What Men Really Think About Your Bikini
Swimsuit season is stressful enough when women are tasked with finding swimwear that's both fashionable and flattering. But what does he think about all your hard work? Marie Claire asked 100 random guys about some of the most popular swimsuit trends - and their answers may have you reconsidering that new bikini in your beach bag.
The String Bikini One of the most popular swimwear styles on the market happens to be the one with the least amount of fabric. But what do men really think of the skimpy suit? 74 percent were fans of the triangles-and-string ensemble, while 26 percent thought it looked too revealing and left little to the imagination.
The Standard Two-Piece
Guys' most favored suit was the basic two-piece bikini. A bit more material - while still showcasing some serious skin - meant a whopping 91 percent approval rating among men (and several said the look most closely resembled women in bras and panties...). Only 9 percent didn't like the cut.
The Monokini
Women wanting to make a statement on the beach may opt for the monokini - a one-piece suit in which the sides are completely cut out, giving the appearance of a bikini, with the top and bottom sections connected by a thin strip of material. Guys, however, prefer to opt out. Only 22 percent liked the look. The most common response of the 78 percent who hated it? "I don't get it."
The Tankini
Introduced in the late '90s, the tankini grew in popularity because of its combination of the modesty of a one-piece with the convenience and style of a two-piece. The look got mixed reviews from the guys surveyed. 53 percent liked the look, while 47 percent didn't. A few even compared the concept as being synonymous to men wearing T-shirts in the pool.
The One-Piece Swimsuit
Few women sport one-pieces despite the traditional swimwear's resurgence on the runway - and despite the fact that the majority of men like them. In fact, 65 percent prefer the look, as opposed to only 35 percent who don't. The only rule? Some men said they like the style as long as it's still sexy and doesn't look like the woman is trying out for the Olympic swim team.
The High-Fashion Bikini
Like many new fashion trends, women inevitably find them far more interesting than their male counterparts. Funky suits - like those with studs, grommets and beaded detailing or others with unorthodox accessories - were the least favored swimwear of all the styles. Only 17 percent liked them, while 83% were mystified that the garments could even hold up in water.
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