The beach is a great place for people watching as people of all shapes and sizes play in the sand and surf enjoying the first days of summer. No longer burdened by the heavy attire of winter, people arrive in an interesting array of swimsuit styles. Some of these beach fashions are flattering while some can be down right horrific, particularly if worn on the wrong body type. Here are some of the worst swimsuit styles you could see parading down the boardwalk, and which you should avoid at all costs:

1. The Monokini
This may be one of the worst bikini styles inflicted upon women so far, although it’s unlikely you’ll see it on the beaches of America. This is not because there aren’t people willing to wear it but because they might get arrested if they do. The monokini is really just another term for a topless bathing suit. This swimsuit was the brainchild of a European designer by the name of Rudi Gemreich who introduced this swimsuit style to the world in the mid 1960’s. Needless to say, it brought a firestorm of criticism from more conservative institutions and met with only short term commercial success, lasting only a season. Its influence is still being felt today as swimsuit designers use this principle to create skimpier swimsuits with less fabric. Although monokinis are still being manufactured, you probably won’t find them in their original form on the racks of most mainstream department stores. They’ve been transformed into bathing suits with strategic cutouts that are more socially acceptable but still a bit risqué.

2. The Thong
After Gemreich introduced the monokini in the mid 1960’s, he wasn’t finished yet. Undaunted by the lack of long term, commercial success of the monokini, he introduced the world to another ridiculously revealing bikini style, the thong. This little number was met with greater enthusiasm and more commercial success even though it still left a great deal of skin exposed. Even more significantly, the bikini thong wasn’t going to win any awards for comfort. Leaving most of the butt exposed to wondering eyes, it’s a bikini style that’s not for the faint of heart. It also requires a few trips to the gym if you’re over the age of twenty. This style is probably best worn in the bedroom.

3. Metallic Styles
There’s already enough glare on the beach. Why add to it by wearing a shiny, metallic bathing suit? Metallic styles run the gamut from solid colored suits in bright silver, gold, copper, and even a variety of metallic colors to bikinis with metallic accents. Although these styles certainly attract attention so does a metallic red fire truck. Both are probably best found off the beach.

4. Sheer and See Through
The monokini in its original form might not be around any more but you can still reveal almost everything in a sheer or see through bathing suit style. It’s nice to know there’s freedom of choice but some things are better left to the imagination.

Fortunately, with so many flattering styles of swimwear available, you’ll never have to fall victim to these swimwear disasters. When someone suggests you try one of these swimsuit styles, do yourself a favor and just say no. You’ll be glad you did.