Suits That Suit You
Posted By: J.M.B | June 13, 2010 | 2 comments
Bathing suits are a big deal, especially for women. If you’re like me, almost constantly in a suit for three months, then you know how important it is to pick “the one.” You may have two or three used in rotation, but they should all be of equal caliber. The colors should be the most complimentary to your skin tone, it should be one you won’t see four other people in at the beach, and it should FIT YOU. People often make the mistake of thinking that because it looks good on the hanger, that it will look good on them. Many then realize in the dressing room that they are completely delusional, which can then make bathing suit shopping an unnecessarily stressful ordeal.
In order to ensure the right buy and simplify your suit-searching experience, you must first identify your body type, and determine from there what you should be looking for.
SMALL FRAME/LESS CURVY
Best Style Fit: Polka dots, ruffles and patterns with a larger design will exaggerate any area. Plus, these designs are so trendy right now. Also, horizontal stripes always create the illusion of width where you need it.
Halter straps (around the neck) will also subtly give the appearance of a larger chest. For a two piece with a strapless top, the wider the top, the better. Go for bottom pieces with bows, rings or ruffles on the side to make your hips look wider.
MEDIUM FRAME/CURVY
Best Style Fit: You guys can do pretty much anything you want and we’re all jealous of you, but I won’t leave you out… A halter-strapped top for a two piece suit will allow you to adjust cleavage according to comfort. To accentuate hips, the bottom half of the suit should rise just above the hip bone on the side. High in the thigh will also make shorter legs look longer.
When choosing a one piece, consider suits cut on the sides of your waist to flaunt your curves. This style is also very “in” right now.
LARGE FRAME/PLUS-SIZE
Best Style Fit: Darker colors are always slimming, and you should avoid horizontal patterns like the plague. Also stay away from bows, ruffles, or any extra, unnecessary cloth.
For a two piece, tank-ini’s are often the way to go. It’s still a two piece, yet covers any part you may feel is unflattering. To the contrary of popular belief, it can sometimes be better for a larger woman to show a little skin when giving the illusion of a svelter shape.
When looking for a one-piece, search out suits with a deeper V neck to make your body look longer instead of wider.
TOP HEAVY
Best Style Fit: Aim for suits with under-wire, as it is always important to support your larger breasts in order to avoid a saggy-look and/or poor posture. If you ask me, solid colors are the way to go, and the most flattering fit for large-chested women is a top with halter straps. The larger the bottom of the suit (one-piece or two), the better. Boy short bottoms are definitely still hot this year! Also, choosing ruffles around your hips will make them look bigger and even things out a bit. Remember, proportion is beauty.
BOTTOM HEAVY
Best Style Fit: This is where I would categorize myself. (I am NOT saying I look like Kim Kardashian, but you get the idea.) It’s taken years of trial and error trying to find the most complimentary suit. I love two pieces, so it’s always been the bottoms that concern me. I’ve found that you should try vertical stripes to slim down hips, and aim for two-piece bottoms that tie on the side for adjustment. You don’t want them to dig into your hips because you aren’t fat, you’re just big on the bottom. Try to draw attention to your top half by choosing tops that accentuate cleavage to help balance out your shape.
**Ok, so I know these are pictures of models, and most of us probably don’t look like them. But trust me, each of these models is wearing the best suit to fit her body shape, and we should, too. Happy swimming! 
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pharmacy technician June 28, 2010 at 7:19 am
Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!
nursing schools June 20, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!
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