Summer Bikini Guide: How to Choose a Black Two-Piece Bathing Suit
- Written by The Times
Image source: Dekota Swim
A great black two piece bathing suit is the little black dress of Australian summer—polished in harsh light, easy to mix and match, and flattering in photos from beach to bar. But not all black sets are created equal. The best ones strike a balance between fabric recovery, bright lining, and a silhouette that serves your needs: providing lift, freedom of movement, or clean lines for tanning and layering. Here’s a practical guide to picking a black set that actually lasts beyond one season.
Why black works (beyond “it’s slimming”)
- Photographs cleanly in strong midday sun and at golden hour.
- Pairs with everything you already own—linen shirts, denim shorts, colour-pop bottoms.
- A reliable capsule base for weekends away; one black top can anchor multiple looks.
Start with purpose, then pick the shape.
Decide what you need the top to do, then choose a silhouette that delivers on that.
- Triangle (adjustable/minimal): Best for balanced frames or smaller busts; choose wider straps for more lift.
- Bandeau/strapless (clean neckline): Great for tan lines and narrow shoulders; look for gripper tape, side boning, or optional straps.
- Underwire/longline (lift & separation): Your go-to for secure support A–F+ depending on construction; check band tension and cup depth.
- One-shoulder/asymmetric (modern line): Visually balances broader shoulders; ensures the strap sits firm without digging.
- Sport/bralette (movement days): For laps, SUP or kid-wrangling—wide underbust bands and anchored straps matter.
Want to compare shapes side by side before you buy? Browse Dekota Swim bikini two-piece styles for the brand’s black icons and silhouette options
Fabric, lining, hardware: the un-glam details that decide longevity
Shell: Look for high-quality nylon/elastane blends with firm recovery. The fabric should “spring back” after you stretch it—cheap blends bag out when wet and never fully recover.
Lining: This is where budget suits fail. In black, you can sometimes get away with single lining. Still, double lining (or heavier single with power mesh in key zones) provides coverage, shape, and comfort—especially for larger cup sizes or lighter colours you may add later.
Hardware: Prioritise coated metal or quality polymer sliders/clasps to avoid corrosion after ocean swims. Adjusters should hold their position under load; flimsy ones creep and cause you to fidget.
Stitching & construction: Flat, even stitching at stress points; elastic that’s firm but not cutting; bands that sit flat against the ribcage without wrinkling.
A two-minute try-on ritual (that saves returns)
- Measure, don’t guess. Bust, underbust, waist, high hip—then check the brand’s chart.
- Move test: Raise arms, twist, sit; jump lightly. If the top shifts or the band rides up, try a different size or cut.
- Towel test: Wrap a towel and repeat the moves. You’ll instantly see if straps slip or cups gape.
- Mirror snap (front/side): Cameras catch strap angles and cup lines our eyes miss.
Bottoms: rise, leg line, and balance
- Mid- to high-waist is the most forgiving and pairs with almost every top.
- Higher leg lines lengthen the silhouette; go for firm edges that lie flat rather than cut in.
- Minimal cuts look best in stable, supportive fabric—otherwise they shift.
Pro tip: Choose one black bottom that fits like your favourite underwear, then add a second alternate rise or leg line for versatility.
Colour fastness & care (keep black, black)
You can double the life of a black suit with three habits:
- Rinse after every swim (pool and ocean).
- Shade-dry flat; avoid heat. Car boots, dryers and radiators kill stretch and fade dye.
- Rotate sets. Elastane requires recovery time; consider alternating tops if you swim daily.
If you’re curious about a brand’s design choices—fabric weight, lining decisions, packaging—read about Dekota Swim for a quick overview of ethos and quality standards
Build a mini summer kit around your black set
A black top is the anchor for a light-packing capsule. Add:
- Second top for a different job (e.g., bandeau for tan lines if your anchor is underwire).
- Second bottom with a complementary rise/leg.
- Throw-on shirt (linen or crisp cotton) for sun cover and café stops.
- Hat + slides and one statement accessory (gold hoop, pearl drop or sleek chain).
That’s 6+ outfits from a tiny footprint.
What to skip (common traps)
- Ultra-thin single linings in pale colours—or black if you want real support.
- Over-tight bands “for support”: they ride up, create bulges, and feel worse after an hour.
- Heavy hardware on smaller cups: it drags the neckline.
- Micro-trends that fight your proportions. Buy for how you live, not just the grid.
Quick checklist (screenshot me)
- Shape for the job: triangle/bandeau/underwire/one-shoulder/sport
- Fabric with recovery + proper lining
- Non-corrosive hardware; stable straps
- Two-minute try-on ritual (move test + towel test)
- Rinse, shade-dry, rotate; no heat
- Build a small kit around the black anchor
Bottom line: A black two-piece should be the most dependable thing in your swim drawer—sleek, supportive, and ready for ocean laps, beach cricket or a late-arvo spritz. Choose bright fabric and construction, match the shape to your day, and care for it like a favourite garment. Do that, and your set will look good this summer and next.
