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Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Travel + Leisure
Target Just Made Packing for Summer Travel Easy With Its Fourth of July Sale—Up to 72% Off
Summer travel season is here. Whether that means embarking on an international adventure or exploring your hometown, one thing remains consistent: the need for comfortable and stylish clothing, shoes, and accessories. Target is a can't-miss destination for seasonal pieces that mix classic designs with on-trend styles, and its current sale selection is no different. As part of Target's Fourth of July sales, the retailer dropped prices on sundresses, travel backpacks, summer tops, and more must-have items by up to 72 percent. Below, shop our top picks from popular brands, including Vera Bradley, Reebok, Baggallini, and Crocs starting at $12. The best deals at Target include picks from popular brands. This Vera Bradley crossbody bag comes in seven different colors and is an ideal choice for long travel days or exploring a new city. Snag this Land's End tank top that makes a great travel staple for layering or wearing in hot temperatures. For flights or hiking, consider this travel backpack with multiple pockets that can accommodate a laptop, headphones, and more in-flight essentials. Cupshe Sleeveless Wide-Leg Jumpsuit, $44 (originally $55) Allegra K Wrap V-Neck Sleeveless Midi Pleated Dress, $53 (originally $71) Inspire Chic Flowy Smocked Midi Sundress, $50 (originally $67) Allegra K Puff-Sleeve Floral Blouse, $30 (originally $40) Allegra K V-Neck Crop Summer Vest, $36 (originally $48) Lands' End Cotton Tank Top, $17 (originally $30) Cupshe Chambray Ruffle Dress, $40 (originally $48) Allegra K Summer Smocked Maxi Skirt, $36 (originally $48) Inspire Chic Summer Gingham Peplum Top, $24 (originally $32) August Sky Smocked Ruffle Strap Summer Sundress, $32 (originally $48) No matter what summer has in store, it's important to have a wardrobe that is prepped for both casual and dressy occasions. Target's clothing deals are brimming with sundresses, including midi styles that can be quickly dressed up for a night out, as well as comfortable summer tops for running errands or grabbing lunch with friends. Included in that selection is this gingham peplum top and a cropped vest. Reebok Zig Dynamica STR Shoes, $60 (originally $75) Alpine Swiss Casual Double Strap Slide Sandals, $30 (originally $38) Alpine Swiss Beth Flat Sandals Two‑Strap Buckle Sandals, $30 (originally $38) Vera Bradley Outlet Webbing Strap Flip Flops, $12 (originally $39) Berness Cassandra Patent Slingback Heels, $44 (originally $55) Cushionaire Lane Cork Footbed Sandal, $30 (originally $50) Crocs Baya Platform Sandals, $35 (originally $45) Vera Bradley Outlet Printed Essential Slides, $24 (originally $59) Crocs Miami Toe Loop Sandals, $30 (originally $40) Cushionaire Weston Woven Mary Jane Flat, $55 (originally $90) Journee Collection Casha Mesh Dress Flats, $60 (originally $86) Target's shoe selection includes so many comfortable and supportive options, whether you're shopping for sneakers, woven Mary Jane flats, sandals, or low heels. Make sure you're ready for summer weddings, beach days, and more seasonal outings with these on-sale shoes from Vera Bradley, Crocs, and Reebok. Vera Bradley Outlet Faux Leather Mini Slouchy Crossbody, $33 (originally $109) High Sierra Swoop Travel Laptop Backpack, $37 (originally $56) Open Story Travel Backpack, $40 (originally $50) Vera Bradley Outlet Lighten Up Essential Backpack, $50 (originally $159) Lands' End Small All-Purpose Travel Duffle Bag, $60 (originally $75) Baggallini Clear Stadium Belt Bag, $25 (originally $35) Vera Bradley Outlet Flap Shoulder Bag, $30 (originally $75) Cupshe Ring Handle Straw Bag, $30 (originally $34) Vera Bradley Outlet Ultralight Large Hipster, $30 (originally $109) Baggallini Carryall Daily Tote Bag, $70 (originally $100) Baggallini Clear Stadium Crossbody Bag, $28 (originally $40) Vera Bradley Outlet Sling Crossbody, $34 (originally $85) Having the right handbag during a trip is essential, and Target has travel backpacks with ample pockets for organization, crossbody bags that zip shut for keeping your belongings safe in a new city, and tote bags for bringing to the beach. The sale has pieces for any outing from Vera Bradley and Baggalini, including clear options for concerts and other stadium events. Keep scrolling to shop more Fourth of July deals at Target below.
