Okay ladies swimsuit season is here and it is time to show off what those long hours at the gym and your mama gave ya! Picking the right swimsuit for your body type can be tough so I am going to share some guidelines with you to help make your shopping experience a little less frustrating.
Ready for a lot of information? Okay here we go! If you are:
Busty…
You will need to look for suits that have extra support/under wires. Halter-tops are a great way to combine support with coverage. You can also look for one piece suits with a shelf bra. If you are wearing a two-piece then make sure you can order the top and bottom separately so you get the right sizes. Don’t wear bandeau tops or the tiny triangle tops!
… Or not
Don’t worry, you have tons of options! The most important thing to look for is a good fitting suit; if you have too much fabric it will emphasize your small top and make you look disproportionate. Look for something with adjustable straps and maybe even a little padding. You can wear bandeau tops and those killer cute ruffled tops! Like your busty counterpart you should look for suits that allow you to mix and match sizes.
Long Torso (lucky!)
Man are you lucky to have a long torso! When suit shopping you should focus on suits with embellishments, horizontal stripe, bright colors, boy shorts, and skirts. Don’t overlook those cut-out one-piece suits, they will look amazing on you! Avoid vertical stripes, high necklines, and dark solid colors because these will exaggerate your long torso instead of complimenting it.
No Waist…No Worries
The trick with this body type is to create the curve you don’t have, and it is super easy! Look for suits that have a high cut leg, belted waist, curvy seam lines, ruffles/bow at the hips, and bikinis. Another trip is to wear a dark bottom with a printed top, this will bring the focus to your top and break up your body better. Avoid solid colors and horizontal striped one-pieces (duh).
Broad Shoulders (we’ll fix that!)
The key to finding the perfect suit for your body is balance. You should play up your bottom half and minimize the top, to do this look for printed bottoms and tops with wide straps and square necklines. Avoid plunging necklines and tiny bikini bottoms.
Plus Size (a plus with the right suit!)
The biggest mistake you can make when buying a swimsuit for a plus size figure is to get one that has too much fabric! I know you want a little more coverage but too much will make you look larger. You should look for one-pieces in a dark cool color, with lace or mesh inserts and a deep “V” neckline. Other great options are sheer sarongs and suit with a printed middle and solid panels on the side. Avoid white and bright neon fabrics, these suits will just draw negative attention to your body, and no one wants that! Yes, I realize these models are not plus size BUT the suits follow the guidelines for a plus size figure.
Tummy Trouble
If you are worried about your middle section (aren’t we all), you should look for a tankini and one-pieces with draping around the waist or hips. Stay away from tiny bikinis and boring solid colored one-pieces. Just because you are covering up doesn’t mean you can’t look fun and sexy!
Big Bottom… not a big deal with these guidelines and suits
This figure is easier to fit than you think! Look for mini skirted bikinis with frills on top but not bottom, maillot one-pieces with wide straps and horizontal necklines, and finally a bikini with a solid bottom and printed top. Each of these options will de-emphasize your bottom while playing up your top. Seriously avoid boy shorts, skimpy bottoms, and ruffled/detailed hips.
Perfect Body
First of all, if this is you then stop reading this and go be a model. If you happen to have a “perfect” body that is toned and proportioned then go for the tiny bikinis with fun prints and show off what you’ve got!
I hope these tips and guidelines were helpful! If I missed a body type that you want information on leave some comments and let me know. All the swimsuits are available at Everything But Water and for more information on body types and swimsuits check out fashion.about.com
-Brie (Razorz Edge Sales Associate)
