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Margaret's Pages - Fashion Series

  ....Choosing Your Swimsuit ....
One of the most difficult summer tasks is swimsuit shopping. 

Knowing the style most flattering to your figure, will make your shopping choice much easier. Have some fun seeing what is the better  style for you.

The following,  may be of assistance for body shapes, plus-size, super-size, and maternity.

Remember this is a guide only, and the final choice is your own.
Page completed on 1 September 2001
Updated 7th Sept. 2004
Womens Pages Index
Your body may be a combination of some of these body types, so use your imagination to seek the right style - a bit of this one, a bit of that one, maybe a combination of many.
Do you have big hips?  A high neck will make the body look leaner and longer.  All over colour will help minimise curves.  Having a dark colour on the bottom half detracts the eye from the hip area.
It is best to avoid low cut and boy shorts as they will emphasise the hip/thigh area.
Do you have a big Tummy?  Look for suits with slimming fabric in the torso to smooth midriff area. Your choice needs to draw attention from the tummy using patterns or colour. Halter tops or straps that can be removed are good and high-waisted bikini bottoms.
Darker shades trick the eye into thinking the area is smaller.  Bare shoulders can take the focus away, and up to the face.
Is your shape considered a boy shape, or straight up and down? You need to create the illusion of curves with styles the encourage some shape.  High-cut legs, moulded bras, side cut-outs, piping near the waist will help.  Thin horizontal stripes give curves and some decoration on the bustline will make it appear larger and the waist area smaller. A suit with diagonal stripes or a surplice-wrap is good to define the waistline.
Small bust or narrow shoulders?  Choose a suit with padded bra to give you a bust boost, and look for sweetheart necklines, skinny straps and some detailing over the bustline, like a front tie, or some ruching.  This gives a plunging cleavage illusion.
Avoid empire waist styles as they make the bust look smaller.
Do you have a big bust or wide shoulders? Look for a maillot or bikini with a built-in bra. Get support and comfort from either an under-wire or moulded cup style. Keep the look balanced with a fuller bottom perhaps boy short style bikini bottoms.  A wide square neck will help narrow the shoulder area. Choose a suit with plenty of coverage.  Wide straps help with comfort.
The long body? Your one-piece suit needs some horizontal stripes below the bust or at waist area to make body appear shorter.
Look for styles that can cut the body in half - block-coloured  full-suits or tankinis and crop tops with high-waisted bottoms will help.
Of course, if you have an hourglass figure - one with balanced shoulders and hips, and a definite waist, then a two-piece will highlight the waist line while all-over prints keep the eye moving.
Are you a Plus-Size?  Look for front hip or thigh sling draping. Minimise fullness with flattering coverage of thighs with a skirted one-piece.  Draw the eye up with detail.  Face-framing necklines will draw attention up past the thighs and tummy to the face.
Are you extra-largeYour figure can be flattered by wearing a  one piece blouson style with a moderate leg brief.  Many classic full-piece suits come in very large sizes and look smart with a sarong skirt.
Look for face-framing necklines - maybe a sweetheart shape and fabric that is shirred or gently gathered will be flattering.
Maternity.

A style with a mesh overlay, and soft-cup bra would be comfortable, along with double straps and a criss-cross back.

An empire waist swimdress with separate pant is good for comfort.  Look for a high back and soft semi-moulded bra cup.
Floral print tank with a "tulip" flap to conceal
the tummy area could be a good choice.  This style has a criss-cross back and soft bra cup


For those who like water aerobics, look to a spandex ribbed tank suit.
Something with a high clasp back and a shelf bra, for comfort.
The best way to find the style just for you is to try various suits on in a swimwear store, and look from all angles in various mirrors.

Then go enjoy the beach or the pool!
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