Two Pieces for the Beach
Men mostly have it easy when it comes to swimwear - swim shorts or a speedo? The answer is also usually obvious. But women have innumerable options: tankini, bikini, high waist, high cut, halter, bandeau, strapless, tank suits, boy shorts, swim skirts, string bikini, patterns and designs. How do you choose?
* You can start by trying things on. Ugh. But once you know what sorts of things you are willing to wear, you can have an idea of what might look good on you.
* Take a look at yourself in your underwear. If you like how you look in your own underwear, you can get a good sense of how you'll look in your swimwear. Try on a bra and panties of the kind you might buy in a suit. Try a tank top and bottom. Try on some short pajama shorts. This will help you narrow down to a style you like.
* If you're buying two pieces, don't be afraid to buy different sizes for each. You can customize your suit to fit that way!
* Know what you need. If you need slimming, go with vertical ribbing or stripes or diagonal patterns. If you want to minimize an area, that area should be darker, and a brighter, white, or horizontally striped area will look larger. Horizontal stripes at your chest can make it look bigger and a diagonal waist will give you a slim curve.
* Do the see-through test. Make sure the right swimsuit is not see-through and that it gives you the right support in the right places. Check how it looks in good lighting. When you buy one, test it wet, too.
* Know what each style can do for you. Tankinis can cover up a tummy bulge and give you better support. They can also shorten a longer torso. A halter will give support on top. Boy shorts and skirts give you more modest coverage on bottom. Strapless, bandeau, and halter tops show off your shoulders and collarbone. A higher leg cut or string bikini can lengthen legs.
* Wear a pattern. Many times, small prints and flowers can be more flattering than solid colors. Solid colors draw attention to areas they cover, so you don't have to wear black! Try different styles.
* Try on early. You'll save yourself the trouble. If you know a style you love from last year that is still around this year, it's ok to stick with it. Go with what looks great on you!