Do you think you would like a little more coverage from your swimwear? If so, a standard one-piece is certainly not your only option. Legsuits, kneesuits and swimsuits with shorts can all help you feel more comfortable around the legs and thighs while still giving you the freedom to enjoy the water. The difficulty comes when you try to work out what all these names actually mean, but don’t worry, we at Halocline are here to help.
Legsuit vs Kneesuit vs Swimsuit With Shorts
Is a legsuit the same as a swimming costume with legs? How far down should a kneesuit reach? And would a tankini with separate shorts be easier to wear than either of them? All great questions, and ones that we can help answer.
You’ll quickly see there is some overlap between the terms, and different swimwear brands do occasionally use them in different ways. However, the main distinction is usually the length of the legs and whether the swimsuit is a one-piece or a two-piece.
At Halocline, our women’s legsuits and kneesuits are designed to offer different thigh coverage without you having to sacrifice the things you want from your swimsuit: movement, support and comfort. Here is how the different styles compare and how to choose which one is the right one for you.
What Is a Legsuit?
A legsuit is a one-piece swimming costume with fabric extending down over the top of the thighs. You might also see it described as a swimsuit with legs, a boyleg swimsuit or a swimming costume with shorts. There are lots of different names.
You’ll find that rather than finishing at the top of the leg like a traditional swimsuit, a legsuit creates a more shorts-like shape. The top and bottom remain joined together, so you receive the security and convenience of a one-piece with some additional coverage below the hips.
Legsuits will vary considerably in length when it comes to the leg length. Some have a relatively short boyleg, while others extend to the middle of the thigh or closer to the knee.
You actually mind find this variation okay, because not everyone wants the same amount of coverage. You may want just enough fabric to cover the tops of your thighs, or you may feel more comfortable with a longer leg that reaches towards the knee. The choice is yours!
Why Choose a Legsuit?
A legsuit can be a good choice if you:
- Prefer more coverage around your hips, bottom and upper thighs
- Feel uncomfortable in a higher-cut swimsuit
- Want a one-piece that stays securely together
- Enjoy aqua aerobics, swimming lessons or water fitness
- Want to reduce rubbing at the tops of your thighs
- Prefer a sporty, streamlined appearance
- Do not want to coordinate separate swim shorts and a top
We’ve also found that women find legsuits practical when moving between the changing room and pool. The shorts-style lower half can give a bit more coverage than a standard swimsuit, particularly when sitting beside the pool, attending a class or swimming with children.
What Is a Kneesuit?
A kneesuit is a longer type of legsuit. Instead of ending at the upper or middle thigh, its legs usually extend to just above the knee. You’ll find that it is still a one-piece swimsuit, but it gives that bit more thigh coverage of the three main styles.
Kneesuits used to be associated with competitive swimming, but you do not need to be training for a race to wear one. We get lots of comments about how they are wonderfully practical for everyday swimming, aqua aerobics, water sports and holidays.
Our kneesuits are designed for women who want generous coverage alongside proper bust support and a comfortable fit. They are not highly compressive racing suits that require a heroic effort to put on. They are made for real swimming and real bodies. They can be worn every day at the pool with your comfort in mind.
Why Choose a Kneesuit?
- A kneesuit may be the right option if you:
- Want coverage almost to the knee
- Prefer not to show the upper or middle thigh
- Would like a secure one-piece for active swimming
- Want to minimise the need to adjust your swimwear
- Experience rubbing between your thighs
- Attend regular aqua aerobics or water-fitness classes
- Prefer a more modest swimming costume
- Want to feel covered when walking around the pool or beach
The longer leg can also help you feel more confident when bending, stretching or climbing out of the pool. There is more fabric between you and the world, but you can still move freely in the water.
What Is a Swimsuit With Shorts?
“Swimsuit with shorts” is a broad phrase. If you look at the different options, sometimes it refers to a one-piece legsuit with a shorts-style leg. In other cases, it describes a tankini top or swim top worn with separate swimming shorts. That distinction is important when shopping.
A one-piece swimsuit with shorts is essentially a legsuit. The upper and lower sections are connected, so there is no waistband and no risk of the top riding upwards separately. Lots of people prefer the one-piece to keep them covered and secure.
The two-piece option consists of a swim top and separate shorts. If you are wearing a top and shorts, you may find this gives you more flexibility when shopping, as you can mix sizes, colours and styles. It can also be a bit easier to slip out of it when you are changing or using the bathroom.
Why Choose Separate Swim Shorts?
A tankini or swim top worn with shorts could suit you if you:
- Need a different size on your top and bottom half
- Prefer the convenience of a two-piece
- Want to mix and match your swimwear
- Like to choose your own shorts length
- Want to wear the shorts with several different tops
- Feel more comfortable with an adjustable or drawstring waist
The possible disadvantage is that the top and shorts can move independently. A tankini top may ride up during active swimming, while a shorts waistband can roll or shift. You may find that a one-piece legsuit can feel more secure because everything stays connected. Neither swimwear option is better than the other one; it comes down to which feels most comfortable for you – after all, you are the one wearing it.
