What swimwear is best for my body?
When better to flaunt your figure in a fabulous swimming costume than in the midst of a good summer? But not all swimwear is created the same, and some styles may suit you better than others. So how do you choose which is right for you?
What style of swimwear should I wear?
In the world of swimwear, there are a myriad of options to choose from. This means there’s something for everyone, but it can be overwhelming to choose if you don’t know which type of swimwear suits you best. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular styles available to choose from.
Bikini
Bikinis are a staple of the swimwear world, with plenty of variation in colour, design, and shape to suit a wide range of tastes. The bikini is a great place to start if you’re looking to show off a beach bod - or if you’re keen to top up your tan. Depending on the style, some bikinis offer as much support as regular bras, with some even offering underwired and padded cups.
Halterneck
The halterneck style is one where the straps of your bikini or swimsuit join around the back of your neck, rather than going up and over each shoulder like most bra straps. This can be very useful if you’re looking for swimwear you can wear under other tops - halternecks are great for those outfits where traditional straps would show.
Halterneck-style swimsuits and tops look great on most, but they’re especially good for smaller busts. This style helps to lift the bust to give the illusion of a fuller cleavage. Halterneck swimwear is also often backless or has minimal coverage on your back, making it a good choice for a spot of sunbathing.
Bandeau
Bandeau bikini tops are swimwear’s answer to the strapless bra, which can make them a popular choice if you want something with minimal strap coverage. Despite the lack of straps, they can offer a lot of support for larger busts without the hassle of wide straps. They’re also good for those with wider hips, helping draw attention upwards.
Tankini
Tankinis can come with halterneck straps, traditional straps, off-the-shoulder straps, or they can be bandeau-style - the only defining attribute is the coverage. While bikinis typically offer bust coverage only, tankinis cover more of the stomach and back. There’s a variation to be seen here as well, with some styles opting for full coverage and others offering a cropped length.
Swimsuits
Finally, a discussion about different types of swimwear wouldn’t be complete without the swimsuit - otherwise known as the monokini, one-piece, or all-in-one. This type of swimwear offers coverage of most of the torso and incorporates bottoms into the design to boot, although it’s worth noting that some designs have cut-out sections to accentuate the look.
Swimsuits are perfect for those who want to cover up just a little more for whatever reason. Choosing a sleek, monochrome style can be visually slimming, as can vertical stripes, while prints can make for a fun and summery look.
How to choose swimwear
Choosing the right style of swimwear for your body type and what activities you’ll be getting up to is one thing, but there are other things to take into consideration as well. One of the most important things is to make sure you get the right size of swimwear, as ill-fitting garments can be painful and take some of the fun out of your summer activities. Usually, swimwear uses the same sizing systems as your regular underwear and lingerie, but it’s always a good idea to try the items on at home before you wear them properly, just to make sure they fit you well.
On top of that, you need to think about colour and designs. Some swimwear is plain, and other swimwear is colourful, with patterns and frills and all manner of decorative additions. While some colours and designs are more popular than others, having something in mind can help you to narrow down your search for the perfect swimwear.