Tank Heaven for Not So Little Girls

Annette Kellerman would love it. Tank suits—or racing suits, one-piece suits, maillots—are back. Not that they ever were away; it's just that this year they're what everyone, not only the Enders and Babashoffs, will be wearing. But Annette wouldn't recognize them. Even the new Speedo (above, $27) is super snug and snazzy. This is also the year that Head gets into the swimwear game; its racing suits will be in the stores in April. On the cover, Lena Kansbod collapses with laughter in Head's sprint suit of nylon and spandex ($34), while Barbara Minty (right) looks tigerish in Head's Lycra-and-nylon tank ($32).

For racing or just looking pretty racy, cover girl Lena lines up in a two-ounce suit of candy-colored Lycra and nylon made by Head ($30). The high neckline helps to cut down on scooping water.

Striped for action on a Wailea beach, Swedish slugger Kansbod (right) flexes what passes for a biceps in a suit with flat cross-straps in back that reduce air bubbles and drag in a flip turn ($30).

Cheryl Tiegs glows lustrously at sundown on Ekahi Beach in a Lycra-and-nylon maillot traced with metallic knit. High-legged and low-backed, it is designed by Monika Tilley for Elon ($30).

Off to a good start, Lena is sublime in Head's sublistatic (or heat transfer) chlorine-and-sun-resistant Antron tricot-knit training suit ($19).

Emerging from the Pacific, Barbara is all set for an almost allover tan in a quick-drying nylon fishnet suit with Lycra clouds to make it legal. Monika Tilley designed it for Elon ($30).

On dry land, Barbara is peachy on Polo Beach in a lace-trimmed Antron-and-Lycra suit suitable for sunning and swimming (we kid you not), by Bonnie August for Danskin (about $20).

EIGHT PHOTOS

ART KANE