Tuesday, April 17, 2007

2007 Swimwear Do’s and Don’ts for Bikini Island







Once you’ve waxed yourself all clean and shiny, you’re probably anxious to hop into that new suit you bought in February and head for the beach (if you’re not in Michigan!). The rest of us still need to shop for a new swimwear wardrobe for the summer. If you’re lucky every swimsuit or bikini you put on will look fabulous on you and swimwear shopping will be fun. The rest of us aren’t that lucky and need a little more spandex here and there to hold it in and for us and shopping is less fun and more challenge. But however great the challenge, there is a suit out there that will make almost every body type look great at the beach.

For the swimwear illiterate, here is an update to your swimwear vocabulary:





Maillot -- One-piece suit (some creative types have even labeled a cut-out style the "monokini"). This year maillots are cut out, one-shouldered and halter-necked.

















Tankini -- A variation of the bikini, this sporty style has a longer top that leaves only a small portion of the tummy exposed. Don't want to expose your tummy at all? Go for the mock tankini.









Bandini -- A bikini with a bandeau top; ie, a straight, wide horizontal band of cloth worn covering the breasts.








Camikini -- Same as the tankini except the top looks like a camisole.










Boy shorts -- These resemble really short shorts. Careful here -- tends to make the leg look shorter-- but still a favorite style.

Although it’s not easy for some of us to find the perfect suit, it’s not impossible. There are a few general rules to keep in mind when shopping for swimwear:
Buy one to two dress sizes larger than you wear.
Finger Test – put your finger under the shoulder strap and lift, if there is less than 1” space between your shoulder and finger, go up a size. Obviously the reverse is true if there is more than 1” space.
Wide straps or a bandeau-style top minimizes the appearance of a larger bust.
IBTC (Itty-Bitty Titty Committee members) go for a triangle-cut cup or a cup with details that draw attention to the breast. The detail adds the illusion of volume.
The most important factor to consider is the fit of the bottoms and the cut of the leg. If you have a short torso, go for a low rise bottom. This will give the illusion of a longer torso. A woman with a long torso should go for bottoms that hit higher than the hipbone. Low rise on a long torso give a Gumby-like appearance.
If you are heavier than you’d like to be all over, trying a minimizing suit will be a good choice for you. Wearing too tight suits to corral and control bulges will only accentuate them. Wear the proper size suit with 15-20% Lycra or spandex and have adjustable neck and back straps.
If you're not sure of your size, get measured. Also, take a trusted friend shopping with you. They won't lie and tell you that your butt looks small in the white bikini bottoms. See more swimwear at http://www.swimwearboutique.com/shopping/product.asp?cat=Separates&dept=Swimwear&pg=64

As I mentioned in my Retro Rewind post, retro is in and it goes beyond makeup. Halter tops, sweetheart necklines and belts are in in 2007 swimwear.
Now, there are some definite don’ts and while I won’t elaborate with words, the pictures will say more than enough. In general, I find it troubling to make fun of people. However, we all have mirrors in our homes, or the home of a friend or relative. If ANYONE lets you make it to the beach like any of the below Definite Don’ts they are NOT your friend and probably likes you well enough to push you under a bus.



2 comments:

Anonymous said...

love those swimsuits

Unknown said...

Try Plush Swimwear Great swimsuits and free shipping within the U.S.