Legsuit vs Kneesuit: What Is the Difference?
The simplest way to put this is that it is down to leg length. A standard legsuit usually finishes somewhere between the upper and middle thigh. You’ll notice that a kneesuit extends farther down, reaching towards or just above the knee.
However, length is not the only consideration, and we’ll go into a bit more detail in the next part of our post.
Coverage
Our kneesuits offer the most coverage across the thighs. A shorter legsuit gives more coverage than a traditional swimsuit but retains a slightly lighter, sportier appearance. If perhaps modesty is your main concern, you may prefer the kneesuit. If you simply want to cover the very tops of your thighs, a shorter legsuit may be enough. You should try both styles and see which one you prefer.
Freedom of Movement
Both styles should allow you to swim comfortably when they fit properly. If you find that you are uncomfortable or restricted, then you might need to look more closely at the sizing or even the body length of your swimsuit.
A shorter legsuit leaves more of the thigh uncovered, which some swimmers find cooler and less restrictive. A well-designed kneesuit should still move easily, but it is important that the leg openings are not excessively tight.
You’ll also find that the back style also affects movement. A racer or fitness back gives the shoulders plenty of freedom of movement, which is great when you are swimming lengths in your local pool, doing watersports or taking part in an aqua class.
Staying in Place
Fit and fabric matter more than leg length alone. A poorly fitted legsuit may ride upwards, while a well-fitted kneesuit should stay put. When you are shopping, you should look for stretchy performance fabric and leg openings that sit nicely and securely without digging into your legs.
If you have a long torso, check the body length as well. A swimsuit that is too short through the body can pull the legs upwards, even when the leg section itself is the correct size.
Ease of Putting On
Longer legsuits can require a little more care when putting them on because more fabric needs to be worked gradually up the legs. It’s something you might not be used to and may take a bit of getting used to.
We’d suggest not pulling hard from the straps. Instead, gather each leg and ease the fabric upwards a little at a time, similar to how you might put on a pair of tights. Once the lower half is sitting in place and is comfortable, you can pull the upper section into place.
A swimsuit that fits properly should feel secure, but you should not have to wrestle with it every time you go swimming.
Are Legsuits Flattering?
We think so. You’ll find that the most flattering swimsuit is usually the one you feel comfortable wearing. If you spend the entire swim pulling at a high-cut leg or worrying about how much of your thighs are visible, a standard swimsuit is unlikely to help you feel your best. A legsuit provides another option, and you might find you love it!
The longer leg creates a smooth line from the waist through the hips and thighs. Darker panels can add definition, while a print across the front or upper body can draw the eye towards colour and detail.
We really do think that the fit is crucial. The legs should sit smoothly on your body without cutting into your thighs, and the fabric around the body should feel close but not overstretched. Your bust support should remain in the correct position, and the shoulder straps should not pull.
Choosing a larger size solely to gain more leg room can make the body and bust too loose. Use your bust and hip measurements to select your size, then check the product description and reviews for information about the leg opening and overall fit.
Are Legsuits Good for Aqua Aerobics?
We get lots of our customers telling us that our legsuits and kneesuits are great for aqua aerobics classes. Water-fitness classes involve much more than swimming in a straight line. You may be jogging, kicking, twisting, stretching and lifting your legs. A secure one-piece with additional thigh coverage can help you concentrate on the class instead of your swimwear. You won’t have to worry about your swimwear going anywhere, and so you’ll enjoy your class more.
Useful features for aqua aerobics include:
- A shelf bra or bust lining
- A secure racer or fitness back
- Tummy-control fabric
- Chlorine-resistant material
- Leg openings that stay in place
- UV protection for outdoor classes
A legsuit is also a smart swimwear choice if you attend several classes each week, although those who swim or take water classes regularly should think about the swimwear fabric.
Look for Chlorine-Resistant Fabric
You’ll find that chlorine can gradually weaken ordinary swimwear fabric. The material may become thin, the colour can fade, and the elastic fibres can lose their ability to return to shape. This is especially noticeable in a legsuit because there is more fitted fabric across the hips and thighs. Once the material loses its stretch, the legs can begin to sag or move around in the water. This may result in poorly fitting swimwear that drags in the water.
All three of our swimwear picks below offer high chlorine resistance. After swimming, we suggest you rinse your legsuit promptly in cold water to remove as much chlorine as possible. You shouldn’t wring it out. You should allow your swimsuit to dry naturally away from direct heat.
Our Top Picks
Our legsuit collection includes different body lengths, back styles and levels of support. These three designs are good examples of how the details can change the overall feel of a legsuit when you are wearing it.
Janice Longer Length Legsuit – Midnight Sea
Our Janice Longer Length Legsuit in Midnight Sea is a supportive choice for those who prefer padded cups and a bit of additional room through the body.
Our Janice features a shelf bra with padded cups, a scoop back and full front lining. Its longer boyleg provides coverage towards the knee, while the swimsuit itself has an additional 5cm or 2 inches through the body loop compared with a standard-length swimming costume.
