April 2012 Savvy News

Swim suit shopping can be fun!  

Athleta

Miraclesuit

So many women dread the trip to shop for a swim suit.  Don’t let this be you…I can help!  Every spring I help women shop for the perfect bathing suit and it can actually be fun.  There are so many suits out there it’s just finding the best one for you and your body.   

There are some great companies that make really cute swimwear for all different body shapes.  One is Athleta.  It is a women’s active wear company and they have a good selection of bathing suits that are both cute and practical.  Although they only have 11 stores in the U.S. they have a great catalog and online business.  Title Nine also has a nice selection of swimwear.  If you are a person who wants to go into a store and try on, as opposed to ordering online, I think the store that has the best overall selection of suits is Macy’s.   

Here are a few pointers when trying on a suit if you are shopping alone.   

1.  If you have a tummy or are plus size you might want to try on The Miraclesuit.  This company is known for making suits that will make you look 10 lbs. slimmer in an instant!  It actually works pretty well.  Over the last few years they have actually come out with some really cute and trendy little suits.   You can also look for suits that use detailing or color to create the illusion of a small waist and a flatter tummy.   

2.  If you don’t like the idea of a two piece because of your body shape but feel a little fuddy duddy in a one piece then try a tankini.  This is a great in-between option because ladies let’s be real….not many of us should be wearing a bikini!  They just don’t look good with any lumps, bumps or rolls showing.  Try a tankini instead–it can still be fun but a little more flattering for most.   

3.  Shopping for swimwear can be a challenge if you have either a large chest or a small chest.  There is nothing worse than popping out of your suit (trust me I know!!!) when taking a dive or having your suit slide around because you don’t have enough to fill it out!  If you have a large chest I recommend finding a suit that has underwire.  This will not only give you support but it will also give you a little lift.  Aim for halter tops or suits with thicker straps.  Try and avoid thin straps as they will make your upper half appear larger.  If you are smaller, thinner straps will be better.  Try and find a suit that has detailing, a pattern, or ruffles.  This will give you added volume.  I would also recommend a suit with a little padding in the cup that molds around your breast.  This will help keep everything in place.   

4.  For those of you who feel you have a challenge in your legs, tooshie, hips or thighs avoid a hemline bisecting through the area that isn’t your best.  Chances are you will not look your best in boy shorts or low cut bottoms.   In my opinion, most people who have lower half challenges will look best in a full scoop bottom.  The key here is to draw attention away from that area.  A suit with some interesting detailing on top will draw the eye away from the problem area.   

I hope these tips help.  Remember, color can play a lot into how a suit looks on you too.  Dark colors recede, meaning they hide or make things look smaller, and light colors advance, meaning they show and make things look bigger.  Don’t stress and struggle with your swim suit purchase…book an appointment with me and let me help you find your best suit!