A buoyant experience
For a garment that is all about fun in the sun, the swimsuit sure provokes a lot of shopping angst. And it shouldn’t. After all, today’s swimwear retailers are doing everything they can to make buying a bathing suit an enjoyable experience. No, really. We checked in with the experts and here are their top five swimwear-shopping tips:
1 Ask for help
The staff at specialist retailers know their brands. They’re also experts in fit, and know what’s likely to be most flattering on your body type. Besides, it’s in their best interest to make you look and feel fabulous.
2 Shop online
Alternatively, you may find that shopping online is a much less stressful experience. For one thing, online retailers such as Land’s End carry a much more extensive range of sizes — everything from Misses 2 to 26W — than most brick-and-mortar shops. They also have an online fitting tool, a huge selection of specialty fits and a simple return policy. Plus, no scary change rooms.
3 Mix and match
“The most important thing about swimwear right now is everything is mix and match,” says John Izzo, vice-president of design and product development for La Vie En Rose. You can go with tradition and choose a co-ordinating top and bottom or you can mix up colours and prints to create your own unique look.
4 Accentuate the positive
With so many colours, prints and patterns to choose from, it’s easy to draw attention to the bits you like with bright hues and lively details, while downplaying the bits you’re not so fond of with dark, solid neutrals. As Izzo says, “It’s important to put the focus on what you like best about your body.”
5 Put your swimwear to work
Today’s swimwear does more than just cover up the naughty bits. It can flatter your figure in ways unimaginable even a few years ago, thanks to ruching, draping, padding, underwires, pushup features, sturdy lining, tummy control, even all-over control, all of which can hold you up, hold you in, show off what you love, hide what you don’t, and generally make you feel beautiful all over.