Cosmopolitan
24-06-2025
- Business
- Cosmopolitan
16 Best Early Amazon Prime Day Swimsuit Deals, From $11
Now that summer has officially begun, you might be looking for a last-minute swimwear refresh—and Amazon is one of our go-to destinations for budget-friendly bikinis, one-pieces, and more. In case you missed it, Amazon officially announced that Prime Day 2025 will run for four whole days (!) from Tuesday, July 8 through Friday, July 11. That means you have twice as much time (96 hours, to be exact) to score major discounts on all kinds of summer essentials, including lots of cute bathing suits. Early Amazon Prime Day Deals, Right This Way While we count down the days until Prime Day starts, our shopping editors found over a dozen swimwear deals you can start shopping now. That includes the season's hottest polka dot prints, coquette bow details, timeless triangle bikinis, and sleek bandeaus. We even spotted a discount on an editor-tested Cupshe two-piece, if you're feeling brave enough to try out the tankini trend. Oh, and the best part? Our favorite finds start at just $11 for ultimate savings.
CNN
21-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNN
We tested over a dozen tummy-control swimsuits. These 3 were the most flattering
Best tummy-control swimsuits we tested Best tummy-control swimsuit: Shaping Swimwear Tanksuit Best budget tummy-control swimsuit: Cupshe Ruffled One-Piece Swimsuit Best splurge tummy-control swimsuit: TA3 Lifty One-Piece Swimsuit Sometimes we need some reinforcement to feel confident wearing a bathing suit, and that's where the best tummy-control swimsuits come in. This flattering swimwear is made with extra compression, particularly through the stomach area, that can help slim and sculpt while remaining flexible and comfortable. Like shapewear, tummy-control swimsuits hug the body, enhance curves where you want them to and minimize belly pooch. To help you find the stomach-smoothing bathing suits that you'll actually want to wear all summer, five CNN Underscored editors put 13 styles to the test. We tried a variety of one-piece and two-piece suits we think women of any body type and age can rock. From full-coverage shaping swimsuits to modest swim skirts and other two-pieces, see how our testing panel fared as we wore them to swim and soak up the sun. Shaping Swimwear Tanksuit This one-piece has just the right amount of compression. It holds everything in while still staying comfortable, and we loved the flattering ruching detail too. Cupshe Ruffled One-Piece Swimsuit This under-$40 swimsuit smoothes and cinches exactly where you want it to, thanks to an adjustable lace-up back. TA3 Lifty One-Piece Swimsuit The most compressive — and pricy — swimsuit we tested, this curve-enhancing style feels like heavy-duty shapewear. It's expensive, but you'll get your money's worth with its sculpting effect. Editorial coordinator Stephanie Luna found this patterned swimsuit shaped her figure and offered good coverage, all while being comfortable. She said that the ruching and wrap effect helped give her an hourglass shape, which was reinforced by lining in the front of the suit. For just over $100 — midrange pricing for the swimsuits we tested — it felt like good value for the results. Luna wore it for a water aerobics class, and she felt secure the whole time. The straps stayed in place and she didn't have to adjust the swimsuit. Since she is 5-feet tall, this is often a fit issue she runs into, so she was pleased that wasn't the case with this one. Made with a nylon and Lycra blend, the one-piece resists damage from chlorine, salt water, sun and heat, according to the brand. Luna said the material also felt high quality, and it held up well in the wash. She also appreciated that the suit offers sun protection with a UPF 50+ rating. The Shaping Swimwear Tanksuit comes in a variety of patterns, in regular, plus and long sizes. 'The style runs true to size as long as you follow the sizing guide provided on the website,' Luna said. 'The size is larger than what I usually wear but matched my measurements when using the sizing guide.' Managing editor Rachel Quigley has been on the hunt for pretty swimwear she can feel confident wearing in her 40s, and this Cupshe one-piece is one of her favorites. The style is flattering and provides decent compression, especially from the front. 'I feel like it made my stomach look flatter and the tie back helped cinch my waist in a bit,' Quigley said. 