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? Contrary to popular belief, they're technically two different articles of clothing. We're here to answer the age-old questions in the back of your mind: what's the difference between a bathing suit vs. a swimsuit and where did these terms come from?

Definitions and Basic Differences

What Is a Bathing Suit?

To know when to wear each one, one must understand the different purposes of swimsuits and bathing suits. A bathing suit is defined as a garment worn for sunbathing or lounging outside in warm weather. The term "bathing suit" is most commonly used in North America and usually heard in casual conversations. Other regions have different terms for the garment, depending on the style of bathing suit they're referencing. For example, people in Great Britain use the term "swimming costume" instead.

Bathing suits are often made with soft, comfortable fabrics, and do not always have a skin-tight fit. You may find some garments made from cotton and other soft, lightweight materials.

Since bathing suits are mainly designed for aesthetic and lounging purposes, they come in many different styles. Some of the most common ones are G-string and bikini-style suits for women and relatively brief swim bottoms, or "swim trunks," for men. These swim briefs closely resemble baggy shorts and are designed for a loose, comfortable fit.

What Is a Swimsuit?

A swimsuit is an umbrella term that encompasses any item of clothing designed for water-based activities, including competition swimsuits and those worn for casual swimming. This term, in particular, is mostly used in professional settings for aquatic sporting events. However, it's sometimes used in North America as a synonym for a bathing suit.

Swimsuits are designed for those who partake and compete in water-based, active sports ranging from surfing to competitive swimming and diving. For this reason, these garments are typically made with tight, durable, absorbent materials like nylon and polyester.

Typically, swimsuits for women are designed with thicker shoulder straps to offer extra support for those performing vigorous activities like swimming. They're also generally single-piece garments since this style is less likely to cause a wardrobe malfunction mid-movement. Men's swimsuits are often longer than men's bathing suits, though there are several style options such as full-body wetsuits and jammers (sometimes called Speedos, which is actually a brand name). No matter the style, men's swim trunks are most often made from the same slick materials as women's swimsuits.

Key Differences

Now, let's examine what sets bathing suits and swimsuits apart. While both types of garments are acceptable for wearing by the pool or at the beach, only swimsuits are designed to withstand submersion in water. Wearing a bathing suit to go swimming could result in a damaged garment, as well as an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction.

Even the two terms themselves evoke different ideas when used in conversations. For example, the term "bathing suit" is a more casual term and has a more "vintage" feel. Meanwhile, "swimsuit" is gaining popularity and has become more acceptable, especially because, no matter the chosen term, people are usually referring to a garment to swim in.

"Bathing Suit"

• More popular for common use
• Associated with leisure; encompasses many modern styles

"Swimsuit"

• More common in formal settings
• Encompasses garments worn for aquatic sports and swimming

Historical Context

Origins of the Terms

Sure, it's nice to know the differences between bathing suits and swimsuits. But where did these terms come from? Let's start by analyzing the historical background of the term "bathing suit."

Like many terms used in America, "bathing suit" originated in England. It was inspired by Bath, a city in England known for its natural bodies of water. The people of the 1800s would soak and bathe in the area's therapeutic, thermal springs wearing garments they referred to as "bath costumes" or "bathing costumes." The earliest versions of these garments were essentially dresses but changed drastically into what we know as bathing suits today over time.

Conversely, the term "swimsuit" was developed somewhat recently. It was coined in 1915 by a clothing company looking to begin producing swimwear. Swimsuits emerged during a time when women in sports was a relatively new concept, with the first Olympic Games including women's competitions taking place in 1900. Since then, swimsuits have transformed from garments with long sleeves and pant legs to the sleek, shorter versions we recognize today.

While both terms are commonly thought to be synonymous, "swimsuit" is becoming the more popular term for swimwear. This is mainly due to the growing popularity of water-based activities and sports since the term covers a broader range of garments.

Changes in Swimwear Fashion

As previously stated, swimwear began with the "bathing costumes" of the 19th century, which were similar to gowns and worn to bathe in natural bodies of water. When aquatic sports became popular in the 1900s, swimwear evolved into one-piece suits that allowed for an improved range of movement. These garments are similar to the tech suits we see today in competitive swimming.

The racerback swimsuit was introduced by Speedo in 1928, a design still common in water sports today. The year 1935 brought with it the creation of nylon, which is one of the most popular materials for swimsuits due to its sleek texture.

Then, in 1946, Louis Reard changed the face of swimwear when he introduced two-piece swimsuits, or bikinis, to the world. This was the first time people came to see swimwear not only as suitable for water-based activities but also for showing off physiques. Today, we have designs ranging from zipper swimsuits to tankinis.

