Finding the perfect swimsuit for your body type
Before all the technical advice, remember that the most important thing is that you feel comfortable in your suit. Like any other piece of clothing, you want to find something that you like. If you are buying a two-piece suit, be open to different styles or brands for the top and the bottom. Remember THIS IS ABOUT FEELING GREAT AND LOOKING YOUR BEST, and sometimes about performance for athletics.
Remember also that some suits are made primarily for looking great, some are made for swimming and sport, and others are made for both. Quality also varies widely in swimsuits. For the most part, you really get what you pay for. We carry some suits that can be purchased for just $10.00 for the top and bottom, but don’t expect these to last for a long time. We also carry some of the best quality suits made, TYR, Malibu, Sunset, and Fortune.
FEW IF ANY WOMEN HAVE A PERFECT BODY . . . WHATEVER THAT IS, BUT VIRTUALLY EVERY WOMEN CAN HAVE A PERFECTLY FITTING SWIMSUIT TO HELP YOU LOOK AND FEEL YOUR VERY BEST.
We’ll tell you some of the secrets to look and feel your best on almost any budget.
Whatever you choose, you want to accent your best assets.
Never rely on size. We would never recommend anyone to purchase a suit without trying it on. Sizes are rarely the same from one brand to another and sometimes not even within a brand. If you want your suit to fit perfectly, you have to try it on to see if it does.
One of the most important questions to ask is: Do I want a One-Piece or a Two-Piece Suit?
One advantage of many one piece suits are that they hide or provide extra support for your tummy.
Athletics:
If you plan to do a lot of swimming, playing volleyball, or something else athletic, you might want to consider a one-piece. You don’t have to worry as much about a string coming undone. Another option is a Tankini (more coverage) with Boy Shorts. Boy Shorts are bottoms similar to men’s trunks but cut to fit for a woman’s body. There are a wide variety to choose from. You can also wear Board Shorts as either a bottom or a cover. Whether you’re swimming laps, snorkeling, playing volleyball, or doing something else active, be sure that the swimsuit is comfortable. You don’t want it to ride up or come off. When you try it on, move your arms, squat, walk around a little, and stretch. Make sure that everything stays where you want it to.
Budget:We have a wide range of prices and quality. You can purchase a bikini, at regular price for only $10.00 to $40.00 (top and bottom together). We also have one piece suits for not much more than that. For our more discerning customers, we have some incredible suits where the entire set sells for about $200.00. Most of our suits are well below this price and can be purchased anywhere along the spectrum.
Separates:
All of our two piece suits are sold as separates with just a couple of exceptions. This allows you to mix and match for the perfect combination. Let’s face it, not all women are the same size on top as they are on the bottom. Many of our customers purchase one brand of suit for the top and another for the bottom. Separates give you the additional advantage of wearing a suit unique to you.
Small Busts:If you want a little boost, you can pick a suit with a padded top. Usually these can be easily removed. You might also try a suit with horizontal stripes, a pattern, or extra material such as fringes, ruffles, or a bloused top. This will give the illusion of larger busts. You might also want to try a top with strings that tie around the neck, allowing you to adjust for extra cleavage.
Large Busts:
There are a number of options for a woman with large busts. We routinely carry D and sometimes DD or even E tops. You might also want to try on a suit with an under-wire or extra material for support just underneath. These are similar to a sports bra. They provide extra support. If you don’t want to draw additional attention to this part of your body, try a solid and/or lighter color. You may also want to try a sports top or a top with spaghetti straps. If you want full coverage, keep looking because it's there and you can find it.
Long Torso:Try horizontal stripes. If you need a one piece suit, you can purchase a suit specially made for a longer torso. Tankinis and Bikinis always fit any torso length. A Tankini takes the emphasis away from the long torso. A one piece with high legs will also help to focus the eye on the legs.
Short Torso:Try vertical strips. A One-Piece with a high neckline or a Two-Piece that sits low on the hips (make sure it fits the contour of your hips so that it doesn't give the appearance of cutting you in half) will give the appearance of a longer torso.
Extra Tummy:
Try a One-Piece, dark solid color, high waist, or Tankini that meets the bottom part of the suit. A number of One-Piece suits provide extra tummy support. Some provide extra loose material for comfort. Try a V neck line to draw the attention up.
Wide Shoulders:Try a halter top or thick straps.
Ample Hips, Thighs, and Buttocks:
Try a Skirting, Boy Shorts, Board Shorts, or lower legs. You can also purchase suits with an attached skirt or extra skirt. Try a top with extra material as mentioned under Small Busts to create a more proportional look. Consider a solid bottom with a more flamboyant top.
Short Legs:Try a One-Piece with high legs. Take a look in the three-way mirror and see what this does for you. If you want a Two-Piece try a higher leg bikini bottom.
Hour-Glass figure:Something with a belt or band across the smallest part of your waist will accentuate this asset.
Full Bodied Curvy Figures:
Suits with bold prints or a darker solid color may be best for your figure. This puts the focus on the entire suit, not just one part.
For all suits’ notice where your eyes are drawn when you look at the suit. Is that were you want eyes to go when it’s on you?
For water-aerobics or frequent activities in a chlorinated pool.
We recommend polyester or a special lycra for a longer lasting suit.
Fabrics
Ask about the fabric. Some hold up better in chlorine and some provide more stretch. There are a number of new fabric and fabric mixes this year.
ColorRemember if you want a body part to look larger, try lighter colors or patterns, if you want it to look smaller, try darker colors and solids.
Wraps
Wraps are very feminine and come in many sizes and types and can be worn in many different ways. There are very nice comfortable modest wraps that cover and flatter. There are very sexy wraps and wrap sets that add that extra flair. Try both pant and skirt wraps (long or short). Wraps are comfortable and multi-purposed. Many of the wraps that we carry accentuate your figure just like the suits mentioned above. They also change in size as you do and are an excellent accessory for maternity.
No matter what your shape or size. Come on in, we’ll help you enjoy the beach, pool, or boat.
Caring for your Swimsuit Before Wearing: We have yet to find an absolutely guaranteed fade-resistant fabric when exposed to chlorine, saltwater, lotions and sun. To help set the color in the fabric, rinse your swimsuit in a mixture of two teaspoons of white vinegar and one quart of cold water.Normal Care:Hand wash suits after every wearing. Use cool water and a mild detergent, hang to dry, do not wring or put in a towel or a plastic bag DO NOT DRY IN DRYER. Do not dry in direct sunlight.
Remember that some swimsuits are mostly for looking great, some are for swimming, and some are for both. Make sure you purchase the right suit for the right activity.
Ujena Wild Stripes Crochet