'The patterned design and side ruching hid a multitude of sins, so I felt very confident in this.' Unlike frumpy shaping swimwear, this suit is plenty stylish. And the ruffle trim, lace-up back and V-neckline aren't just cute design details, they help complement your figure. For example, Quigley explained that frills can add dimension to your body and enhance certain areas depending on where they are placed. 'Frills around the stomach area are a big no for me,' she said. 'Thankfully, these were strategically placed around the neckline, where I certainly need some enhancement. Not only that but the pretty frill pattern also draws the eyes away from my waist area, so this was a big plus for me.' She also appreciated that the tie-back meant that she could make the swimsuit as loose or tight as she wanted, customizing the fit and comfort level to her body. This was the most affordable one-piece we tested, and we were thrilled to see that the quality exceeded expectations. Cupshe has been a CNN Underscored go-to for cheap swimwear, and Quigley has other swimsuits from the brand that she said have held up well. This particular style comes in 25 colors and prints. TA3's patented swimwear has generated plenty of buzz for its super-sculpting styles. Even after failing to get a 'Shark Tank' deal, the brand soared to success with its waist-snatching swimsuits and has since been worn by celebrities including Beyoncé, Sydney Sweeney and Bethenny Frankel. As someone with a fairly straight figure, I was eager to see if the TA3 Lifty One-Piece could give me the illusion of curves. What I wasn't expecting was an immediate difference. Thanks to the strategic colorblocking on the side panels, as soon as I put the swimsuit on, I suddenly had the look of an hourglass silhouette. It only got better from there. Once I pulled the laced-up back tighter, my waist was nipped in and my stomach area felt more supported too. At $188, this is the most expensive swimsuit I've ever put on my body, but I think it's 100% worth it. Besides the visual enhancement to my figure, it feels good to wear. The nylon and spandex fabric is thick and provides midweight compression that really keeps everything sucked in. For some, this might feel too extreme — it can be a bit of a squeeze to get into the swimsuit, and once it's on, it feels like wearing shapewear — but I liked the strong, supportive fit. I was also pleasantly surprised that this style was relatively modest. Besides the open laced back, it provided decent coverage in the chest area with underwire cups, and it completely covered my bum. You can tell it was made to fit a woman's figure, and this is reflected by the sizing options too. It comes in three torso lengths, A to K cups and XXS to 4X sizing. I highly recommend consulting the size chart before ordering. I'm in-between sizes and tried both the XS and the small; both fit, but the tighter squeeze of the XS really amplified the compression. Prev Next Our panel of testers wore each swimsuit multiple times and washed them to see how well they held up. We sported them in several swim-friendly settings, like at the beach, in the pool and even in a cold plunge tub. During our testing, we evaluated each style on the following criteria. Compression: Tummy-control swimwear is meant to smooth and sculpt. Did the swimsuit provide enough compression? Was it uncomfortable at any point? Fit: Was the swimsuit flattering? Did it run true to size? Did it fit well both when wet and dry? Durability: Did the material and construction feel high quality? Did the garment stay supportive and retain its shape post-wash? Value: Was it worth the price? Would you purchase it again? Shapellx Smart Sculpt Ribbed Cutout-Front Shaping Swimsuit Ruching and a cutout give this one-piece a bit of flair, but it received a middling score for its fit and shaping. 'I'm not usually a one-piece swimsuit gal, but I loved the pinup, vintage-inspired look of this one,' associate testing writer Carolina Gazal said. When she tried it on, however, the ruching proved to be too baggy for Gazal's frame, and it wasn't as compressive as the other swimsuit she tested. 