A Two-Piece With a Twist

The hottest thing in swimwear this summer may just be the “tankini.” The new two-piece silhouette has a regular bikini bottom paired with a tank top that grazes the midriff.

“It’s definitely a big trend,” says Shane Babin, who owns Carlsbad-based swimwear company 85 Quake. “We’ve been through the boy-cut leg, and now people are looking for something different.”

The tankini is also versatile. “You can take it from the beach to the street. Wear the tank with jeans or shorts and you have another outfit,” he explains. Tankinis by 85 Quake have adjustable bra straps and seams under the bust for definition.

Other tankini tops have no interior support. “We’re doing lined camisole tops for all four of our lines: junior, contemporary, active and girls,” says Harvest Gulevich, of the Point Conception swimwear line.

Although the new suits may look more forgiving than the more skimpy bikini, a toned bod is still required, Gulevich says. “For a tankini, you still have to look good.”

Drat.