Summer’s here, ladies! If you’re heading away, love the beach or river, or spend time by the pool, chances are you’ll need a swimsuit.
For many women, bathers are one of the hardest items to try on and buy & it’s completely understandable. Finding a pair that feels comfortable, flattering, and right can be a challenge.
Most importantly, there’s absolutely no pressure to flaunt your body if you’d rather not. Feeling comfortable always comes first.
If you prefer a little more coverage, here are some clever and flattering options to consider:
1. A longer-line tankini is fantastic for lengthening the torso & covering up a tad.
2. If you’d like to take coverage a step further, consider a swim skirt. An empire-line style can create the illusion of a waist for those who are more H or O shaped, and it’s also excellent at discreetly disguising the backside.
3. Body-hugging athletic-style swimsuits, made from thicker, high-quality fabric, hold their shape beautifully. As a result, your shape is better supported and streamlined.
4. Diagonal stripes running from the center of the swimsuit out toward the natural waist are wonderful for creating the illusion of curves, particularly for women who are very straight up and down.
5. For tall and very slender ladies, horizontal stripes can work beautifully to break up length and add visual interest.
6. A swimsuit with a small, subtle, all-over print in your hair colour is incredibly slimming and naturally draws attention up toward the face – always a win.
There are some excellent ways to wear bathers while still feeling appropriately covered, if that’s your preference.
I promise there is a pair of bathers out there for everyone.
One important thing to remember is that swimsuit sizing is often very different from your usual bra or underwear size. It’s extremely common to go up a size or two, and this means absolutely nothing other than the fact the swimsuit fits you properly.
Also keep in mind that swimsuits tend to relax slightly once wet, so make sure they’re not too loose when you try them on.
Finally, you don’t have to spend a fortune. There are some great, affordable options available, so do check out department stores & budget-friendly brands before assuming you need to splurge.
A few tips for each of the body-shapes I work with!
X Shape
Wider necklines are perfect to balance the hips and highlight your natural curves & waist.
8 Shape
Follow your beautiful silhouette & highlight your best asset! Use all manner of waist detailing to really highlight your waist including built-in belts on bathers.
I Shape
Add curves with ruffles & strategic cutouts around the waist. Boy leg/shorts are a flattering bottom style.
O Shape
Go for a busy but dense all-over print to distract the eye – also consider strategic ruching around the midsection, which is always flattering.
A Shape
The A-shape needs to create more balance with the wider hips. Go for swimsuit tops with horizontal details, think off-the-shoulder, frills, flounces, gathers, large patterns or strapless styles. Suits with darker bottoms and lighter tops are also a great trick to draw attention upwards, and skirted bottoms work beautifully. Avoid boy shorts, as they can visually broaden the hips.
V Shape
The opposite of an A shape, V shapes benefit from halter neck styles that draw the eye inwards and help narrow the shoulders.
H Shape
Look for suits without obvious waist detailing like belts unless it’s strategic rouching around the tummy, which can be very flattering. Busy patterns in your signature colours are a great way to distract from the midsection also.