'The baggy parts sat in the wrong places for me (meaning: lower stomach), but this suit could fare well for a taller, curvier body type,' she said. Popilush Shapewear Plunging V Slimming One-Piece Swimsuit Made with three layers of material, this tummy-control swimsuit hugs and supports the stomach area. We think it's a great under-$100 option. Simple yet stylish, this swimsuit offers ample compression around the midsection, which makes sense because it's from a shapewear brand. It has three layers of fabric, including a mesh lining, to hold everything in. I thought it ran true to size, and it felt high quality, especially considering the price point. It kept its shape after multiple washes and after being exposed to extreme temperatures in the form of a sauna session and a cold plunge. The only aspect that wasn't a home run for me was the bust area: There was a little extra material in the cups. For reference, I'm a 32D bra size, so it might be a little loose for smaller bust sizes. Etam Sculpt One-Piece Shapewear Swimsuit This smoothing halter-neck swimsuit features a plunging neckline and full-coverage bottom. While the cut is flattering, our tester said the material felt restrictive. Made with recycled polyamide and elastane, this one-piece has a classic look but was lacking on the comfort front. Quigley said the shaping style provided compression, but she didn't think it smoothed out her lumps and bumps enough. The material was thick, but ultimately, she found the style a bit uncomfortable to move around in. She said it would be fine for a day spent sitting and sunbathing, but she wouldn't recommend it for anything more active. Carve Designs Serenity Compression Tankini Tankinis are making a comeback, and this style offers a body-hugging fit, although we thought it didn't provide much compression. Carve Designs Pipa Compression Bottom This medium-rise bikini bottom felt more compressive than the tankini but didn't offer much tummy coverage. Social coordinator Gabriella Triolo liked the flattering fit of the tankini — which features adjustable crisscross straps and removable cups — but didn't feel much compression. She said she has a large bust but smaller frame, so she tested the tankini in a large to accommodate, but the fit was a bit off. She found the cups to be too small, while the rest of the top felt looser. Triolo also tested Carve Designs' Pipa Compression Bottom. She said it fit well and provided noticeable compression, but since it has a midrise cut, they 'didn't compress the areas most would want compressed,' like the stomach. Overall, she found the bottoms to be too expensive for what you get. Spanx SpanxShape Swim Pique Plunge Bikini Top The best shaping two-piece we tested, Spanx's Pique set is stretchy yet firm. The top is supportive and felt like it gave a shaping effect. Spanx SpanxShape Swim Pique Hi-Rise Cheeky Bottom Giving some tummy coverage and compression, this bottom struck a balance between showing some skin and not revealing too much. Spanx's bikini was Gazal's favorite swimsuit she tested. She loved how it felt firm without feeling too restricting. 'I would definitely reach for this suit if I wanted to show some skin or tan, but wanted to hide my lower stomach,' Gazal said. Although the set is expensive, she thought it felt high quality enough to justify the price. Besides the comfortable yet shaping material, she found the cut of the top and bottoms to be super cute. 'As a short gal, it's impossible to find a high-rise swimsuit with modest coverage that doesn't cut me off in the wrong places,' she said, noting that these did the opposite by providing tummy control where she wanted it while showing some skin too. She also liked the plunging shape of the top, which worked well for her smaller chest and shorter frame. Although, she noted that someone with a larger chest might 'struggle to squeeze everything in.' Miracle by Miraclesuit Kai One-Piece This strappy one-piece has a built-in shelf bra, tie back and subtle ruching to complement the figure. Triolo said this full-coverage swimsuit hugged all the right places and was overall a flattering style. She liked the tummy-control compression of the nylon and spandex, and thought it was worth the price. However, the doubled straps were a bit complicated and she said she would want to avoid getting tan lines in this suit. Lands' End Tummy-Control Swim Skirt If you're looking for a bottom that provides more coverage, a swim skirt is a cute solution. This option ran a bit big, but we liked the variety of colors and patterns that you can mix and match with a swim top. Luna didn't find much