Conservative doesn’t have to mean boring when you buy that new swimsuit.
The top swimwear trends of the summer (and how to feel comfortable in them)
Summer’s almost here — and the beach (or swimming pool) is calling. The only thing standing between you and a cool, refreshing dip in the water is ... a swimsuit. Cue: involuntary shudder.
After a long, wet and very pasty winter, it’s easy to feel a bit of trepidation about the idea of stepping out in a swimsuit. Especially when faced with the seemingly endless racks of teeny, tiny bikinis.
“It’s the most intimate garment we are asked to be seen in public in,” says Julia Church, the founder and designer of the Vancouver-based brand, Nettle’s Tale Swimwear. “That’s true no matter what size you are.”
Thankfully, there are a slew of swimsuits available this season that don’t skimp on fabric — or style.
“This season we are going to see a lot of interesting cut-outs, T-shirtstyle tops and ’90s halter necklines,” Church affirms. Phew. But while cuts appear more conservative, they’re anything but boring.
She says shoppers can expect to see one-piece designs that have added interest from plunging necklines and high-waisted bikini designs that are higher-cut in the legs. Colour-wise, get ready for a lot of nudes and neutrals sprinkled in with the traditionally bright-coloured swimsuits of the season. And boho prints, according to swimwear insiders, are the new go-to.
Concerned about looking too “mature” or “matronly” in a onepiece swimsuit? Don’t be.
“Cut-outs and mesh are particularly present in one-pieces,” Émilie Gentès, public relations supervisor at Bikini Village, says.
“They add a sexy touch without revealing too much and create very flattering silhouettes.” Looking for extra support? “Just like for bras, styles with underwire and moulded cups offer great support,” Gentès recommends. “Theses styles are specifically designed to support bigger and heavier busts without compromising the look of the bikini top.”
When it comes to swimwear, unlike clothing and accessories, it’s less about following the trends, and more about finding what works for your shape.
“If you really want your cleavage covered, but love to flaunt the higher, smaller part of your waist, find a higher-necklined crop top and some high-waisted bottoms,” Church recommends. “Some women are all about wanting to be covered everywhere except their cleavage, so, find a swimsuit top or onepiece that pulls up and holds up the girls, with a lower-cut or plunging neckline.”
Looking to conceal your midsection? Consider showing off a bit more leg.
“Find yourself a cheeky, higher-waisted bottom and get the best of both worlds,” Church says.
But, regardless of the style you choose, the key is to feel comfortable in the design. So, how do you do that exactly?
Well, as it turns out, it all starts in the fitting room.
“The trick with swimwear is to try on as many styles and sizes as possible,” Church says. “If you find a style you like, try one size down … just be sure you are taking the right size to the till. You might surprise yourself with what ends up working on your shape and size. Try and keep a positive mindset about it.”
Much like shopping for bras, trying and buying a swimsuit can best be accomplished when there are several (read: dozens) of options available. In the case of swimsuit shopping, more really is more.
“We don’t believe in ‘one style fits all,’ ” Gentès says. “Every woman has her unique beauty and silhouette, not to mention her own style. This is why we offer various brands with various cuts, styles and sizes. There’s something for everyone.”
Keep in mind that selecting a shop that carries the brands you’re looking for — and provides the shopping experience you feel most comfortable in — may lead to shopping for swimwear online. But that doesn’t mean you can’t try on your fair share of pieces before making your final selection.
“A lot of women have taken to shopping online for swimsuits and lingerie,” Church says. “Most online shops, including our own (nettlestale.com), allow you to order multiple sizes and styles and, as long as they are returned within the time frame specified in their return policy — and with the hygienic liner intact — you can get a full refund.”
In addition to offering a wider array of styles, colours and sizes, online shopping has the added (and perhaps its biggest) benefit of allowing you to try on the swimsuits in the one place you feel most comfortable: your home.
“I’ve had girlfriends put $800 worth of swimwear on their credit card, try them all on in the comfort of their own home with a glass of wine, keep one or two of them, and return the rest,” Church says.
Whether you’re shopping in store or online, once you’ve scoured the racks and websites and selected your swimsuits to try on, there are a few fit tips to keep in mind.
“A swimsuit, like yoga pants, should feel a little too tight in the change room — not uncomfortably tight, but snug enough that it will still fit well after being swum in three to six times,” Church explains. “Anything containing elastane will stretch out a half size to a full size over time.”
Pay particularly close attention to details of the design that can’t be modified, such as set cup size or torso length of suit, before making the purchase.
Lastly, Church says ask yourself two questions.
“What are the parts of my body I want covered for my comfort level, and for my suit to function the way I want it to?” she says. “And what are the parts I want revealed a bit more, to make me feel most confident this summer?”
If the selected suit embodies the answers to those two questions, it’s time to head to the beach.