Ahh, summer. Time to dust off the swimwear and head to the beach. I don’t know about you but for me this can be quite a trying time. Particularly as where I live in Australia it’s summer for practically six months of the year. I’m generally pretty happy with my shape but that’s all challenged when it comes time to bare all in a summer swimsuit. Eeeep! Still this year, armed with a little knowledge I figure I can choose a swimsuit that’s functional, comfortable and stylish, and so can you.
I’ve broken this up into general body shapes but you should really consider it from a point of view of what do YOU personally want to reveal or conceal. You may be a pear shaped but have issues with your stomach, In which case you probably won’t be opting for a bikini, so read through the whole thing and then apply the bits that you need to.
Big Breasts – dealing with a bigger top
- You need to hoist those babies up there for best effect. Anyone over a C cup needs to look for underwired cups to give you the support you need. Yes, even in a halter neck!
- Try a style that will spread you breasts further apart as this will have a minimizing effect. Wide placed straps are perfect.
- Avoid something that just squishes you down – think of the sausage effect; it will ruin the line of your body. Most halter tops will have this effect, but there are some good ones out there.
- If you choose a bikini opt for substantial briefs. The size of the top that contains your rack needs to be offset and a little string bottom won’t do that. Look for something that supports your butt.
- To balance out a bigger top highlight your waist with banding or a change in color.
Rectangle – creating a waist
- Your aim is to create curves. A simple way to do that is to look for swimwear that has a detailing or pattern on it suggesting curves.
- A strapless suit will do the same thing.
- Avoid a bikini. You need to accent you waist which is not easy in a bikini. If you do opt for a bikini choose one with wider straps (unless you’re very small on top) and a low leg or boy leg pant to elongate your waist and make it seem curvier.
- A belted swimsuit will give you a very definite waist.
- Look for suits with detailing on the hips as this again creates curves where you want them.
Pear Shaped – taming the booty
- Your aim is to draw the eyes upward. The best choice for you might be a string bikini, preferable a halter top as it will broaden your shoulders, but anything that is going to draw the eyes upward is ideal.
- A high cut bottom will elongate the length of your leg and reduce the size of your bottom.
- Avoid a swim skirt as it will draw eyes to your thighs. Draw the eye to your top instead.
- To conceal a big butt look for a bright print or detailing that draws the eye upward instead.
- If your bottom is big it needs support. Look for a substantial brief or a suit with good support.
- A long sarong tied at the waist and open down the length of one leg will minimize a large thigh will remaining sexy and stylish.
Conceal Your Stomach
- If you have larger breasts (anything from a C cup upward) you need good support. Hoisting your boobs up is a simple way to make your stomach look smaller.
- Look for the Miraclesuit swimwear link the link below. There is a double layer of material for extra hold.
- Ruching on a one piece suit along the sides a good way to confuse the eye and draw it away from your stomach.
- One part of your body needs to be the focus. Its best to draw the eye upward.
- Avoid metalics or busy patterns as they will draw the eye. Simple is better.
- Look for vertical lines or detailing that give the illusion of curves where there are none.
- A boy leg cut will not offer as much support for your stomach as a higher cut swimsuit.
Petite and Slender
- A high cut suit will extend the length of your leg and make you look taller.
- For the very slender look for horizontal stripes – they will add volume to your upper half.
- Those cute triangles are made for the very slender and not so well endowed. The size of the suit is perfect for your small proportions.
- Any bows, ruffles, flounces will add volume to your top half will
Curvy
- Don’t just cover up – think about which body part is your most favorite and work to reveal that and conceal everything else. If you cannot decide then opt for your chest and face. Refer above for ideas on how to flatter breasts, stomach or bottom and thighs.
- Darker colors will conceal. Lighter colors will reveal.
- Ruching is great for confusing the eye – what is part of the suit and what is a little extra flesh.
General Tips
- As with all outfits there should be one element that is the focus be it a great rack, fabulous thighs, flat toned stomach or your beautiful face. Choose one and deal with the rest.
- Fit, as always, is important both in terms of personal comfort and style. You may need a different size for your top and bottom so don’t be afraid to go to a bikini or tankini.
- If you’re bigger on either the top or the bottom mix plain blocks of color with prints, the prints being on the smaller portion to create interest and the plains on the area to minimize.
- If you tempted to cover up in a big oversize t-shirt get yourself a wrap instead. They come in a variety of styles and fabrics and you will feel a lot more feminine and sexy.
I hope this has been helpful. I’ve certainly enjoyed writing it and researching all the different types of swimsuits and what they do. Thanks for reading.
LISA