compression in this style, particularly because it ran a bit big and felt loose around the waist. However, she liked that it had a built-in panty for coverage and the A-line cut would work on anyone. She noted that it's made with a heavier swim material, so she could really feel the weight of the skirt when she got out of the water. Lands' End 3-Inch Smoothing Swim Shorts We think these lined swim shorts are stylish and comfortable enough to wear all day, in and out of the water. But they left us wanting more on the compression front. Luna appreciated that these swim shorts come in petite sizes (and they're available in plus sizes too), and they had a comfortable fit. With a built-in panty, they only provided light compression through the stomach area and they didn't feel tight at the waist, so she'd consider sizing down next time. The shorts also had loose leg openings, but she liked this aspect since it looked flattering and offered more room in the thighs. 'I didn't feel it float up while swimming, which was great and added a sense of security while in the water,' she said. Does tummy-control swimwear work? Does tummy-control swimwear work? Yes, tummy control swimwear works. We found several styles that effectively shaped and smoothed our figures. During our testing, we discovered that our favorite styles had a few key things in common: a double or triple layer of material, fabric that is flexible yet firm, and flattering design details, like a tie back for an adjustable fit or ruching for added coverage. What is the best type of bathing suit to hide a tummy? What is the best type of bathing suit to hide a tummy? One-piece swimsuits are your best bet for hiding a tummy. You'll be able to find the most compression with a one-piece, and you can also look for styles that feature ruffles or a flattering neckline that draw attention away from the stomach area. If you want to wear a two-piece, opt for a high-waisted style that covers the tummy or a swim skirt or shorts that provide more coverage. What swimsuits are good for bloating? What swimsuits are good for bloating? One-piece swimsuits are going to be your friend here. Tie-back styles will allow you to adjust the fit as needed while still providing compression around the midsection. If you feel like you need extra hold, you can tighten the suit, or if it's getting uncomfortable, you can loosen it up. To find the best tummy-control swimwear, we assembled a panel of five CNN Underscored editors to try a variety of styles. Our panel included different sizes, body types and style preferences. Associate testing writer Carolina Gazal opts for petite sizing when available and prefers two-piece swimsuits, but she still looks for styles that can provide some tummy control. Editorial coordinator Stephanie Luna prefers practical, modest styles and goes between regular and petite sizing. Managing editor Rachel Quigley is a true size small and is willing to pay a bit more for flattering swimsuits that hide her tummy. Fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw looks for swimwear that can give her the illusion of curves while also camouflaging her stomach area. Social coordinator Gabriella Triolo tries to find styles that work with her self-described 'unique' curves and goes between a size medium and large. CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw, along with four other CNN Underscored staffers, tested a variety of tummy-control and shaping swimwear to find the most effective and flattering styles.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
It's 'tankini summer' – and it's already sparking online debate
The tankini is igniting social media debate over modesty at the beach. For some, tankinis are reminiscent of being a preteen: A bikini bottom or shorts paired with what is essentially a waterproof crop top was often the first graduation from the one-pieces of childhood to swimming in a two-piece. Or perhaps they were the performance swimsuit you remember your mom or guardian wearing, the front swath of fabric adding extra coverage targeted for people with post-birth or pregnant bellies. Either way, the tankini has gotten a revamp in 2025, with popular retailers from ASOS to Cupshe marketing these tummy-covering two pieces to some shoppers who likely haven't worn one since the summer before seventh grade. These upgraded tankinis offer refreshed color palettes and not-so-boxy designs, but