One-piece or bikini: how to choose your swimsuit this summer

One-piece or bikini: the one-piece wraps the figure and takes you from the beach to the evening, while the bikini gives you more freedom to tan and to choose a different size for the top and the bottom. Neither is reserved for one body shape: it all depends on how you like to swim and what you like to feel.

One-piece or bikini: what really changes

Before talking style, here are the practical differences between the two.

• Coverage. The one-piece covers the stomach and back; the bikini leaves them free.
• Fit. A one-piece is chosen in a single size for the whole body. A bikini is made of two pieces, each in its own size.
• Tanning. A bikini leaves a more discreet tan line; a one-piece draws the shape of the swimsuit.
• Uses. A one-piece is easy to wear as a bodysuit with a skirt or trousers; a bikini suits long sunny days.

The strengths of the one-piece

At atelier culotté, the one-piece swimsuits are presented as “your partner for swimming and summer evenings”. That is their strength: you get out of the water, add shorts or a skirt, and your outfit is ready.

The workshop’s designs share a medium high-cut leg and adjustable straps, and come in sizes S to XL.

• The RHUM COCO one-piece, in textured white fabric, with a stainless steel jewel. It subtly reveals the bust and is fully lined, with no see-through.
• The DIABOLO FRAISE one-piece, in pink and blue waffle fabric, also fully lined.
• The SOLEIL BLEU one-piece, in bright sky blue fabric, with the same jewel.

The one-piece appeals to those who want to feel held, swim without wondering whether a strap has moved, or simply show off the line of the back and the waist. The one-piece swimsuits section gathers every design.

The strengths of the bikini

The bikini is first of all the freedom to mix and match. Tops and bottoms are sold separately: you choose the size of each piece according to your bust and hips, and you can combine two collections.

On top, you have two shapes to choose from.

• The triangle, with thin adjustable straps. The RHUM COCO triangle and the SOLEIL BLEU triangle have a “flattering cut that enhances small busts without forgetting fuller ones”. The BICHOCO and SUNSET triangles share this cut.
• The bralette, with more coverage. The BICHOCO bralette and the RHUM COCO bralette are described as “ultra comfortable” and shape the bust, with beads on the straps.

Below, the choice runs from high-waisted briefs to the tanga, by way of Brazilian briefs. To understand the nuances between these cuts, read our article Brazilian bikini bottoms or tanga. Every design is in the bikini tops and bikini bottoms sections.

Which swimsuit for your habits?

Rather than thinking in terms of body shape, start from the way you enjoy summer.

• You swim a lot: a one-piece stays in place without you thinking about it. In a bikini, a bralette top and well-fitting bottoms work too.
• You spend long hours in the sun: a bikini gives a more even tan.
• You go straight from the beach to drinks: a one-piece turns into a bodysuit under a skirt.
• Your top and bottom sizes differ: a bikini avoids any compromise.
• You have a fuller bust: a triangle with adjustable straps or a shaping bralette will hold you well. On the product pages, Marie and Chloé wear a D cup and a size L in the BICHOCO triangle.

As Chloé puts it: “Petite, tall, slender, curvy, radiant or discreet: I design my creations for every woman.” The best cut is the one in which you feel like yourself.

Lining, a criterion not to forget

Whether you choose a one-piece or a bikini, check the lining. A lined swimsuit does not become see-through when wet, especially in white. The RHUM COCO and DIABOLO FRAISE one-pieces are fully lined, as are the RHUM COCO, SOLEIL BLEU, BICHOCO and SUNSET triangles. Each product page specifies this.

Think about care too: rinse in clean water after every swim, and never tumble dry. The detailed steps are in our article caring for your lingerie and swimwear.

Handmade, in small runs

All atelier culotté swimsuits are sewn by hand in the Andoins workshop, in the south west of France, from French fabrics. They are made in small collections: “Less quantity, more quality.” Slight variations may exist between two copies, which is the mark of handmade work.

Delivery is free in France from €120, enough to bring together a top and a bottom, or a one-piece and a bralette top to vary the pleasures.

Frequently asked questions

Is a one-piece more flattering than a bikini?

Neither is more flattering in itself. A one-piece defines the waist and the back, a bikini shows off the hips and stomach. The right choice is the one you feel comfortable in.

Can you wear a one-piece swimsuit away from the beach?

Yes, it is one of its strengths. The atelier culotté one-pieces are designed as partners “for swimming and summer evenings”: with a skirt or trousers, they work as a bodysuit.

Can I buy a bikini top and bottom in two different sizes?

Yes. At atelier culotté, tops and bottoms are sold separately, each with its own sizes. You can also combine two collections.

What size should I choose for a one-piece swimsuit?

The one-pieces come in S to XL. A reference from the product pages: Marie is a French size 36/38 and wears an M, and Chloé is a size 40 and wears an L in the RHUM COCO one-piece.