StaffChin up, ladies! You’re not the only bashful babes on the beach. As I discovered, a girl doesn’t need to be a size 2 to look smoking hot in a swimsuit. Stick to the seven rules below and you’ll be soaking in sunshine in no time. Go forth, shop, and good luck!
1. Give yourself lots of time to shop, and try on lots of suits
First and foremost, just like each woman’s unique shape and size, there is no one-size-fits-all for swimsuit tips. Even tips for women of every size may not suit women of every size. The best way to gauge if a swimsuit style suits you is if you actually try it on. We know, it’s annoying. That’s why you’d rather be reading this article. Yes, we can help, but not unless you help yourself too!
Pro tip: If you the swimsuit looks great on you despite unflattering change room lighting, the suit’s a keeper. If you find yourself in front of a mirror that makes you look 2 sizes smaller, check that the merchandise has a return policy…
2. Find your perfect fit (and cut the tag!)
No one looks good in a size too small or too big, that’s why crucial to find one that hugs you just right. It can be tricky because your swimsuit size may be different from your clothing size. So if you normally wear a size 8, don’t rule out the size 6’s and 10’s just yet. Two-piece suits are excellent because you can buy the pieces separately – allowing you to find the perfect fit on top and bottom.
Pro tip: If seeing a higher number on the tag bothers you, cut the tag (I do!).
Pro tip: Avoid excess fabrics like ruffles and skirts. Although they cover up, they also add shape to where you may not want or need it.
3. Should you color block?
It seems to be common fashion magazine knowledge that color blocking (highlighting areas we like with bright colors, and downplaying less flattering zones with dark ones) is a woman’s best friend. Some designers do an excellent job of manufacturing suits according to this theory. Our advice: let your eyes be the judge.
Pro tip: You can incorporate color blocking in subtler ways, such as in the photo on the left.
4. Say yes to the French cut
The French cut leg may not be as trendy as the Brazilian low rise or the super-sporty boy brief bottoms, but a classic high cut leg flatters all. You may love it so much, you’ll take to rolling the legs above your hip bone!
5. Don’t forget to trim your bikini zone
Most of us shave our legs and underarms, and lots of women are already members of the Brazilian bikini wax club. For those who aren’t, remember to trim an inch more than the fabric covers. This might seem like an obvious one, but apparently it’s not obvious to a lot of women I’ve seen (but hey, to each their own).
6. Seek support
Built-in bras are not only practical, they’re added insurance against see-through tops and they keep the girls looking lovely. No, not the cone-shaped bras of our grandmothers’ generation.
This year in particular, we’ve seen an abundance of sporty swimsuits with built-in bras. Find one and try it on; you won’t regret it.
7. Prints?
Big and busy prints are generally recommended for smaller framed women to give the illusion of a fuller top and bottom. However, some prints (even the big ones) can be very flattering even on fuller figured women. A lot depends on where the print is placed on your suit. Sometimes prints guide the eye in such a way that you prefer yourself in the them to anything else. When this happens, it’s a beautiful thing.
Pro tip: Prints that guide the eyes to the center of the body create an hourglass effect, which is flattering for most women!