Even if you have a “perfect” body (nobody does!), swim suit shopping is probably one of your least favorite things to do. Even when I have felt my best physically, shopping for a swim suit has been like drudgery. Swimsuits are the least favorite, most difficult clothing items that women shop for. However, just like all the other items in your wardrobe, if you know what you are looking for, you can make the process easier and much more enjoyable.
Where do you begin to know what you should look for in a swimsuit?
Your personal brand of course.
What do you want to communicate at the beach, a pool party, or while lounging away in the sun? Are you sporty, sexy, romantic, elegant, classic, creative, exotic, or bohemian? Your personal brand can be complimented by is a suit that tells your unique story. Start by asking yourself what you want to communicate, then look for swim wear that matches that statement.
Each of these tells a unique story and should tell you something about the woman who wears it. Are any of these styles… you?
When shopping for a swimsuit, do you find yourself saying any of these?
My Chest is too Big!
If you would like to minimize your chest and still have the support you need there’s help for you.
Swimwear comes in all shapes, colors, and sizes and it comes with built in support. Check out Townshop: they have lots of great options for busty women and you can choose your swim suit based on your bra size.
Triangle cups with larger straps are a great choice, by design they will provide you with more support.
Try a swim dress if you want to add volume on your lower half to create that coveted hour glass shape.
Wear darker colors and solids to diminish bringing attention to your chest and wear a bright bottom to balance things out.
I’m Small on Top!
Go for a top with bright colors, embellishments, ruffles or padding to add visual weight and bring attention to your top.
My butt is big!
If you are blessed with a curvy booty, you’ll need a suit with enough fabric in that area so you’re not constantly tugging at your bottoms or getting a wedgy.
Designs with solid bottoms and printed tops will help balance you and give you more of an hourglass shape.
I look like a boy!
For those with a compact sporty body, you may want to create the appearance of curves with all pieces in your wardrobe and that also goes for your swimsuit. This is easily done with a top with padding and gathering, and by picking brighter prints and colors. Don’t go for straight-across bandeaus, boy-cut briefs or shapeless full-pieces, unless you wish to enhance your athletic figure.
OMG, I have love handles!
If you are a bit hippy, not to worry. A high-waisted bottom works wonders or of course, a one piece will take care of that issue immediately.
I’m high waisted!
The trick is to elongate your waist and lift the bustline. Low-rise bottoms make your torso appear longer and halter straps or bright colorful tops will draw attention upward.
I have back fat!
Try a suit with thicker straps to reduce the bulge.
My legs are too short!
Go for suits with that are high cut.
I have thunder thighs!
Opt for bottoms with a little bit more coverage. Bottoms with a skirt can help to conceal part of your upper leg and solid colors will draw the attention elsewhere.
I have a fat stomach!
Hiding a tummy is actually much easier than you would think. Peplums, for example, aren’t just great to wear to the office — they are also perfect for a day at the beach. A full-piece with ruching can also help to conceal your stomach. Choosing any one-piece with a plunging neckline with help to keep the focus upwards, rather than on your midsection.
Really, don’t you want to enjoy the sun, the sand, and the water? Don’t you want to go boating, hang out with your kids and your friends? Stop with the body shame and show up with confidence. You are truly beautiful just the way you are; if you think about your style rules, what colors, shapes, and patterns are best for you and apply them to your swimsuit you will show up looking terrific. Use the tips above, shop and dress with intention and enjoy your time in the sun!