Even though the terms are still used interchangeably, "swimsuit" is more common in modern times. This is due to the growing popularity of water sports and because swimwear is constantly developing into new styles.

Cultural and Regional Differences

Usage in the United States

Location also plays a factor in which terms are used to reference swimwear. For example, the term "bathing suit" is most prevalent in the Northeastern United States, since the area is more heavily influenced by English and British culture. Swimsuit, on the other hand, is commonly used in the southern and western regions of America.

In both areas, the preferred terms are generally used to encompass all swimwear. For example, someone from New England may use the term "bathing suit" when referring to a polyester, two-piece suit made for competitive swimming. On the other hand, someone from Florida may call a one-piece suit made from cotton a "swimsuit."

International Usage

Naturally, different countries also have different terms for swimwear. The U.S. typically refers to swimwear as the style of the garment (e.g., one-piece swimsuits are commonly called "one-piece suits," two-piece swimsuits are called "two-piece suits" or "bikini sets"). However, people in the United Kingdom use universal terms such as "swimming costumes" or "cossies" for any swimwear, whether referencing a pair of swimming trunks or a two-piece suit for women. In Australia, the term "swimmers" encompasses all swimwear, while two-piece suits are often referred to as "togs." Another example of all-encompassing terminology for swimwear is "maillot de bain," used by the French to refer to both men's swim trunks and women's swimsuits, across the full range of styles.

Popularity and Common Usage

Trends in Terminology

As preferred terminology changes within society, so it does in the marketing world. While "bathing suit" was the go-to phrase for a long period, "swimsuit" has become more popular in global marketing since it's generally the preferred term.

Naturally, this means that marketing materials like magazines, commercials, and advertisements usually opt for the term "swimsuit" to advertise swimwear selections. This method is used to draw the attention of more modern crowds since they're more likely to consume marketing media.

Consumer Preferences

Though the term "swimsuit" is most common in the modern-day United States, this doesn't apply to all demographics. In fact, it's not always a competition between bathing suit vs. swimsuit. American men typically use the terms "swimming trunks," "swim trunks," and "swim bottoms" interchangeably for swimwear.

In addition, many competitive aquatic athletes use very specific terminology for their swimwear. For example, they use terms like "swim leggings" and "swim tights" to reference different garments in swimwear's wide range of styles.

Preferred terms are often heavily influenced by how an individual uses their swimwear, as we noted with the more specific terminology used in the world of competitive swimming. Conversely, someone who simply enjoys casual lap swimming or a dip in the ocean may be less selective in their term selection. For example, they might refer to G-string and bikini-style suits as "swimsuits," even though no one could imagine wearing one for aquatic sports like water polo.

Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Term

Context Matters

We understand that it can be overwhelming trying to think of which terminology to use in certain situations. For this reason, just remember these simple rules:

• Use "bathing suit" in a casual conversation among friends and family.
• Use "swimsuit" in more formal settings, especially if involved in water sports events.

Both terms refer to a wide range of styles, so long as you use them in the correct context.

For example, let's say you're at a water polo match. If you're having a conversation with one of the participants, you would refer to the piece of clothing they wear during the match as a "swimsuit." On the other hand, if you're helping your friend shop for a bikini bra and bikini bottoms, you could tell her you found a "bathing suit" she would like.

Audience Considerations

Even though context matters when deciding whether to use the term "bathing suit" or "swimsuit," you should always keep in mind the regional setting in which you are using these terms.

Say you're visiting family on the West Coast, and they want to spend time on the beach. They'll likely refer to pieces of clothing designed for lounging on the sand as "swimsuits." The opposite can be said for those spending time with people from the East Coast, who will likely use the term "bathing suit" for any item of clothing designed for swimming.

Conclusion

Using the terms "swimsuit" and "bathing suit" for different situations and in different regions can make for clearer communication and cultural awareness. Not only will you seem more in the know by using the correct wording in casual conversations, but you'll also sound more knowledgeable in water sports and competitive swimming settings.

No matter what the situation is, don't be discouraged if you can't get the idea of bathing suit vs. swimsuit correct right away. With a little memorization and awareness of the situation, you'll be a pro at identifying different swimwear in no time.

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

FAQs

Why is a swimsuit called a bathing suit?

Swimsuits are called "bathing suits" in reference to the "bathing costumes" that the British wore to soak in natural bodies of water.

What do Americans call swimwear?

Americans use both the terms "swimsuit" and "bathing suit," with different regions preferring different phrasing. People in the U.S. also commonly identify swimwear by their specific names, like "tankini" and "long torso swimsuits."

What do they call swimsuits in England?

People from England call swimsuits "swimming costumes."

What is a full body swimsuit called?

Full-body swimsuits are often called "wetsuits," "zippered swimsuits," or "single-piece swimsuits."