SPLISH SPLASH
Swimsuits that fit and flatter
Ten weekends. That’s it between now and Labour Day. Ten short weekends to soak in the sun, dip in the ocean, relax by the pool. So if you haven’t updated your swim wardrobe in a while, this is the time to do it.
The first thing you should look for is swimwear that does more than just preserve your modesty. As Erin McCormick, swimwear merchant for Land’s End, notes, “It used to be that your suit was just that thing you threw on for a couple of days at the beach. Now women are looking for solutions in their swimsuits.”
In many cases, those solutions are built right into the swimsuit, whether it’s SPF protection or targeted control features that enhance your butt and/or tummy.
“The targeted control really allows for more natural curves,” McCormick says. “That’s something that a lot of women are excited about.”
Swimwear has also adopted a number of features from lingerie. Tops have foam linings, underwires, removable pads and convertible straps.
Bottoms have high-low waists and full linings. Everything is de- signed to stay put, even during a vigorous game of beach volleyball. It makes for a look both sexy and comfortable.
After all, as John Izzo, vicepresident of design and product development for La Vie En Rose, says, “We always tell women, celebrate your curves. Confidence is beautiful.”
It’s not just the features that hold you up or hold you in that count — it’s also the subtle ruching and draping that enhance certain features and minimize others. That’s a look you’ll see especially in the retro trend that’s been huge these past few years.
Think classic Hollywood glamour, with nipped-in waists, flirty skirted bottoms and figure-flattering draping, ruching and ruffles.
“It’s a trend that’s very fun and long-lasting, so it’s been around a while,” says Marlee Worthen, buyer for Swimco.
But retro Hollywood glamour is not the only look that’s hot this summer — far from it.
In fact, it seems right now that just about anything goes, from boyish swim trunks to tribal-print bikinis to sexy one-pieces with strategic cut-outs.