Strings are decoration. I wish I could tighten.

I swim 5 days a week on a Masters team and typically where a 1-piece suit.  On occasion, I've worn a 2-piece.  The bottoms always have had a drawstring on the inside to adjust to your comfort.  This Splice Midster only has a decorative drawstring.  I didn't realize how much you really need the functional drawstring.  When I push off the walls, the pink band rolls down.  I think this suit looks great and would probably be good for ocean swims where you don't have to push off walls.

Cute, good for workouts.  I am usually a size S but in Speedo bikinis wear a M.  The S is too tiny on me.  My only complaint is that the drawstring isn't truly a drawstring that tightens the bikini band.  It's basically decorative.  I suggest the speedo flyback bikini bottom, which has a "real" drawstring that can be tightened for a snug fit.

This bottom is very cute and comfortable.  If you like to swim laps, however, you'll notice that the waist band creates some drag when you push off the wall.  I think it flips over .  Anyway, I'm a purely recreational swimmer, but it is nice to have a streamlined feeling when you push off the wall and you won't get that with this bottom.  Cute though!

Catches water when you work out but like the looks of it.

I bought this suit with its mate, the Speedo Quantum Splice Techno Top.  I swim on a master's team and love to wear a tankini when I swim outdoors in the summer.  This is the best suit that I've found, and the colors to choose from are lovely.