How To Choose A Swimsuit & Look & Feel Fabulous

As featured on North Shore Mums website 2014

It’s that time of year again. You pull out your swimmers from last season and realise they are so faded and stretched, that there is no way you can wear them!

You are in desperate need of a new pair. The fright of realisation then comes over you – you need to go swimwear shopping! Ahhh, those change rooms with the unflattering lights and hideous mirrors. It can be really an unpleasant experience.

The key to finding the perfect swimsuit without the pain and suffering of trying on millions of styles, is one thing and one thing only… know your bodyshape.

There are five main bodyshapes and I don’t usually like to pigeon hole as most people fall between a few different shapes but you can use these as your key..

1. Broad & Sexy (AKA ‘inverted triangle’)

This is for the broads with smaller waist and hips compared to their shoulders.

Flattering Styles:

Two pieces with slightly low-cut necklines and/or wide set straps that even out your shoulders are flattering.
Avoid tiny bottoms and find styles with designs that accent the lower body e.g low rise or bootcut bottoms
Look for swimsuits with bust support
Play up your figure by pairing a solid colour top with a printed bottom to visually even out your body.

SEAFOLLY GODDESS BUSTIER, $119.95

2. Apple Delicious (AKA ‘Apple’)

This is the apple delicious babe with a rounded tummy and big bust with slim hips, a great bum and lovely legs.

Flattering Styles:

Go for styles that show off your bust, halter necks with a V neckline work well.
If choosing a one-piece, go for styles that have an empire line under your bust. Don’t be afraid to show it off!
Don’t be afraid to use colour. Vibrant patterns will gloss over problem areas and strong block colours will accentuate your best bits.

3. Sexy Curves (AKA ‘hourglass’)

This is characterised by a curvy bust and hips with a slimmer waist.

Flattering Styles:

Curvy girls really don’t have many limits when choosing bikinis you can go for anything that really takes your fancy… lucky you!
If choosing a one piece, choose one with emphasis to the narrowest point of your waist.
Avoid mixing and matching tops and bottoms, keep styles in proportion with matching top and bottoms.

Tigerlily Bikini, $199.95

4. Athletic (AKA ‘rectangle’)

This is a lean athletic bodyshape with a straight up and down, sporty figure.

Flattering Styles:

Styles with feminine ruffles/frills will work great.
Avoid mixing and matching tops and bottoms, keep styles in proportion with matching top and bottoms.

SEAFOLLY SHIMMER MINI TUBE & HIPSTER PANT WITH FRILL

5. Bootylicious Babe

The bootylicious babe is the pear bodyshape that has a classic feminine silhouette, with hips, thighs or bum that are bigger than the top half.

Flattering Styles:

Draw attention to your top half with ruching detail.
If buying bikini separates, keep the bottoms in one solid colour and have fun with patterns and colour on the top.