Selective Swimwear!

In my previous posts I discussed different body types and what clothing best compliments those particular shapes. A lot of the same guideliness will carry forward into swimwear. Most of the tips below are specific to women swimsuit styles. However the same principles apply as far as patterns, colors, shapes, drape, length and so forth for men's swimwear.

One-Piece or Two-Piece Swimsuit?
Some of the most beautiful women seen on the beach wear one-piece suits. They do not reveal it ALL, just enough to keep things interesting. Many one-piece suits will show more back and less tummy, others show a bit more cleavage or thigh. Show off your best assets and conceal the others. Always remember that you are aiming for a balanced silhouette.

Swimsuit for Swimming
If you're into swimming, definitely get a one-piece. Find one that doesn't cut into the shoulders, has comfortable, stretchy fabric and doesn't creep up the backside. Forget bikini strings. You just don't want anything to come undone while you're doing laps or snorkeling off a crowded beach.

SMALL ON TOP
• Look for tops with a touch of padding, or an under wire, demi-bra style that makes the most of a beautiful, dainty, bust line. Try to find a top with adjustable straps at shoulders and around back so that you can tighten and adjust things, to help fill out the top line.
• Ruffle tops and tri-tops are two styles that will balance out your proportions. Avoid tops with too much fabric or have a poor fit. Opt for separates, where you can choose your top and bottom separately.

BIG ON TOP
You may need some extra support; underwire tops can work well and look great.
• Halter-top bikinis can be a good choice by offering support. Look for styles that are banded around the midriff and can be tied in back and around the neck. This style will give you some lift and will allow you to make adjustments for a personal fit.
• Look for one-piece swimsuits with some structure in the bust, such as soft foam cups or at least, a shelf bra. Straight cut bust styles such as a classic tank can look clean and sporty. Wide shoulder straps will also be much more comfortable than thin, spaghetti straps.
• Avoid strapless bandeau tops and those tiny, tri-tops that offer minimal coverage. Again, make sure to get a suit where you can order the top and bottom sizes separately.

SHORT LEGS OR TORSO
• Play up your figure by finding a suit that is cut high on the thigh. This will make your leg look much longer. If you have curvy hips, then all the better. This cut will accentuate your smaller waist.
• Remember vertical stripes can visually lengthen the body. Another trick is to wear a solid bottom bikini with a printed top. This will draw the eye upward and give you a longer look.
• A solid, one-piece suit with a plunging neckline creates a continual, long appearance.
• Avoid boy shorts and skirted bikinis as they draw the eye downward and can make you look shorter.

LONG BODY SHAPE
Clothes drape beautifully on you and your legs go on and on. But, you do need to make sure that you do not look like a bean pole at the beach in your swimsuit.
• You can go wild with the embellishments at the hips and bust line. Rings, jewels, ties and bows are all good things for you.
• Try horizontal stripes and nappy fabrics, such as stretch terry and velvet.
• You’ll look smashing in those super bright colors that are so, “in,” right now.
• If you want a one-piece swimsuit, try one of the latest, cut-out suits. It will break up your long torso, just like a bikini does.
• Boy shorts are just the thing for your slim hips. Oh, and those cute, ruffled skirts and cover-ups too.
• Remember to avoid up and down stripes, high necklines and dark, solid colors.

NO WAIST
No problem. It’s not that you don’t have a waist, it’s that you hips are slim.
• If you don't have many curves, create some by wearing one-piece suit with a high-on-the-thigh cut. A belted waistline on a one-piece suit will give the appearance of a whittled middle. So will a draped, surplice detail that pinches in at the waist, or a curvy seam line that runs down each side of the torso.
• Bikinis are good for you. Add some illusion at the hips with rings, ruffles and bows. If you’re small on top, go for a strapless bandeau. Go for a dark, solid bottom and a wildly printed or embellished top.
• Avoid solid-colored or horizontal striped one-pieces.

WIDE SHOULDERS
Swimmers often have the wide shoulders. Balance is the key word here. You will want to play up the bottom of your torso and minimize the top.
• Wear bikini bottoms that have lots of color and print and also sport accents at the hips such as ties, belts and sashes. The new, moderate cut bottom was made for you. Also, wide shoulder straps and square necklines can make you look fabulous.
• Avoid the “V” silhouette by staying away from those plunging neck lines or tiny bikini bottoms.

PLUS SIZE FIGURE
Show a little skin in just the right places and you will look fantastic!
• Look for one-piece swimsuits with lace or mesh inserts. A strategically placed cut-out, or a deep V neckline, can really change your visual image.
• Lengthen your thigh with an adjustable ruching detail at the hip. A sheer sarong can give you a little confidence and still look totally glamorous.
• Dark, cool colors are always good. So are swirling, or V patterns. Try a swimsuit with dark, solid panels down each side of the torso and a floral printed middle.
• Avoid too much fabric. Modesty is certainly OK, but too much coverage is not necessarily a better option. Also, stay away from white, as well as bright, neon fabrics and nappy textiles.

TOO MUCH TUMMY
If you are self conscious about your tummy try one of those fabulous, tummy, control panel, swimsuits: they really work wonders.
• If you’re going for a two-piece swimsuit, then checkout the, “meet-and-greet,” tankinis that are on the fashion scene today. They cover just enough, but you still have the freedom and hip factor of a bikini.
• A one-piece with some draping around the waist or hips can also help to conceal.
• Avoid itsy bitsy bikinis and solid colored, one-pieces.

BIG ON BOTTOM
The newest, mini-skirted bikinis are stylish and made for you! Don’t go for a super frilly one, though. Instead, pick a smooth, skimming skirt that is short and sweet, but covers what it needs to. A ruffled or highly decorated top is OK. The details will draw attention to your top half.
• You could also go for a moderate, bottom bikini that has a 3 inch side! Make that a solid bottom and print top for the best visual effect.
• Try a maillot one piece. Something with wide straps, or a strong horizontal neckline, will balance out your silhouette. Remember, playing up your top side will de-emphasize your bottom side.
• Avoid boy shorts, too skimpy bottoms, or lots of ruffles and details at the hips.