Bikini hunting can be one of the most daunting things on a girl’s list. However, it’s easy to look your best on the beach this summer – the key is to find swimwear that suits your style and shape.
Summer has always been the season synonymous with swimwear and this year is no exception. This season we’re seeing emerging trends that are not unlike last year’s offerings. But whilst there is an endless list of similarities, this summer’s trends highlight an element of playfulness – without baring too much. As always, the idea of ‘sexy’ is also an essential ingredient in the swimwear story. Anybody can look sexy in the right swimsuit – you just need to know how.
Swimwear is the most revealing attire we’ll ever wear in public, and it’s for this reason most women feel uncomfortable, even anxious, when buying and wearing new swimsuits. The colour, fit, style, comfort level and use of ‘optical illusions’ are all fundamental factors when deciding which swimsuit will be best for you. In fact, did you know that most women consider and try on at least eight to 10 costumes in a single session? And that over 50 percent of these women leave the store frustrated and empty handed? Never has such a tiny amount of fabric attracted so much consideration and forethought as swimwear does.
Thankfully this season you can throw away that ambivalence and anxiety – designers are now offering an assortment of attractive swimwear for all shapes and sizes. Skimpy bikinis no longer define what is sexy, so expect to see more skin-revealing styles being traded in for cleaner, sleeker cuts that are more contoured and complimentary to the body.
How do you know which swimsuit is right for you?
Everyone has their own swimwear survival tips, which at the very least should include:
1. The type of swimsuit you need
Are you looking for an active style for water sports or an outfit to lounge around in by the pool or at the beach? Or something more versatile that can be accessorised for a number of occasions?
2. The right swimsuit for your body shape
The right swimsuit design can maximise, minimise, or emphasise what you want it to – so take your time and sample a variety of styles and sizes until you find the one that best suits your body type. It ultimately comes down to knowing what works for your body type.
Pear shape: Curvy at the hips and thighs, it’s all about balancing your proportions and getting the coverage you need for your bottom half. For a traditional look, go for a skirted bottom that falls past the upper leg and a plunging neckline, which will draw the eye upward.
Large bust: If you’re well-endowed up top, support is what you need. Opt for underwire, bra-style tops with adjustable straps, a higher back and molded cups. Avoid ruffles or busy looking tops if you want to draw attention away from your chest.
Small bust: If you’re smaller up top look for style with minimal coverage, details or patterns, which will create the illusion of a bigger chest. Triangle and padded push-up tops create cleavage. A smaller bust means you can wear bandeaus and scoop tops, so embrace them!
Athletic: If you are straight up and down, with fewer curves, look towards suits that create the illusion of a shapelier figure. Bold prints, ruffles and embellishments are your best friends and can create the appearance of more curve. Monokinis can create amazing curves, as do cut-outs and one pieces. Remember, the smaller the bottoms, the bigger the curves.
Tummy concealing: You carry some weight in the middle and are more of an apple shape. Try a retro high-waisted suit, they’re on trend and are great for covering the stomach. A surplice-wrap suit is also a very good option as it can be very figure-flattering and trims the waist.
Curvy: For curvy frames, it’s all about accentuating your shape, while providing support and coverage. Go for asymmetrical suits which draw the eye toward stye neckline. Retro suits (think high waist) and suits with collar blocking can also highlight your shape.
3. The comfort level of the swimsuit
If the swimsuit doesn’t fit right, it will never feel comfortable. Once you have a suit on, move around. A good swimsuit will move with you and hold its shape (and yours).
We all have our own tastes, idiosyncrasies and attitudes when it comes to fashion. There are a lot of ways to show the world how you get your summer groove on, but going over the top shouldn’t be one of them. Fads and hot styles continue to influence what people wear but if you want to make the right statement this summer, select a swimsuit you feel confident in and you’ll end up making the biggest waves.
