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.