Bathing Suit vs. Swimsuit: Understanding the Differences and Use

Summer is just around the corner, meaning it's time to break out your favorite bathing suit — or is it a swimsuit? Wait, aren't they the same thing? It turns out the answer depends on who you ask. While the terms are used interchangeably by most people, they do carry different connotations depending on region, context, and historical usage. Here's a comprehensive look at the bathing suit vs. swimsuit distinction — where these terms came from, what they mean today, and how swimwear terminology varies around the world.

Definitions and Basic Differences

What Is a Bathing Suit?

The term "bathing suit" originated as a description for garments worn to bathe in natural bodies of water — not necessarily to swim in them. Historically, a bathing suit was associated with leisure: lounging by the pool, sunbathing on the beach, or wading in the shallows. The term "bathing suit" is most commonly used in North America, particularly in casual conversation, and carries a somewhat vintage feel. Other regions use their own terms — for example, people in Great Britain say "swimming costume" (or "cossie"), while Australians often say "swimmers," "bathers," or "togs."

In the strictest historical sense, bathing suits were made with soft, comfortable fabrics and did not always prioritize a skin-tight fit. Some early garments were even made from cotton and lightweight materials that would be impractical for actual swimming. Today, however, most people use "bathing suit" to describe any swimwear, regardless of material or intended activity.

What Is a Swimsuit?

A swimsuit is a broad term that encompasses any garment designed for water-based activities — from casual pool days to competitive racing. The term is more commonly used in professional, athletic, and retail settings. If you're shopping at SwimOutlet's women's swimwear collection, you'll see "swimsuit" used as the standard industry term.

Swimsuits designed for athletic use are typically made from durable, chlorine-resistant materials like nylon and polyester blends with spandex (elastane). Competition swimsuits for women feature thicker shoulder straps for support during vigorous activity and are generally one-piece garments to prevent wardrobe malfunctions. Men's performance swimwear includes jammers, briefs, and tech suits — all made from the same slick, hydrodynamic fabrics.

Key Differences: Is There Really a Distinction?

Here's the honest answer: in modern usage, "bathing suit" and "swimsuit" describe the same garments. No swimwear manufacturer designs separate product lines for "bathing suits" vs. "swimsuits" — the materials, construction, and function are identical. The distinction is linguistic and cultural, not functional.

That said, the terms do carry different connotations:

Think of it like "soda" vs. "pop" — it's a regional preference, not a product difference. Both terms cover everything from string bikinis to full-coverage modest swimwear.

Why Is It Called a "Bathing Suit"?

Origins of the Term

The term "bathing suit" traces back to England in the 1700s and 1800s. It was inspired by the city of Bath, famous for its natural thermal springs where people would soak for therapeutic purposes. The garments worn for this activity were called "bath costumes" or "bathing costumes." These earliest versions looked nothing like today's swimwear — they were essentially full dresses designed for modesty, not mobility.

As ocean bathing became popular in the 19th century, the garments evolved but kept the "bathing" name. The term "bathing suit" stuck in American English even as the clothing itself transformed dramatically over the next 150 years.

When Did "Swimsuit" Appear?

The term "swimsuit" emerged in the early 20th century as women's participation in competitive aquatic sports grew. It was notably popularized around 1915 by clothing companies producing functional garments for swimming — not just bathing. The shift from "bathing" to "swimming" reflected a change in how people used water: they weren't just soaking anymore; they were actively swimming, diving, and competing.

A Brief History of Swimwear

Swimwear has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations in fashion history. Key milestones include:

• 1800s — "Bathing costumes" resembling full dresses were worn for soaking in natural springs and ocean bathing. Made from heavy wool or flannel.
• 1907 — Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman was arrested in Boston for wearing a form-fitting one-piece suit that showed her arms, legs, and neck. She later marketed her own line of "Annette Kellerman" swimsuits, popularizing the streamlined one-piece.
• 1928 — Speedo introduced the racerback swimsuit design, still the standard in competitive swimming today.
• 1935 — Invention of nylon created the foundation for modern swimsuit fabrics: lightweight, quick-drying, and form-fitting.
• 1946 — French designer Louis Réard introduced the modern bikini, named after Bikini Atoll. It was so controversial that no professional model would wear it — Réard hired a nude dancer for the debut.
• 1960s–1970s — Bikinis became mainstream. Swimwear became a fashion statement, not just functional clothing.
• 2000s — Full-body tech suits (like the Speedo LZR) pushed the boundaries of performance swimwear. World Aquatics (formerly FINA) banned non-textile suits in 2010 due to their performance-enhancing properties.
• Today — Swimwear spans everything from elite tech suits to tankinis, swim dresses, and rash guards — with increasingly inclusive sizing and styles.

Types of Swimwear: A Complete Guide

Whether you call them "bathing suits" or "swimsuits," here are the main styles of swimwear available today:

For more detail on choosing between these styles, see our guides on best swimsuits for women, understanding tankinis, and bikini vs. swimsuit.

