20 Swimsuits Worth The Weird Tan Lines

By Ellen Hoffman


PHOTO: COURTESY OF MODA OPERANDI.

Our affection for swimwear extends to all colors, shapes, and styles. And, yes, that includes bikinis and one-pieces that give us wacky tan lines, too. Here’s why: They’re so unique, with their many straps and quirky cutouts, that —if the style suits us — we’re not bothered by a triangular-shaped patch of tanned skin on our midsection. (Or, three patches if we’re wearing the knotted-front maillot pictured here.)

Beyond religiously applying SPF and seeking shade under beach umbrellas, there’s not much more we can do about preventing tan lines. So, we embrace them and whatever shapes or patterns they create — the weirder, the better. If you’re feeling equally adventurous with your beach wardrobe, click ahead to shop the styles we’re coveting.

Related: 30 Vintage-Inspired Swimsuits For Old Souls

The extra straps make ASOS’ mesh, halter-neck bikini even sexier.

ASOS Miami Palm Print Fishnet Halter Caged Bikini Top, $43, available at ASOS; ASOS Miami Palm Print Caged Bikini Bottom, $25, available at ASOS.

The sides of this swimsuit lead to a revealing, open back.

River Island Orange Black Cami Strap Swimsuit, $60, available at River Island.

This swim style is all party in the back.

Forever 21 Splattered Abstract High-Waisted Bikini Bottom, $15.90, available at Forever 21; Forever 21Splattered Abstract Lattice-Back Bikini Top, $16.90, available at Forever 21.

Related: The 30 Best Swimsuits For $50 Or Less

A one-piece that thinks it’s a bikini.

Issa De’Mar San Sebastian One Piece, $168, available at Bikini.com.

Opening Ceremony’s high-neck maillot features a triangular cutout that complements its geometric print.

Opening Ceremony Splash Pool One-Piece Swimsuit, $195, available at Opening Ceremony.

Side cutouts and polka-dot details? Yes, please.

Aerie Peekaboo One-Piece, $49.95, available at Aerie.

Related: 30 1-Piece Swimsuits That’ll Make You Think Twice About Bikinis

Cut. It. Out.

Stella McCartney ‘Wilson’ One-Piece Swimsuit, $390, available at Farfetch.

Mikoh’s strappy take on the halter-neck is an eyeful — and in bright yellow, too.

Mikoh Whitewater Kahala Bikini Top, $165, available at Avenue 32; Mikoh Whitewater Miyako Bikini Bottoms, $130, available at Avenue 32.

The perfect amount of skin to show if you’re feeling shy at the beach.

6 Shore Road Divine One-Piece Swimsuit, $138, available at Urban Outfitters.

Related: The Best Swimsuits For YOUR Shape

What’s knot to like?

Lisa Marie Fernandez Triple Poppy Bow-Embellished Swimsuit, $455, available at Moda Operandi.

These scalloped edges will make for interesting tan lines.

Marysia Lafayette, $315, available at Marysia.

All laced up.

Acacia Swimwear Florence Tied Sides One Piece, $198, available at Free People.

Check Out The Rest Of The Suits On Refinery29!