FASHIONABLE, BUT UNCOMFORTABLE!
Full- sleeved monokinis are in vogue. Experts spell out how these swimming costumes can be worn to perfection
If you thought only bikinis were all about flattering and flaunting your body, think again! While the traditional twopiece bikini has always looked stylish, it’s the fullsleeved monokini that’s currently in vogue. The likes of Serena Williams, Beyoncé, Kendall Jenner, Shay Mitchell and many other celebs have time and again been spotted in full- sleeved one- pieces, making for a pretty picture by the seaside. Even so, one wonders how comfortable it is to swim in a one- piece, especially when it is made of a different material than the ubiquitous bikini. According to fashion designer Shilpa Reddy, who is an avid swimmer too, “If people are going just for a soak in the water or to stroll at beaches, then full- sleeved one- piece swimwear is fine. But if you want to go for active swimming, then basic swimwear with a great fit is right. The embellished, one- shoulder swimsuits are great for photo ops but lack functionality. Swimsuits need to have a proper fit, especially on the bust.” Elaborating on both the functionality and the style quotient, and how they work together, Narresh Kukreja ( of Shivan & Narresh), says, “As a brand working in India, we focus on body confidence and fashion. Our creations are suited for all sorts of water activities and the material is UV- protected and saves one from getting tanned or scratched from surf boards.”
For avid swimmer Rachna Mehta, the director of Gymboree Play & Music, it’s all about comfort and fashion comes later. “The material should be tight and body- hugging. Also, it should be water- resistant. There are two distinct styles that I follow — a sharp V- neck tankini for pools and fullsleeved one- pieces for outdoor water activities,” she says.
Esha Hindocha, a socialite who loves to go on exotic vacations feels that wet suits are the best when it comes to active swimming. “If you want to enjoy the experience, it’s better to go with the most comfortable ones in medium or full sleeves. It shouldn’t start sagging or hugging your body,” she says.
However, Younus Mohammed, a swimming coach since eight years, has a different opinion to put forth. “In India, as there’s so much heat, tanning worries people. Also, in pools, we tend to use chlorine and some people tend to get skin rashes from that. To avoid such things, one can go for fully- covered one pieces but the material should be nylon and latex,” he says.
If you are going just for a soak in the water or to stroll at beaches, then fullsleeved one- piece swimwear is fine. But if you want to go for active swimming, then basic swimwear with a great fit is right — SHILPA REDDY, fashion designer