Bathing beauty...
A friend of mine was delighted recently to win a swimming lesson with former Olympic breaststroke champion Duncan Goodhew, but her initial euphoria was soon replaced with feelings of dread as she contemplated what to wear for her big occasion.
The ultimate, most terrifying stage fright, with the exception of total nudity, is the bathing suit. Thoughts about whether “my bum looks big in this” pale into insignificance as we consider exposing every bump and lump imaginable in the most revealing item next to our birthday suit!
Everyone has something about their body that they think looks horrible in a swimsuit, so when looking for the ideal swimwear, the secret is
to find
something that creates a sense of balance and draws attention to the most flattering parts of our figure whilst masking our trouble spots.
Most of us fit into three problem shapes – pear, apple and straight (or athletic). Pears are heavy around the hips and thighs, and wearing a plunging neckline or eye-catching top with ruffles or embellishments will make the bust look bigger and will also draw attention away from the heavier bottom half. Padded, push up tops make boobs look bigger and bandeau tops make the bust appear wider. High cut bottoms make the legs look longer if this is also an issue.
Apples have large busts and thick waists with comparatively small hips. Boy shorts make the hips look wider and help to give balance. Tops that are cut straight across help to minimise large busts, and for extra support bikini tops should be under-wired, and one piece suits should have higher backs. If finding the perfect fit for both top and bottom halves is a problem, don’t be afraid to buy different sized separates in complimentary designs.
30
For example bottoms in a bright or patterned fabric and a top in a plain, darker fabric, will help draw attention away from the bust. If you need to disguise a large tummy, a one piece suit with ruched panels or shirring will hide bulges and create definition, as will a wrap over design with crossover fabric.
Straight shapes need to create the illusion of more curves, and the monokini is great for this, as is a one-piece with strategically placed cuts or slits. Bold prints, ruffles and embellishments on tops and bottoms accentuate the bust and hip lines, and skimpier bikini bottoms plus side ties will make your bottom appear curvier.
Finally, before selecting your swimwear, consider how and when you plan on wearing it. Whether you intend to go swimming or scuba diving, or spend your time sunbathing will have an influence on the style, fabric and even the colour you choose.
To advertise in thew
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100