Swimsuits are generally designed to cover at least the genitalia. Men's swimsuit styles tend to be shorts, trunks, boardshorts, jammers, speedo-style briefs, thongs, or cut-off jeans. Women's swimsuits are generally either one-piece swimsuits, bikinis, or thongs.

The monokini, a style of swimsuit that most often takes the form of a bikini bottom without the corresponding top, leaves a woman's breasts uncovered. Monokinis are quite common in many places throughout South America and Europe, though due to particularly stringent taboos they are almost never seen in the United States, except in places with a strong European tourist influence. For pre-pubescent girls leaving the chest uncovered is sometimes considered more acceptable.
Swimsuits are also seen on beaches and around swimming pools even if no swimming is involved. Many authorities believe that children of both sexes should also wear T-shirts outdoors on sunny days to protect from sunburn.