Buying Swimwear

As we might be able to actually travel to some hotter climes and enjoy some good weather thoughts turn to swimwear. Finding the right shapes and styles in swimwear is not always easy and I can’t say I enjoy finding it for myself but there are a few good principles to bear in mind. We all want to feel confident. Great colour – choose a wow colour on you. There’s nothing more confidence inspiring knowing you’ve got the right colour on so make it one of your best. Try it on at home – trying swimwear on in a shop can be thoroughly dispiriting, you’re not fully prepped when you look at yourself in the mirror, nor are you in the holiday you’re aiming for! Try at least two sizes in the same style as it can make a difference to coverage and comfort. Also move around a lot in it when you’re trying it on. Does it move with you or expose areas you’d rather not have on view? Clearly you need to be prepared to send/take them back. Scale of pattern – When you’re looking at pattern be aware of the size and scale of it on you. Does it look too overwhelming or too small? Your style session notes if you’ve had a style consultation will help. Shape – look at the shape of the swimsuit, bikini etc. Is it more of a straight cut or does it have curves? You need one that reflects your shape too. Bikini, halter crop, tankini, etc. – there’s a lot to choose from. First consider are you lounging or actually swimming. If you’re in the sun a lot consider a rash vest for sun protection. If you’re wearing a cropped item, is it cropped in the right place? Do you look foreshortened in it? High waisted bikini bottoms are a big trend currently but can be too high for some body shapes.

Trends – trends to look out for:

Cut out – depending on your clothing personality elements where there is a piece cut out are definitely having moment. Angular body shapes and dramatic clothing personalities will feel most at home here. Be aware of where the cutout will sit on you and whether that will flatter your proportions, and cope with movement! A high leg cut is key to this trend and can be very flattering! Ruffles – wonderful in larger scale on curvaceous figure and in smaller scale for those who need delicate prettiness. Print – tropical prints and bold abstract designs are very much in evidence in swimwear, lovely on Dramatics and Naturals. Consider where the designs sit on your body when the swimwear piece is on – will that be flattering given your proportions. You won’t want a large line or end point highlighting your widest point. Texture – can be a forgiving element and there are quite a few options from M&S to Free People that have a texture to the fabric. Ruching and fabric twists are a mainstay here. It’s a very on trend element currently too. Micro-glitter – from sheen to a more eye catching element there is definitely a sprinkling of glitter and gleam to swimwear. If it feels good and you feel good in it wear it and wear it with pride!

Article by Jennie Billings – House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look – find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-a-stylist