Women's Swimsuits Buying Guide
First things first--you don't have to have Pamela Anderson's figure to look smashing in a swimsuit. Drill that into your head, and shopping for beachwear will be a much more enjoyable process. Buying a bathing suit doesn't have to hurt, as long as you know what you're looking for: a maillot 
, a bikini , or perhaps a maternity suit . Read on for fashion advice on buying the most flattering suit, and relax! This is supposed to be fun....
Buying Online
Everyone has their qualms about bathing suit shopping, but that doesn't have to be the focus. Many women will feel anxiety or stress when trying on suits in the store, so online shopping can be a great alternative for self-conscious shoppers and those who find trying on clothes to simply be too tedious. Using the internet allows you a calm, well-lit environment as you make your decision, and it eliminates the discomfort of shopping for the right suit in public. However, if you choose to do your shopping from home, you'll need to keep a few things in mind:
- There is no substitute for trying on. Finding the right size and most flattering cut will take you less than an hour at a store, but it could take months of online returns and exchanges. If you want an easy and efficient online experience, you should find out your size and shape before surfing the web.
- Unfortunately, there is little wiggle room when it comes to swimsuit sizes. If it doesn't fit, you'll likely have to send it back. Make sure your e-tailer has a user-friendly return policy!
- If you aren't sure about your size, buy bigger rather than smaller. People tend to keep clothing that is too small or unflattering with the hope that it will eventually fit. If you end up with a size too big, you're much more likely to exchange it for something better.
- Check your e-tailer's shipping time. If you wait until June to buy that bikini but it doesn't arrive until late July, you won't getting enough bang for your buck!
- The nice thing about shopping online is that even if it's not summer, you can always find a great bathing suit. So enjoy it!
Good Ideas for Most Bodies
- Not sure how to flatter your frame? Go to our Figure-Flattering Clothes for Women guide.
- Tankinis give full coverage and are more versatile than a one-piece suit. They also allow some sun to see your belly.
- You can mix and match top and bottom styles and colors for maximum style and strategic flattery.
- Many companies will allow you to buy the tops and bottoms in different sizes, thus allowing for a perfect, custom fit.
- Skirtinis , a cute skirt attached to the bottom of a tankini, are becoming more mainstream. When done properly these can be flirty and flattering--no longer the ocean-side version of the muumuu.
- Halter tops flatter all chest sizes and give a surprising amount of support and retro style.
- Sweetheart necklines are flirtatious and flattering for all degrees of cleavage.
- If you spend any time out of the water, a sarong is a great accessory. Tie on a summery skirt and you'll be able to grab lunch without feeling naked.
Trendy Suit Styles
Slim Your Waist
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- A suit that is gathered on the sides gives your sides some nice definition and hides problem areas.
- Make sure the suit is tight enough to streamline your figure but not so tight that you bulge out of it.
- Mesh or crocheted trim on the sides helps to bring the eye to the center of the body.
- Some bathing suits have reinforced tummy panels that help create a slimmer look.
- Suits with a small belt or sash will create the impression of a smaller waist.
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Enhance Your Chest
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- Suits with supportive cups, perhaps with underwire , will make your chest appear larger.
- Attention-getting details and cuts also help emphasize any size.
- Bold patterns and horizontal stripes make everything look bigger, your bust included.
- Triangle and tube tops are made for smaller chested women.
- Sweetheart necklines (with a square and a v-type dip in the center) and halter tops are very flattering.
- Padding will also help you stand out more.
- With mix-and-match suits, opt for a lighter color on top and darker on the bottom.
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Minimize Your Chest
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- A horizontal stripe well below your bustline will draw eyes down there, so your chest will not be the focal point.
- High necks and square necklines draw eyes up and away.
- Try to bring the emphasis somewhere else.
- Support is key. A hidden underwire, or at least a shelf bra, keeps you from sagging.
- Stick to darker colors and skip the string bikinis.
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Slim (or Boost) Your Hips and Rear
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- Bright, patterned tops and dark, simple bottoms will draw the eye up and thereby minimize the appearance of your bottom half.
- A full-coverage bottom will help support and streamline you.
