New Swimsuits and Bathing Suits
For a few genetically blessed individuals, buying a swimsuit is as easy as breathing; for the majority of us however, we dread swimsuit season. If you can manage to get through the hundreds of racks in a reasonable amount of time, and survive the horrific lighting in the dress rooms that highlight any flaw you may have, you then have to figure out which style is right for your body type.
But fear not this year and go about this task with optimism. There are surefire ways to ensure that you find the perfect suit that will not only compliment your figure, it will be functional as well.
Understanding the Body Shape Spectrum
Before you even consider purchasing a swimsuit you should first be able to identify what body type you have. There are four main body types and yours is one of them. This is the most important aspect to consider when buying any type of swimwear. Below is a description of each of the four body types and advice on which kind of swimsuit to purchase.
Hourglass figures are assigned to those who have a bust-line that is the same width or about the same as the hip region. It is also defined with a much small waist. Often women who are told they are ‘curvy’ have hourglass figures.
What Suit to Buy
If this is your body type, you are in luck as most of us covet this ultra sexy body style. But the best news is that this body type will afford you a lot of leeway when selecting a bathing suit. Because you are curvy you can pull off almost any kind.
A bikini will accept your tiny wait and does amazing things for accenting your natural curves. Those on the thinner side can rock any one of the string bikinis that are in style this year. For fuller breasts however, stay with a bikini top that offers some support such as the halter style or at least a fuller coverage triangular style.
If the bikini style isn’t your thing you can also choose a one piece but if you do, consider one that has some color and that pulls in or has a design at the waist to draw attention to that area. This way you aren’t wasting those awesome curves. It is also recommended that you buy one that sets higher up in the leg area to elongate the legs and accentuate your mid-section.
Triangular Body
If your hips and thigh area are wider than your waist and bust, you fall into this category. Generally these body types have medium to small waistlines, flat abdominal areas and are definitively smaller up top.
If your stomach is smaller and flat you should definitely show those assets off with a bikini. Just be sure that the one you choose has enough material on the bottom to support and shape your back end. You may need to mix and match bikini styles since your top is proportionately smaller than your bottom.
If you can find a colorful suit that has patterns, all the better as this will help create balance between your smaller top and fuller bottom. The suit you select should come up high on the legs, otherwise your lower half will look too boxy and disproportionate.
Inverted Triangle
Take the description above and reverse it and you have this body type. Those who fall into this category will have full breast areas that are wider and then their waist tapers. The thigh area will also be narrower than the chest and shoulders.
This is one body type that should avoid any look that is strapless as they won’t offer the support you need in the bust area and it will also accent your disproportion. The best swimsuit will be one that affords you coverage and support like a halter top or that has strings that are wide enough to support your weight.
Look for swimsuits that have underwire because they will give you an additional lift and help you stay into place especially if you plan to be active in your swimwear. You also want to create some balance between your top and bottom half so try a colorful bottom with a solid, dark bikini halter top.
Rectangular Body Types
A large percentage of people fit into this category and those who do will have about the same width measurements on top and bottom but more noticeably, their waists won’t be as defined as the other body types.
Because of that, you will want to choose a style that brings a lot of attention to the waist area. Essentially you are creating a curvy mid-section so ruffles, tapered waists and patterns will all help achieve this.
Bikinis will work with this style but choose tops that don’t have straps that are too thick because you may appear wider on top. Choose thinner straps that still offer a level of support if you have larger breasts or slinkier styles if your breasts are small.
One pieces are also great for this body style but choose a patterned look to create curves and depth.
Popular Swimwear Trends
A dedicated summer loving person would know that there’s nothing like a new bathing suit or two to welcome the rising temperatures each year and every year is greeted by some fresh new styles, with this year being no exception. The year 2012 has brought new swimsuit trends to add to your summer wardrobe - from sexy and sleek fashions to funky and cute ones.
The most popular 2012 swimwear styles are vintage inspired and don’t be mistaken by the likes worn by Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and Jane Mansfields. Whilst all these personalities have led swimwear trends in the yester-years with elegance, playful, and sexy vintage-style swimwear, this year’s vintage bikini or swimsuit is everything that and more!
Some features to look out for this year bearing vintage similarities
are high waists and boy-cut bottoms, playful prints, ruffles, tight
knitted crochets, bandeaus, and cut-outs.
Bandeaus: These are a hot trend but is a style that is only carried well by small breasted women. It is extremely versatile and chic. This season, look out for bandeaus in prints, ruffles and/or string detailed bottoms.
High waisted and boy-cut bottoms: Many designers are infusing the vintage-inspired elements into today’s modern pieces resulting in a perfect marriage of astounding styles. The high waist, boy-legged bottoms are quite the anti-thesis of ‘granny’ and designers have cleverly coupled this feature with string bikinis. The very on-trend wide statement strapping on vintage cut bikini bottoms are detailed with either string thin or wider cut straps on either sides of the bikini bottom. High waisted and boy-cut bottoms are great for toning down any bulges you have around your waist.
Playful prints: Prints are everywhere this summer and all kinds of
prints look fabulous on swimwear. This year in particular focuses on
florals, tribal prints and geometrical ones. Also, think animal prints
and scarf prints. Prints that are high in contrast are also the
dominant print style of this season, which particularly work well with
vintage-style swimwear. The simplicity of a black and white graphic
combination makes a stylish statement.
Ruffles: What better way to bring the vintage look back into swimwear than pretty and feminine ruffles. Ruffled details work wonderfully well with all the different styles if this year’s trends with endless versatility to suit each one. They look sweet and are best for slimmer bodies to add the illusion of curves.
Tight knitted crochets: Crochet bikinis and swimsuits are definitely a
must-have this season. The intricate detail of tight knits and stitches
attract the eye while distracting any bodily flaws you may have. The
perfect pair can really show off the body in the sexiest way and best
of all, they can also pass as daywear when worn with pants or midi
skirts. White is the classic colour to have in crochet swimwear but for
a bold statement and to stand above the crowd, look to other colours.
Cut-outs: Cut-out swimwear isn’t new but as time passes it remains a fashionable trend. The style is sexy which makes it incredibly popular with attention-seekers and those with perfect bodies. This year’s cut-outs are even more structural and architectural making it a rather bold piece and a must –have in your swimwear collection. The vintage-inspired colours and prints are also infused to parts of this style.
Retro is definitely back in fashion. While men won’t really find
high-waisted bottoms and bold prints that appealing, they’re great for
covering up problem areas and much comfier than g-sting bottoms. There
is always a style to suit every woman, so this season, be sure to own a
modernised vintage piece of your own!