This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Kelly Xiong. Find her on Instagram at @k.3lly. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Winter is finally over and summer is only a few months away. People have formed the summer group chats, booked their tickets, and bought bathing suits. This summer’s question is what kind of thing suits will people wear?
What is a Tankini?
A tankini is just a tank top and a bikini bottom worn together. Sometimes the tank tops have different patterns and ruffles. There are also different styles like halter tops. Although it may look similar it is not the same as a one-piece bathing suit.
Why do People Wear Tankinis?
Children and young girls usually wear tankinis when going to the beach or the pool. It is a more modest option than a bikini in which the stomach is shown. Some parents also put their kids in one-piece bathing suits.
At the age of ten, I realized I didn’t like these bathing suit options. I’m more of a tee-shirt and gym shorts kind of girl. I felt the most comfortable in gym shorts because they were versatile and it was less likely that I would lose them. But adults also wear tankinis for modesty and comfortability. As I grew up I settled on wearing a tankini top with gym shorts.
The Tankini Discourse
About a month ago, discourse on Tankinis began on the internet, but there were TikToks posted on the subject back in 2022. People are pretty divided on the subject. One side thinks that Tankinis are stylish and give them that early 2000s aesthetic they want. Some people even make outfits using the bathing suit top as an everyday clothing item. I think this is a great idea and a fun way to use an item that goes unnoticed for ninety percent of the year.
The other side of the tankini discourse absolutely despises the idea of a tankini. People want to wear their bikinis to show off the summer body they’ve been working on since February. This is a fine reason to decide not to wear a tankini this summer. If you are comfortable with your body then yes do that.
People also hate the it gives of the early 2000s aesthetic because it reminds them of their childhood. This is also a valid feeling to have. However, the issue arises when people enter the creator’s comment sections and make fun of them for wearing or enjoying tankinis.
Should you Buy a Tankini?
It may feel like you need to buy a new swimsuit because of this trend but you don’t. Just because the word tankini is being thrown around on TikTok doesn’t mean you should throw out the bathing suits you already own. Wearing the same swimsuit from the year prior is probably the smartest option. Most bathing suits cost anywhere from 20 to 50 dollars, but some can even retail as high as 100 dollars.
But if you want to dabble in the tankini trend I recommend you thrift a tankini top. It will be significantly less money than buying new, and actual early 2000s clothes will be on the rack. Viewing tankinis in person will also allow you to decide if it’s a cool item or if the TikTok For You Page made it look cool.
An important thing to remember when a new trend comes along is that a trend is just for a moment but your personal style is forever. Ask yourself: will this be something you wear and cherish or will it end up in the back of your closet or worse in a landfill?
What kind of swimsuit are you planning on wearing this summer? Or will you stay indoors blasting your air conditioner? Let us know!
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