- Avoid hip-height details; they draw the eye down.
- A short sarong or skirted suit will do wonders to turn your perceived problems into womanly curves.
- Buy a suit that fits. A suit that is too small will only make your hips and buttocks look larger.
- Note: If you're actually trying to show that booty off, think about getting "scrunch butt" bottoms
- Here are some suggestions:
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Short Torso
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You don't want your bathing suit to bunch up and sag when it gets wet. To avoid this: - Try a two piece: A bikini or tankini splits the body and makes it appear longer.
- Avoid horizontal stripes; they shorten and widen the body.
- Vertical lines (think pinstripes) will always make you look taller.
- Avoid detailing at the midsection. This will draw attention to a shorter torso and even make it look broader.
- If you choose a one piece, make sure it isn't cut too high by your thighs. This will make your legs look longer, but will effectively shorten the torso.
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Long Torso
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- If you have a lot of trouble finding something that fits, try an extra-long bathing suit , They aren't as common, but they can really make a difference!
- A two-piece suit is okay as long as it is a tankini or bikini cut (not low rise). Low rise suits will expose more stomach and make you look even longer.
- You can also shorten a long torso with a monokini with cut-outs.
- Horizontal stripes shorten the body, but also widen it. If you have a wider midsection, avoid this pattern. If you are long and lean, this is a really good option.
- You know how a turtleneck makes a person's neck look long? Same goes for a bathing suit. If your suit has a high neck or tall front, these will both emphasize and increase the length of your upper body.
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Lengthening Legs
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- A high-cut thigh will make your legs appear longer, but be careful! A bikini with this design can be risque, but a high-cut one-piece looks classic and retro.
- Boy shorts and board shorts will make short legs look stubby.
- A high cut suit with a sheer skirt on top will lengthen your legs and draw attention, but will disguise an imperfect rear at the same time .
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Dreaded Bulges
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- Regardless of the labeled size, if the suit's fabric and cut squeezes you in such a way that you pour out of it in awkward places, you're going to have to look elsewhere.
- When you're in the suit, get a 360º view and make sure you're not being gripped uncomfortably or bulging at the edges. See the picture at left for an example of well-fitting suit.
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Athletic Suits
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- When you're using your suit to really swim, you want to focus on comfort and durability.
- Brand name suits like Speedo ,Jantzen and Tyr are popular because they are of very high quality.
- Don't want to spend top dollar? Buy last season's style.
- If you're swimming in a pool, make sure your suit has been treated for chlorine resistance. Hand wash your suit in fresh water after each swim.
- Make sure you can move without any bunching, pulling or stretching. The suit should lie flat and stay in place through all your motions.
- Make sure you're adequately covered in the rear and chest.
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Swimsuit Care
After you've found the perfect swimsuit for your size and shape, by all means take good care of it and make sure it lasts.
- Rinse with cold water immediately after each use.
- Air dry out of direct sunlight.
- Don't machine wash or use a dryer.
Accessorizing the Swimsuit
So strutting around in just a swimsuit is great, but what about making it look like an actual outfit? Look below for some classic accessory ideas:
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Tanks or Tunics Your day consists of sunbathing by the pool or beach, lunching, and more sunbathing. What do you do about that food break? You're not too interested in showing up in your skimpy swimsuit to the classy clubhouse, yet those sandwiches and iced tea look really good. Try slipping something easy and light: |
Beach Totes Having sand, water, or chlorine ruin your favorite leather purse is not one of your plans no matter how much you'll be laying out this summer. Get yourself a beach tote. It'll be your new, favorite summer bag! |
Espadrilles
Enough with the flip-flops ! You want something that will attract attention to your legs, but while stilettos aren't exactly appropriate, heels would do the trick. Your answer? Espadrilles, the Spanish straw-heeled shoes. Check them out for yourself: |
Sun Hat and Large Sunglasses Want to look like the classic beach babe? Get yourself a large-rimmed sun hat and some huge framed sunglasses. So mysterious, you'll be the talk of the (beach)town. |
Related Guides
International Resources
For this resource in your home country, please see:
DE: Bademode
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