don't totally skimp on the style with unexpected cut-outs and cute patterns that paired seamlessly with a skirt or shorts. But the tankini takeover has prompted some social media users to wonder if the resurgence is as innocuous as pure 2000s nostalgia, or whether it's a totem of a cultural shift that wants women to cover-up. "I don't know if the modesty propaganda is working on me or if they're actually just making cute tankinis this year," one TikToker mused. "Every ad I've seen for tankini, is the cutest tankini I've ever seen and I must have it. Am I going to be wearing tankinis all summer? Is it working?" Tankini summer indicates America's zeitgeist, said Lorynn Divita, associate professor of Apparel Design and Merchandising at Baylor University. There's been a lot of attention to nudity (or lack thereof) this year: Some attendees at this year's Met Gala caused a firestorm for a slew of naked looks. Then, the Cannes 2025 Film Festival banned nude gowns on its red carpet. Seeming ubiquitous cut-out booty shorts and strappy crop-tops have sparked debate over modesty at the gym. And let's not forget Miley Cyrus turning heads in a completely sheer dress just this week. "I'm not a fan of whatever direction we're going in," another TikToker said, arguing tankinis have a nefarious subtext young women are falling for. The same creator later posted the "tankini police" came for her when she tried to call out this so-called "random radical shift to more conservative clothes." Meanwhile, others said a little more bandwidth offers inclusive, cute options for a range of body types and lifestyles. One fan posted she loved how a tankini was "modest and spicy at the same time." Another stated it shouldn't even be a debate: "Just stop the discourse. It's so unnecessary ... It just puts women back!" Summersalt, PacSun and more 👙 Shopping guide for where to buy bathing suits On one hand, the internet is valid in sensing a "significant shift" toward traditional gender roles in fashion, according to Leora Tanenbaum, author of "Sexy Selfie Nation." Clothes associated with stereotypical femininity, even if they are a revealing bikini, are popular right now, she said. Look no further than dominance of the "low-cut milkmaid dress" garments that accentuates "womanly" aspects like breast cleavage, Tanenbaum said. "There is a very narrow aesthetic ideal of femininity," she said. But at the same time, the internet's battle misses the point women will face "relentless" sexualization no matter what swimsuit they choose this summer, Tanenbaum said. "I see the tankini debate not as much as pressure to look modest, but more as young people saying 'I am just so sick of being objectified,'" Tanenbaum added. "There's no way to win this. On the hand, if you wear a bikini, you open yourself up to slut-shaming because of the presupposition that someone who dresses in a revealing way is 'asking for it.' But if you wear a tankini, you're seen as deficient as a woman because you're rejecting being sexy according to a binary way." Wellness coverage from USA TODAY: Online, young female OnlyFans stars make their lives look aspirational. Is it problematic? If the aim of wearing a tankini is to avoid sexualization, "that is a losing battle," according to Tanenbaum. But for people who wear tankinis to feel empowered mentally and physically, she said to "own it." "We all have the right to feel a sense of autonomy and ownership over our own bodies and if that little extra piece of fabric gives us that self-empowerment, we should wear it." People might also just be tired of what's in their closet and want to try something new. "We've reached fatigue level of teeny teeny bikinis, what's going to look fresh?" Divita article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Tankini summer': The online debate over covering up at the beach
USA Today
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
It's 'tankini summer' – and it's already sparking online debate
