Be ready for anything

More likely than not, there’ll come a time when someone asks you to an event that requires you to wear a certain type of swimsuit. If you already have plenty to choose from, you won’t have to scramble to buy a new one!

The benefits of owning fewer swimsuits

Owning an abundance of swimsuits isn’t for everyone. 

For some, the choice involved in owning a huge collection of swimsuits is just a bit much. And that’s completely understandable! With such a wide variety to choose from, it can be overwhelming deciding which to pick. So, when you find one that suits you perfectly – hold on tight!

What’s more, different swimsuits often come with different washing instructions. So, if you’re too busy to be checking washing labels all of the time, it might be best to stick with 1 or 2 swimsuits. 

Different types of swimsuits to own

Where do we start? Look at any swimsuit magazine or online swimwear store, and you’ll see that there’s a seemingly endless selection of swimsuits to choose from. So we’ll start by simplifying:

Swimsuits break down into two main categories: one-piece and two-piece swimsuits. The simplicity stops there. From there, we expand into bandeau and scoop tops or shirt tops for those looking for little extra coverage. There’s also the monokini that’s taking the swim-chic trend to the next level. 

These days, skirt-bottom two-piece swimsuits and ruffle-sleeved one-piece suits are taken center stage as the trendiest choices. One-shoulder bikinis are also making a splash alongside triangle-top bikinis. An interesting development has also been the influence of sportswear in swimwear, with some modern-day swimsuits mimicking two-piece workout wear. 

And not to mention the classic sports suit and wetsuit. 

So, when it comes to the question of how many swimsuits you should own – we can’t help but wonder if anyone would even have enough storage space to fit all of the above!

How many swimsuits are “too many”?

There’s no such thing as too many swimsuits as long as you’re content with each one. In that case, the more swimsuits, the merrier! What you could have too many of, however, are old or worn-down swimsuits that are long past their use-by date. So, if you feel like your swimsuit drawer is piling up, why not do a bit of Spring cleaning and rid yourself of swimsuits you’ll never wear again? Wondering how to spot a worn-out swimsuit? Here are the telltale signs that your swimsuit has swam its last swim. 

As well, you can certainly have too many low-quality swimsuits, which brings us to … 

Quality vs. quantity

When it comes to properly answering the question “how many swimsuits should I own?” this is the best rule of thumb. 

You could own mountains of swimsuits, but they might not make you feel good or even look good, for that matter. Maybe their stitching is off, or the material just doesn’t feel right. Perhaps they seem to fall apart after just one dip in the water. In that case, even one of those swimsuits is more than enough!

What you can’t have enough of, however, are high-quality swimsuits that feel like they were made with your body in mind. These are the type of swimsuits that you’d almost be tempted to wear under your day clothes for no other reason than they offer support, comfort, and feel great. Plus, you’ll always be prepared in case of an impromptu swim!

The right swimsuit can feel empowering and energizing, leaving no doubt in your mind that you’re in safe hands as you go about your sea/pool-side business.

So, if you have a budget to maintain, keep in mind that one good swimsuit is better than several low-quality ones. The extra expense always pays back in the long run. After all, there’s nothing like a swimsuit that works for you either than the other way around.

The bottom line 

With many pros, cons, styles, and other such factors to consider, it’s safe to say that how many swimsuits you choose to own is up to you! As long as you feel comfortable in your swimsuits and ready to dive into the water – what more do you need?

FAQ about How many swimsuits should I own?

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