THE PLUNGE
Swimwear shopping can be daunting, but with these tips and tricks, you can find the perfect beach outfit no matter your body shape
There are few things that strike fear into a woman’s heart more profoundly than shopping for a swimsuit. Even the most bodyconfident can find the experience daunting. Trying to find a flattering style takes time and determination, and for some it’s akin to torture. Walking about in what equates to your underwear is challenging, especially now we are flooded with images of manipulated perfection. Women are made to feel that they must be curvy yet slim, voluptuous of bosom yet flat of tummy, and without any evidence of stretch marks or cellulite. Is it any wonder swimsuit season can induce a neurotic streak?
So how do you select the best swimsuit in terms of fit, body shape, the purpose you are buying for, quality and price? When we strip off, most of us immediately start criticising our bodies and we need to suppress that habit, as it clouds our judgment. Focusing instead on the positives is a better approach to adopt when searching for a great swimsuit. A little confidence goes a long way.
Regardless of what type of swimsuit you choose, it comes down to cut and fabric. The best way to judge these is by trying everything on in real life. If possible, don’t buy a swimsuit without trying it on, because you will regret it later. Yes, it can be sweaty, laborious and timeconsuming but there is no substitute for actually trying styles on. It is only when a suit is on you that you get a realistic sense of how well it suits your shape, colouring and physique. Like relationships, you have to put in the effort to find the right one. Putting a swimsuit on, you appreciate how details like ruching, draping, mesh, fold-over waistbands and boning can work with curves, support them, or even create them.
Long gone are the days when women’s choice of swimwear was defined by age. Now you have fiftysomethings rocking bikinis while younger women might be happier in a retro-style one-piece. What suits you and makes you happy is utterly personal and individual. You will know when you have found your suit as it will make you feel both confident and comfortable. This is the most revealing garment you will ever wear in public, so you need to feel good in it.
Carla Johnson of Irish swimwear brand Mona Swims creates luxury swimwear and resort wear so is an expert in dressing for the beach or pool. ‘My best advice would be to buy something that doesn’t date and that you can see yourself wearing again and again,’ she says. ‘Try it on. Something that might look a little too daring can turn out the most flattering.
‘Every body shape is so different, so what might not look good on one person could look incredible on the next. Another thing I’ve noticed, women can feel self-conscious or un-motivated to try on a bikini when shopping but then as soon as they’re on holiday in the sunshine, the insecurities melt away. So try to remember that while shopping.’
Rachelle Hanley, swimwear and lingerie buyer with Brown Thomas Arnotts, agrees. ‘Different fits and shapes of swimwear suit different body shapes so to simplify the choice, it’s good to know your body shape and what works for you,’ she says. ‘Triangle bikinis are best for smaller bust types whereas halter tops are great when you need more support. At Brown Thomas, we have a fantastic fitting service for swimwear where you can get great advice and tips for best shapes and best fits for you. This is a walk-in service so it’s super easy to pop in.
‘Many of our brands offer incredible control features built into their swimwear. Eres is an absolute must for this – its exclusive swimwear fabric, called peau douce, both sculpts and shapes the body. It also feels amazing on, a true investment piece. Hunza G is an amazing brand
for covering all sizes as its infamous material stretches and rebounds.
Our customers come back time and time again, investing in new colours each season, mixing and matching the colours. I would recommend not shying away from colour and print. I am a firm believer if you feel good, you will look good. Bright colours and prints look amazing on all skin types and give you that holiday feel.’
To start with fit, it is crucial to get it right. It should be snug but not too tight. Remember that when the suit gets wet, it will slightly expand because of water retention. If it is loose to start, it will be looser again once wet. Also, it will tend to bunch – you don’t want it to move embarrassingly or, worse, fall off when you are in the water. Conversely, if it is too snug, it can pinch and be irritating. It can be good to take out your existing swimsuits in advance to remind yourself of previous fits that worked.
One of the key areas for swimwear to fit is around the bust. While small boobs can wear string bikinis which give minimal assistance, support is non-negotiable for larger busts. Straps are extremely important in a swimsuit as they anchor it in place. Sporty shapes with wider straps can be more versatile and flattering. Look out for the edges too – rigid edges can cut into you as the day goes on, causing irritation. If you do have a larger bust, also be careful about deep scoop backs as they don’t give adequate support. Underwiring offers support and even a boost.
Fit around the bum is also important: always check out your rear view to see that the style is giving you the coverage you prefer. Don’t worry about the size number on the label but focus on how it looks and how comfortable it is.
Remember every brand has different sizing and fit specifications and that swimsuits can run small. If you are a mixed size profile, look at brands that allow you to mix and match tops and bottoms.
‘The fabrication of most swimwear can be quite firm so it’s very normal to size up from what you wear in clothing,’ says Rachelle Hanley. ‘The size really is just a guide. Customers like to buy bikini tops and briefs separately so they can make sure to get the perfect fit by wearing different sizes if needed.’
If you have a short back, a lower waistline will add the illusion of length to your torso, while those with shorter legs will benefit from a higher cut leg, which is also currently back in style. Consider what you will be doing in your swimwear. Will you be sunbathing and relaxing or swimming, surfing, paddle-boarding and playing with kids? How active you are will dictate which style is more appropriate. A plunge neckline might be great for posing poolside but not practical for water sports. If you are going to be very active, choose with this rather than aesthetics in mind. Look at the details such as stitching, fabric
‘I AM A FIRM BELIEVER IF YOU FEEL GOOD, YOU’LL LOOK GOOD’
stretch and compression, Lycra content and if the suit is lined. Also be careful about how transparent it might be, especially when wet. A sheer suit is not a flattering look.
In terms of fabrics, buy decent quality, which means it should feel substantial, not flimsy. Remember you want it to have longevity and be able to withstand sun, sand, chlorine, sunscreen and repeated washing. Advances in textiles now mean that there are high-performance swimsuits with UV protection, anti-snag technology, sunscreen resistance and anti-fade protection too. Most swimwear is made from nylon-like polyamide blended with Lycra or elastane. The best ratio is probably 80% nylon to 20% Lycra. There are also many sustainable swimwear ranges like Mona Swims, using fabrics like econyl, made from waste products.
If buying online, do your homework and check out customer reviews. Also pay attention to size charts and take the time to measure your bust, waist and hipline. Explore sites that use size-inclusive models to help you visualise a prospective style on your shape and size. Anything looks good on a 5ft10 glamazon but looking at a style on a more realistic person is more useful. Remember that good brands communicate with their clients, so ask for advice if in doubt about sizing or fit.
Expert styling details can make or break swimwear: for example, ruching can be great to add emphasis for a smaller bust or can also camouflage a slightly wobbly tummy. Elements like draping, ruffles, colour-blocking, print and stripes can lead the eye to your best features while diverting it away from parts you don’t want to highlight. One pieces can be just as attractive as bikinis – the choice is yours. A single colour always looks sleek but mixing and matching colours and prints allows you to inject individuality and adds variety. Don’t be afraid to co-ordinate a look – you can elevate the simplest style with a kimono, pareo, slides and beach bag. Always wear a sun hat and sunscreen.
Most importantly, remember that there is no such thing as a perfect beach body – that is just a marketing myth to make you buy stuff. What is important is enjoying yourself, being your best you and appreciating the body you have. Happy holidays.