Swimwear Terminology Around the World

Different countries and regions have their own distinct terms for swimwear, which can make international conversations (and shopping) confusing:

In the U.S., the preferred term also varies by generation: older Americans tend to say "bathing suit," while younger generations lean toward "swimsuit" or simply "swim." In professional and competitive contexts, more specific terms are standard — swimmers say "practice suit," "tech suit," "jammer," or "drag suit" rather than either generic term.

Swimsuit Fabrics and Materials

Regardless of what you call them, modern swimwear is built from technical fabrics engineered for water performance:

• Nylon/Polyester + Spandex (Lycra/Elastane) — The standard blend for most swimwear. Offers stretch, shape retention, and quick drying. Most women's one-piece swimsuits and bikinis use this blend.
• Polyester (PBT) blends — More chlorine-resistant than nylon, making them ideal for frequent swimmers. Competition and training swimsuits typically use higher polyester content for durability.
• Technical compression fabrics — Used in tech suits for racing. These woven or bonded fabrics compress muscles and reduce drag, offering measurable performance gains.
• Neoprene — Used in wetsuits for thermal insulation in cold water. Thicknesses range from 1mm to 5mm+ depending on water temperature.
• Cotton/natural fibers — Found in some fashion-only swimwear but impractical for actual swimming (absorbs water, sags, dries slowly, and provides no UV protection). Avoid for anything beyond sunbathing.

How to Choose the Right Swimwear

Instead of worrying about terminology, focus on what actually matters when shopping for swimwear:

• Activity — Are you swimming laps, lounging by the pool, surfing, or competing? This determines whether you need a performance suit, a fashion suit, or something in between.
• Coverage level — From minimal (bikini, swim brief) to full coverage (modest swimwear, rash guards, swim dresses). Choose what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
• Support — Consider whether you need underwire, molded cups, built-in shelf bras, or wide straps for support. Our plus-size swimwear guide has specific recommendations.
• Fit — A well-fitting swimsuit trumps everything else. If you're between sizes, try both. If you have a longer torso, look for long torso swimsuits.
• Fabric durability — If you swim more than once a week, invest in chlorine-resistant fabric (polyester-based) that won't fade or lose elasticity. For our complete care guide, see our chlorine hair care guide (your suit needs post-swim care too).

FAQs

Why is a swimsuit called a bathing suit?

The term "bathing suit" dates back to 18th and 19th century England, where it was inspired by the city of Bath and its famous thermal springs. People wore "bathing costumes" to soak in natural waters. As the practice of ocean bathing spread, the term "bathing suit" came to America and stuck — even though most people now use these garments for swimming, not bathing.

Is there a real difference between a bathing suit and a swimsuit?

In practical terms, no. Both terms refer to the same garments made from the same materials. No manufacturer designs separate "bathing suit" and "swimsuit" product lines. The difference is primarily regional (Northeast U.S. favors "bathing suit," other regions prefer "swimsuit") and generational (older Americans tend to say "bathing suit"). In professional and competitive contexts, "swimsuit" or more specific terms like "tech suit" are standard.

What do Americans call swimwear?

Americans use both "swimsuit" and "bathing suit" depending on where they live and their personal preference. People also commonly identify swimwear by specific style names: "tankini," "bikini," "long torso swimsuit," "swim trunks," or "board shorts." Men often say "swim trunks" or "trunks" regardless of region.

What do they call swimsuits in England?

In England, swimsuits are most commonly called "swimming costumes" or informally shortened to "cossies." The term "bathing costume" is also used, particularly by older generations. "Swimsuit" is understood but sounds distinctly American to British ears.

What is a full-body swimsuit called?

A full-body swimsuit has several names depending on its purpose. For cold-water insulation, it's a "wetsuit" (made from neoprene). For competitive swimming, full-body suits are called "tech suits" or "bodysuits" (now limited by World Aquatics rules to shoulder-to-knee for women and navel-to-knee for men). For sun protection, a rash guard or swim shirt paired with swim leggings provides full-body UPF coverage.

What is the difference between a bikini and a swimsuit?

A bikini is a specific type of swimsuit — a two-piece consisting of a separate top and bottom. "Swimsuit" is the umbrella category that includes bikinis, one-pieces, tankinis, swim dresses, and all other swimwear styles. So all bikinis are swimsuits, but not all swimsuits are bikinis. For a deeper comparison, see our bikini vs. swimsuit guide.

Which term should I use — "bathing suit" or "swimsuit"?

Use whichever feels natural to you — everyone will understand either term. In casual conversation with friends and family, both work perfectly. In more formal, athletic, or retail contexts, "swimsuit" or "swimwear" is the standard. The most important thing isn't what you call it — it's finding one that fits well and makes you feel confident in the water.

We want to hear from you — which term do you use more frequently, "swimsuit" or "bathing suit?" Leave your answer below.

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This guide is written and maintained by the SwimOutlet swim team — the largest online specialty swim retailer in North America. Browse our full collection of women's swimwear, men's swimwear, and girls' swimwear, or explore more swimwear guides including best swimsuits for women and our tummy control swimsuits guide.