Life & Style Blog
A brief lesson in swimwear
21 November 2011
I don't spend a great deal of time envying men; they die earlier, are prone to baldness, have reproductive organs with poor defence mechanisms… but when it comes to swimwear, I'm Kermit green. "What length of boardshort shall I wear?" they ponder, pulling on some overly branded, brightly coloured thing and heading toward the beach. Meanwhile, it's altogether more complex ordeal for the ladies, right down to when you even set foot in store in the first place (hot tip: do go in the morning before the post-lunch bloat sets in).
Naturally, you have to try to know whether you should buy - but have a look at what flatters your body shape as a starting point, it'll save a bit of heartache.
Quirky Circus Noosa Frill bikini, $69.95, All About Eve Betty set, $59.95, Miss Shop Spring Fling bikini, $59.95 (Images courtesy of Myer)
APPLES
- Take advantage of your slender legs - wear just about any shape on the bottom.
- Add volume to your chest with ruffles or structured cups.
- Consider a tankini or one piece to glide over your belly; contouring pleats or dark solid colours are a good idea if you're battling the midriff.
PEARS
- Brief shaped bottoms are key to flattering pears - triangular shapes across the butt will lead the eye down your leg instead of flat across.
- The glut of high waisted bikinis out and about are great for pears. Try a darker, flatter coloured bottom with a bright clashing printed top.
- Give a triangle or string bikini tops a try - these work best on small to medium chested ladies, so make the most of the crocheted, 70s styles on offer.
HOURGLASSES
- As ever, hourglasses should accentuate their waist. Super high waisted bikini bottoms or one-pieces that hug your middle are your best bet.
- Give your gals the support they need with padding, fixed straps and everything else you'd usually wear to create a nice bust line.
- Halter and sweetheart necklines do wonders for hourglass shapes - they draw the eye up to your face and flatter the bust. Avoid bandeau - it's a busty girl's worst enemy.
ATHLETIC
- All of those triangular string bikinis are going to look great on your lean bod, athletic types. You can wear boyleg bottoms if you feel the need for a bit more coverage, but make sure they're mid to low rise.
- Go all out with clashing crazy colour, there's heaps of it about and it'll add volume to your bust or butt if you require.
- Avoid solid colour or one piece swimsuits, they'll fall flat on you unless there's cut-out detail.
What do you think? Comment below
Tags: Fashion, Trends