Don’t wait ’til summer to buy your swimwear
It might seem like an odd topic to mull over when the temperature outside is dipping below zero degrees, but now really is the best time to be buying your summer swimwear. Although summer holidays may seem a long way off right now, like last minute dieting, leaving the purchase of your beachwear until the last moment often proves to be a painful and unrewarding experience.
Something I have discussed before is that retailers start to stock their spring/summer range as early as February or March, which means if you want to bag your perfect bikini, in your size, then you need to be quick off the mark. It’s common for the most appealing designs to sell out, so unless you want to rue the loss of your perfect two-piece you should start browsing ranges such as the bikinis at Debenhams now.
You may be planning to diet before your holiday in order to look and feel your best, but one thing that is unlikely to change is your overall body shape. I know many of us think we will diet to drop a size before our holidays, but really how many of us actually do. Yes a little weight loss may help you tone up and be more prepared to bare, but if you have an hourglass figure or pear shape you should still plan around your natural curves. Besides most swimwear is stretchy so even if your weight does fluctuate it isn’t likely to make much of a difference in the fit. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to who looks good in what, but generally if you are small-busted you are far more likely to be flattered by a bandeau bikini, while if you have an athletic shape you could try and make the most of your natural toned shape in a cut-out bikini. Big busted ladies can find themselves slightly more restricted in their choices and may find it best to avoid padded tops and anything with spaghetti straps that offers up minimal support.
If you are blessed with a naturally buxom bosom, you may want to opt for a retro styled bikini. The fifties look is big news in the bikini world for 2012, so look out for thick-strapped tops with matching big pants and pretty tropical flower prints. If you have an ample derriere, you will need to be careful about the cut of your bikini bottoms. Hot pants can look flattering and even extend the leg, but your bottom may end up looking very rounded unless the shorts are cut on a flattering diagonal. So as always try on a few styles and find what works for you.
(Marilyn Monroe, Getty images.)
I would absolutely second the ‘don’t automatically go for hot pants’ thing- for years, I followed the mags and wore them: they made my legs look shorter and my bum wider! I now choose a modestly cut regular bikini-style bottom- the angle fools the eye into thinking my legs go up longer and there is no harsh ‘cut off’ line.
Yes it really get’s me every time they are recommended for everyone with a bit of a bum and they can be so unflattering, they really don’t suit me at all. Some of them cut off you leg in such a bad place, much better to go for a high leg and a sarong for extra cover up.
I really need a new swimsuit, having lost a couple of stone recently I am really in need of replacing the swimwear !
But I’m disappointed at how many places seem to onlmy stock pretty two-pieces, not one piece suits whcih I can use for actually swimming in – I guess because they are seen more as holiday wear than to be functional.
I don’t want a horrid sport-shop swimsuit, but equally, I will never be brave enough to wear a bikini, no matter how pretty it may be !
I have seen lots of one pieces lately, I always go for a one piece myself just a basic black one which I brighten up with sarongs.
I’ve been putting off buying a new suit for years…these are all great tips though and I do love all the retro styles that are popping up everywhere these days so maybe I should lady-up and get this done!
Courtney ~ http://sartorialsidelines.com
I haven’t seen a beach for ages so mine are sat sadly in a draw, I adore the vintage style ones so that is what I would go for should anyone want to whisk me off to a sunny location!
This was so helpful! Thank you so much! I hate bathing suit shopping. I am so fair skinned and when I go to the beach my family often makes fun of it. I guess if I start now maybe I’ll find a suit that flatters my skin tone and my body…a hard thing to do
I am very pale too, which is funny as I go brown as a nut when I do sunbathe, however I really don’t like too these days and slap on high sunfactor. I personally stick to black and navy as I really like them with my skin tone and hair. I think red and dark greens look good on pale skin too.
Bandeau style for small busts i agree is perfect. This is my shape and love it! Purchasing early is a must! Last minute finds are impossible!
xoGem