To some people, bathing suits are the waterproof equivalent of underwear; basic coverage only appropriate at the beach or the pool.

Well to those stuck in that antiquated mentality: Welcome to 2008!

Bathing suits are now a fashion statement. Peppered with details and in an array of styles, bathing suits are now a new section of one's wardrobe.

By searching around for a bathing suit that falls in line with your style, flatters your body shape, and has enough durability for the activities you need it for, it will become a lasting addition to your closet collection.

Athletic

Venus Black Volleyball Triangle Top for $24 and Side Tie Bottoms for $23 at Venus.com

Venus Black Volleyball Triangle Top

Dots and Stripes Hipster Bikini for $128 from Freepeople.com

Dots and Stripes Hipster Bikini

Sexy

The Bamboo Ring One-Piece Monokini for $60 at Victoriassecret.com

The Bamboo Ring One-Piece Monokini

Plum Sequence Triangle Top for $38 and bottom for $26 from Venus.com

Plum Sequence Triangle Top

Unique

Miss Lulu One-Piece for $98 at Freepeople.com

Miss Lulu One-Piece

Rockcandy One Piece for $148 at Freepeople.com

Rockcandy One Piece

Guys

BOSS Black 'Carp BM' Board Shorts for $69 at Nordstrom.com

BOSS Black 'Carp BM' Board Shorts

Molokai Striped Swim Trunk for $95 at Ralphlauren.com

Molokai Striped Swim Trunk

--Johnie and Mairys