It's 'tankini summer' – and it's already sparking online debate Show Caption Hide Caption Helen Hunt claims Hollywood's beauty standards affect her self-esteem Helen Hunt has revealed that she's changed her outlook in recent years. Bang Showbiz The tankini is igniting social media debate over modesty at the beach. For some, tankinis are reminiscent of being a preteen: A bikini bottom or shorts paired with what is essentially a waterproof crop top was often the first graduation from the one-pieces of childhood to swimming in a two-piece. Or perhaps they were the performance swimsuit you remember your mom or guardian wearing, the front swath of fabric adding extra coverage targeted for people with post-birth or pregnant bellies. Either way, the tankini has gotten a revamp in 2025, with popular retailers from ASOS to Cupshe marketing these tummy-covering two pieces to some shoppers who likely haven't worn one since the summer before seventh grade. These upgraded tankinis offer refreshed color palettes and not-so-boxy designs, but don't totally skimp on the style with unexpected cut-outs and cute patterns that paired seamlessly with a skirt or shorts. But the tankini takeover has prompted some social media users to wonder if the resurgence is as innocuous as pure 2000s nostalgia, or whether it's a totem of a cultural shift that wants women to cover-up. "I don't know if the modesty propaganda is working on me or if they're actually just making cute tankinis this year," one TikToker mused. "Every ad I've seen for tankini, is the cutest tankini I've ever seen and I must have it. Am I going to be wearing tankinis all summer? Is it working?" The 'tankini police' have arrived Tankini summer indicates America's zeitgeist, said Lorynn Divita, associate professor of Apparel Design and Merchandising at Baylor University. There's been a lot of attention to nudity (or lack thereof) this year: Some attendees at this year's Met Gala caused a firestorm for a slew of naked looks. Then, the Cannes 2025 Film Festival banned nude gowns on its red carpet. Seeming ubiquitous cut-out booty shorts and strappy crop-tops have sparked debate over modesty at the gym. And let's not forget Miley Cyrus turning heads in a completely sheer dress just this week. "I'm not a fan of whatever direction we're going in," another TikToker said, arguing tankinis have a nefarious subtext young women are falling for. The same creator later posted the "tankini police" came for her when she tried to call out this so-called "random radical shift to more conservative clothes." Meanwhile, others said a little more bandwidth offers inclusive, cute options for a range of body types and lifestyles. One fan posted she loved how a tankini was "modest and spicy at the same time." Another stated it shouldn't even be a debate: "Just stop the discourse. It's so unnecessary ... It just puts women back!" Summersalt, PacSun and more 👙 Shopping guide for where to buy bathing suits Is the tankini a signal of a push for modesty? On one hand, the internet is valid in sensing a "significant shift" toward traditional gender roles in fashion, according to Leora Tanenbaum, author of "Sexy Selfie Nation." Clothes associated with stereotypical femininity, even if they are a revealing bikini, are popular right now, she said. Look no further than dominance of the "low-cut milkmaid dress" garments that accentuates "womanly" aspects like breast cleavage, Tanenbaum said. "There is a very narrow aesthetic ideal of femininity," she said. But at the same time, the internet's battle misses the point women will face "relentless" sexualization no matter what swimsuit they choose this summer, Tanenbaum said. "I see the tankini debate not as much as pressure to look modest, but more as young people saying 'I am just so sick of being objectified,'" Tanenbaum added. "There's no way to win this. On the hand, if you wear a bikini, you open yourself up to slut-shaming because of the presupposition that someone who dresses in a revealing way is 'asking for it.' But if you wear a tankini, you're seen as deficient as a woman because you're rejecting being sexy according to a binary way." Wellness coverage from USA TODAY: Online, young female OnlyFans stars make their lives look aspirational. Is it problematic? 'A losing battle' If the aim of wearing a tankini is to avoid sexualization, "that is a losing battle," according to Tanenbaum. But for people who wear tankinis to feel empowered mentally and physically, she said to "own it." "We all have the right to feel a sense of autonomy and ownership over our own bodies and if that little extra piece of fabric gives us that self-empowerment, we should wear it." People might also just be tired of what's in their closet and want to try something new. "We've reached fatigue level of teeny teeny bikinis, what's going to look fresh?" Divita said.
