Swimwear for Every Sunseeker

By Mindy Shoemaker

Ahhh, sweet summer, it’s finally here. Three precious months that seem to take forever to get here but fly by so quickly! As many citizens of this Great Lakes state, we try to jam as much as we can into these oh so short months. Camping, boating, swimming, or maybe some backyard sunbathing. This article is going to be all about BS……Yes, of course, I mean the dreaded bathing suit!

I will be talking all things swimsuits, addressing specific body shapes but also some helpful tips for specific areas of challenge so you know what type of swimsuit to look for that is comfortable and looks great on you.

The 1st shape we are going to discuss is the Hourglass or X in the body shape system I work with. Your shoulders and hips are the same width with a significantly smaller waist and, if you gain weight, typically it’s distributed all over. The choices are many for this shape whether it's a bikini, tankini, or one piece. High or low waist bottoms, halter, strapless, basic tops, the majority of swimsuits will look great on you so show it off!

The 2nd shape I will address is the Pear or d shape. Your lower half is wider than your top and you typically gain weight in your behind, hips, and thighs. Swim dresses with an A-line shape and longer boy shorts are great for your body type. You will want to draw attention to your upper body by choosing V-neck or plunging necklines.

The 3rd shape we will discuss is the Apple or O shape. You usually will gain weight in your upper stomach and chest area so longer length tankinis or flowy tops that don’t hug your midsection are ideal shapes. Crossover, shirred, and patterns across the stomach area are a great way to fool the eye also. This body shape usually has great legs so show them off with bottoms of your choosing.

The last shape we are going to talk about is the Rectangle or b body shape. You typically will gain weight in the stomach so busy prints and ruffles on your top half bring the eye up and away from your challenge area. A loose fitting tankini that goes past the largest part of your stomach, diagonal stripes and slimming panels will keep your tummy area looking trim. Bikinis are also a great option for this body type as these can create the illusion of a waist.

Sometimes you just want to focus on a specific challenge area. I will give you a few tips and tricks for dealing with those next.

Small bust - Patterns can distract but also maximize this area and you can also use details such as ruffles, clips, and off the shoulder tops to make your bust appear larger.

PRO TIP: Don’t go with a strapless upper half, that will only make your chest look smaller.

Full bust - You can also use a pattern to distract the eye to make a large bust appear smaller. The most important detail you need to focus on is good support! Wider straps and underwire will help hold your bust up and in place. Well worth the price for a well-made suit.

PRO TIP: Avoid halter straps as they do not give enough support and you will just end up with odd sunburn lines and a really sore neck!

Long torso/legs - If you want to create the illusion of a shorter torso or legs, wear low-cut not high-cut bottoms.

PRO TIP: A low cut or V-neck top will also help give the illusion of a shorter torso.

Short torso/legs - To elongate your shape, wearing vertical stripes and high-cut bottoms will add length to your body.

PRO TIP: Halter tops will help visually lengthen your torso and a sweetheart or V-shaped neckline will draw attention to your upper half and away from your shorter legs.

Hips & thighs - Swim dresses are great camouflage; you’ll want one that falls away from your body but not with pleats. Wide straps with a pattern or horizontal stripes on top will help create a more balanced shape if you are narrower on top.

PRO TIP: Choose a darker, solid bottom. A halter style top will just make your bottom half appear larger so steer away from those.

Heavy arms - Short or long sleeve swim tops or rash guards are a great option. You can also distract the eye with a center design on your suit which will bring attention down to that area. A halter style will draw attention to the center of your body and away from your arms.

PRO TIP: A darker top and a pattern on your lower suit will help draw the eyes away from your arms.

No waist, straight or narrow body shape - Center designs, crisscross details or even ruching across the middle of your swimsuit can give the illusion of curves. Swim shorts, skirts, and high-cut bottoms will also create the same.

PRO TIP: ‘50s style suits are great for a straighter body shape as they visually create curves.

If all else fails who cares, get in the pool and enjoy life!

We are all beautiful in our own special ways.

Life is just too short, go and buy yourself that bikini!!