You’ll find that extra body length is particularly useful if traditional legsuits pull at your shoulders or cause the leg section to ride upwards. Rather than stretching the entire garment vertically, our Janice swimsuits give you more room through the torso while giving you coverage across the thighs.
Its recycled performance fabric has been developed to improve chlorine resistance, support and shape retention. It also provides UV 50+ protection and is resistant to sun cream and oil, making it suitable for both laps in the pool and also for your holiday.
The Midnight Sea print brings together deep blue tones without feeling overly bright. Janice is also available in Deep Teal and black.
This style may suit you if you want:
- Longer body and thigh coverage
- Padded cups
- A supportive shelf bra
- A scoop-back design
- A fully front-lined legsuit
- A soft, chlorine-resistant fabric
Abstract Kneesuit – Night Tropics
For brilliant chlorine resistance and a standard body length, take a look at our Abstract Kneesuit in Night Tropics.
The legs on this wonderdul knewsuit extend towards the knee, giving you generous thigh coverage, while the fitness-back design allows excellent shoulder movement. This makes it a strong option for swimming lengths, aqua aerobics and other water sports – and our customers love it!
The built-in shelf bra has elastic underneath to support and lift the bust, and light all-over control provides gentle shaping through the body. The kneesuit is made from our chlorine-resistant polyester and PBT fabric, so it is particularly well suited to swimmers who spend a lot of time in the pool. You know your swimsuit is going to last longer and still look great.
Unlike Janice, our Abstract kneesuit is a standard-length swimsuit through the torso. This makes it a good choice if standard one-piece swimsuits normally fit you comfortably, but you would like that bit more coverage on your thighs.
We adore the Night Tropics design as it combines a black base with a colourful printed panel. The darker lower section keeps the overall look streamlined, while the print adds a bit of pizazz without overwhelming the swimsuit.
This style may suit you if you want:
- Coverage towards the knee
- A standard body length
- Chlorine-resistant swimwear
- A fitness back for shoulder movement
- Shelf-bra support
- Light tummy control
Cassandra Longer Length Racer Back Legsuit – Animal Attraction Teal
Our Cassandra Longer Length Racer Back Legsuit in Animal Attraction Teal combines longer body and thigh coverage with a sportier back.
Like Janice, our Cassandra Legsuit has an additional 5cm or 2 inches through the body loop. It has been designed for women who find standard legsuits too short between the shoulders and crotch.
The lovely racer back provides a secure fit and plenty of freedom of movement through the shoulders. You’ll find the built-in shelf bra offers brilliant bust support, while the fully lined front adds coverage without the need for padded cups. It’s a win-win!
Cassandra is made using our recycled ECONYL® yarn, which is produced from waste materials. The soft fabric offers chlorine resistance and is designed to last twice as long as standard swimwear fabric. It also provides UV 50+ protection and resistance to sun cream and oil.
Customers choose our Animal Attraction Teal print because it's modern and chic. We think this is a good reminder that choosing more coverage does not mean limiting yourself to a plain or overly boring design.
This style may suit you if you want:
- A longer body loop
- Longer thigh coverage
- A secure racer back
- Unpadded shelf-bra support
- Recycled swimwear fabric
- A colourful, sporty appearance
Which Style Should You Choose?
If you are still deciding, we’d suggest starting with the two measurements that make the greatest difference: body length and preferred leg length. Choose a standard-length kneesuit such as Abstract if ordinary one-piece swimsuits fit you correctly through the body, and your aim is to get a bit more thigh coverage.
Choose a longer-length legsuit such as Janice or Cassandra if standard swimwear tends to pull at your shoulders, ride up or place the bust support too low on your body.
Then consider the finer details:
- Choose padded cups if you prefer more shape and coverage at the bust.
- Choose an unpadded shelf bra if you want lighter, flexible support.
- Choose a racer or fitness back for plenty of shoulder movement.
- Choose the most chlorine-resistant fabric if you swim several times a week.
- Choose a two-piece with separate swim shorts if convenience and flexible sizing matter most.
There is no need to choose the style that sounds most technical or offers the most coverage. The best option is the one that fits your body, your swimming routine and the way you want to feel in the water. There are plenty of options out there, so have a look at our range and try a couple on.
Enjoy the Water Without Constant Adjustments
Swimwear should help you enjoy swimming, not give you one more thing to worry about. You’ll find that a legsuit can offer a reassuring little bit of extra coverage. A kneesuit can cover most of the thigh while still allowing you to swim and exercise freely. Separate shorts can give you the flexibility of a two-piece. But whichever you prefer, look for a swimsuit which isn’t going anywhere with a great fit, reliable bust support and fabric that suits how often you swim.
Our complete legsuits and kneesuits collection includes several leg lengths, body lengths and back styles, with sizes available across an extensive range. That means you can choose the leg coverage you want without sacrificing style, comfort, colour or freedom of movement. As always, if you need help choosing, just reach out to us.