There’s nothing like the feeling of sand under your feet while warm rays of light penetrate your skin at the beach. Most spend their summer lying out next to a pool or cooling off in the ocean. Bathing suits are seen as the uniform of the summer, no matter what body of water you choose to occupy. It can be hard to fully enjoy your time outside in the sun when you aren’t feeling comfortable in what you’re wearing. Here are some tips to ensure that your insecurities are the last thing on your mind as you beat the heat this summer.
Considering the Cut
One Piece or Bikini, it’s crucial to find a swimsuit that flatters your figure based on its shape. Bikini bottoms are offered in an array of styles. Beyond a high or low waist, bottoms can be cheeky, full coverage, or Brazilian. Brazilian tends to be more of a thong style, while cheeky shows more skin without being completely invisible in the back. It can be hard to tell how a bathing suit will look on your lower half without trying it on. Regardless of what type of cut a swimsuit is advertised as, these bathing suits can look different on every body type.
A high-leg bathing suit bottom will cut further into your hip, giving you a classic Baywatch silhouette. While this option shows more skin, it can be more flattering. A high-cut one-piece or two-piece can give the illusion of more leg and less midsection, creating a more hourglass look.
Crossover leggings went viral in 2020, creating a more flattering waistline with their V-shape. Many high-waisted bathing suit bottoms can have the same effect. Normal high-waisted bottoms have a waistline that goes straight across. Many consider the higher coverage option as more forgiving, but a v-shaped waistline can do even more to create the illusion of a smaller waist and hourglass silhouette.
Material
Basic nylon and polyester fabrics are what the majority of swimsuits are made of. One piece or high-waisted bottoms in smooth, nylon/polyester blends can emphasize your midriff rather than cover it. Opting for a waffle or ribbed fabric means that the grid-like texture of the textile can sometimes be more forgiving on areas that a smoother fabric may emphasize. A textured fabric is more dynamic, like this swimsuit from Target. When shopping online, zoom in on the texture of the bathing suit, as raised threading in fabric can make all the difference.
Lining
Many swimsuits are made considering how customers can look their best in a bikini. With a thin, tight fabric like polyester or nylon, finding a double-lined suit can make you feel more comfortable lying out in the sun. A double-lined swimsuit provides more coverage and support in all the right places, gently lifting and tucking where it’s preferred.
Ruching
One pieces are a forever elegant beach staple, and a ruched swimsuit can provide a more complementary silhouette by giving the illusion of a more cinched waist. It assists in emphasizing your curves, creating an hourglass look that will prevent you from second-guessing your beach trip.
The days of dreading summer because you couldn’t find a bathing suit you felt confident in are over! Shop with intention, carefully considering the various factors that can make some swimsuits more flattering than others. Keeping these elements in mind will help you feel your best this summer.
XOXO,
Your Fashion Bestie
