Buying swimwear can be a challenge. There are very few women of any age who bounce happily into a changing room with an armful of swimwear! So, given we are far too critical of ourselves and our reflections, how do you choose swimwear you feel comfortable in?
Choose swimwear to flatter your shape, and remember everyone else is far too preoccupied with worrying about how they look in their togs to be judging you! Instead, focus on how tremendous the water, sun and sand feels and relish the summer experience. If you feel comfortable, it will be reflected in your attitude and posture. If you’d like to rock a bikini, then do (remember the wonderful advice on how to wear a bikini: put it on and love it). There is no age restriction on swimwear. You can find some good options on Cupshe.
Tankinis (a full top with seperate pants) are a great option – you get the coverage of a full swim suit, but the option of lifting and tucking it a bit if you are sunbathing. You can also wear a bikini top underneath, making several looks possible, without awkward changes.
Regardless of whether you choose one or two pieces of swimwear, here are a few tips to help:
- Halter styles that tie around the neck help add shape to the bust. They are also supportive, when combined with an underwire.
- A top with an underwire, or moulded cup, and thick-strapped halter tops, or styles with adjustable ties, offer the best support and fit.
- To elongate your body, choose a patterned top and a block colour bottom.
- Cut-outs around the waist help create curves.
- Ruffles on triangle bikini tops, or strapless tops with ruching can help add volume to your bust, or go for a pushup style.
- Frilled bikini bottoms will balance out your bust, and tops without ruffles or embellishments help defer attention to other areas.
- Curvy women look great in vintage style swimwear. Think lower leg, sweetheart necklines, made popular in the 40s and 50s.
- Many swim wear manufacturers utilise the latest in fabric technology to give your silhouette a lift – look for ‘shapewear’ fabrics to give nature a wee helping hand.
No swimwear look is complete without a coverup. Light floaty kaftan styles keep the sun off after a long day, provide a bit of modesty out of the water and are often so stylish they are perfectly acceptable as lunch attire or to enjoy a glass of something delicious after a day on the beach.
You may also like to consider board shorts, which can be easily slipped on and off in between swims, or rash vests, which provide excellent sun protection.