Find The Perfect Bathing Suit For Your Body-Type

“Shall we have a drink before we do this?”

Before your mind goes to where I know it’s going, the previous question is something I jokingly ask all of my clients (Although some quickly say Yes!:) when we are about to start trying on…bathing suits.

Finding a perfect pair of jeans that enhances ones thighs and derrière has it’s challenging moments, but most would rather go to the dentist than get naked, try on bathing suits, and stare at themselves from every angle, in the department store mirror under the I-can-see-every-bump-and-dimple florescent lights. All of this anxiety and we haven’t even worn the darn thing out in public yet. Am I right?

I know I am because I feel the same way.

Let me guess…you haven’t bought a bathing suit in years? You’ve been avoiding the thought that you might just need to upgrade from your worn and faded fave, where the elastic has lost its elasticity, to something a bit more, uh…let’s say “vibrant and resilient” – Hello!…I’m talking about purchasing a new bathing suit!

Up until last year, I was right there with you.

I mean, as much as I love the warm weather (My friends call me a heat seeking missile!) the times I do don a bathing suit are pretty rare. However, my faded fave badly needed to be replaced so off I went in search of the perfect two-piece.

I ended up buying two(!) last year and I can tell you, I found more excuses that summer to put on my suit and relax and play than I had for years before!

So…if you’re like me, and you work much harder than you play, it’s time to get a new suit and catch up on your play time. I know you’re dreading the thought of having to try on a ton of suits before you find “the one,” but like finding your ideal mate, sifting through the losers to get to the gem, is so worth it.

If you can’t do it for yourself then do it for your health. Your doctor, your family, your friends, and even your dog will love you more for it. 🙂

Here’s my top 3 tips for the 4 different Body-Types, to help you find the right bathing suit for your Body-Type:

Hourglass: Your shoulders and hips are the same measurement and you have a defined waist.

This Body-Type is balanced; keep the details of your bathing suit balanced too.

1. Highlight your curves while providing enough support and coverage.
2. Details at the waist: Side gathers or ruching, inset waistbands, belts, high-waisted bottoms

Triangle: Your shoulders, which are much smaller than your hips, tend to slope, and your bust is visually smaller compared to your hips. You have a defined waist.

1. Wide shoulder straps or bandeau tops to create a widening horizontal line.
2. Clean-lined bottoms with full coverage.
3. Keep the details on the top: Ruffles, plunging V’s, cut-outs, horizontal stripes, or off the shoulder.

Rectangle: Your shoulders and hips are the same measurement. Your waist is undefined. You carry your weight mostly in your middle.

1. Keep upper and lower details of garments balanced.
2. Create curves and camouflage tummy with shirring, gathers and ruching, inset waistbands, high-waisted bottoms, longer tankini tops.
3. Asymmetry slims the waistline. Try asymmetrical stripes, one shoulder looks, or surplus wrap one-piece suits.

Inverted Triangle: Your shoulders are square and broader than your hips which are typically straight and your thighs are thin. You have a large rib cage and/or full bust.

1. Narrow straps, halter or “X” style tops are best, with full coverage.
2. The smaller the swimsuit bottom, the fuller and curvier the derrière appears.
3. Or add interesting details to the bottom to create width: Wide side-ties, ruffled or flounced bottoms, or wide stripes create a widening horizontal line to balance shoulders.

If you aren’t sure what Body-Type you are, take my Body-Type Quiz and discover the power of knowing your Body-Type!

Then, take my tips, and go shopping! Yes, buy yourself that new suit, then suit yourself up and go relax or play! You have my permission. :

*****

Now, it’s your turn. I’d love to hear from you.  Your insights and inspiration are appreciated so please share your stories in the comments below.

If you have a question also post it in the comment section below.  I check it daily.  Since the topic is always about fashion or style no question that you ask will be “off Topic.”

That means as far as I’m concerned, when you ask a question that is the topic.  Everyone else who’s reading it can follow up on my answer.  There will be no questions that you ask that will be too far off topic because your question will be the current topic.  So…ask away!

Oh…and your email address is not “required” even though it says so. 🙂 Don’t even ask.