A flotation swimsuit is provided for providing strategically distributed
buoyancy to a wearer. The flotation swimsuit includes a form-fitting
torso covering having a retaining pocket for enclosing a unitary
flotation element. The unitary flotation element includes a backsheet
formed from buoyant material having a thickness within a first
predetermined range for providing general buoyancy to a wearer, an inner
surface for presentation toward the wearer, and an outer surface for
presentation away from the wearer. The unitary flotation element also
includes a plurality of enhanced buoyancy regions integrally carried by
the backsheet for providing enhanced buoyancy to specific areas of the
wearer's body. The enhanced buoyancy regions can be formed with a buoyant
material having a thickness greater than the backsheet. Each enhanced
buoyancy region extends outwardly from the outer surface of the
backsheet. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.