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How-to: looking and feeling good in a swimsuit.

Posted Thursday, March 1, 2012 // 0 Leave a comment!

It's almost that time of year. Though, to be fair, this winter hasn't been all that cold. To get ready for swim season, I've been sort of working on my bod. But to be honest, I worked out to Tae-bo for a week then my workout buddy left, so I've been waiting for her call. ｑ(╬－Ａ－)ｐ Until then, I've been trying to eat healthy. Anyway. I've put together a how-to, if you will, on feeling and looking good in a swimsuit.

☆size
    Nobody wants to admit to going up a size, whether due to weight or growth. This, when in regards to swimsuits, can become a big problem super fast. For instance, when wearing a too small swimsuit, you may feel sexy but you could end up with under-boob, look trashy (nsfw), or with a muffin top. Wanting to be sexy is nothing to be ashamed of, but a good rule to live by is--if there's the possibility of a nip slip don't wear it. For the boys and gender fucks (really, whatever your preference), wearing a tiny bikini can result in an unseemly bulge, ball pop (（/｡＼)), or dick slip. On the other side is wearing a size too large. If you're not careful, after taking a dive, your whole ass could hang out or just one cheek. Again, a nip slip could occur or a wedgie or, what I really hate, a saggy bum.

☆type
     Choosing the type of swimsuit is difficult for most. Obviously, the bikini is the most popular and sadly, the one piece is often left without interesting patterns. Clearly, weight is a top factor as well. Lots of people choose the one piece to hide the flab. That's cool. The most important thing about buying a swimsuit is feeling comfortable.

    However, if you're embracing your curves, want a change, or are tired of the one piece, a high waisted (also called 'vintage' style) bikini can be the answer. In my opinion, this is the ultimate suit. There's the freedom of a bikini top, the height to cover the stomach, and a decreased happening of showing crack. Because the waist is so high, the flab is tucked in and accentuates the body nicely.

    Bikinis are, I suppose, the classic swimsuit. They allow the wearer to show off the goods without being lewd or scandalous (see above). There's also the ability to tan without ending up with weird tan lines. There are the drawback, though. Bikini tops can be easily unfastened and one can't play too hard without the threat of nip slips and full on exposure. Bottoms, if string, can be unfastened as well, or get caught and pulled off. You can also end up mooning people too.

    The one piece is, unfortunately, often boring. Designers tend to opt more for fun designed bikinis. :| I would not be surprised, however, if the one piece sells more. In terms of coverage, this has it all. Which, of course, means no tanning. Also, there's a shortage of designs. I'm putting the tankini under one piece as well, because the coverage is virtually the same. If you want a one piece but can't stand squirming into it, the tankini might the one for you.

☆design
     Swimsuits come in, like, a billion different designs. I've often wanted to horde them because I adore way too many. The design is just as important as the fit and have their pros and cons. Since there are so many, I'm going to touch on a few and try to keep it short.

    Print is, probably, 90% of what we all buy. This has a huge advantage in that print draws the eye away from the body (and curves) if worn correctly. Smaller frames should stick to smaller prints or they can be swallowed by the swimsuit--the clothes will wear them. I would suggest this Mara Hoffman striped and high waisted bikini. The tribal-eque print is in style, not to mention that if worn by a full figure, the diagonals will make you look slimmer. Here's another striped bikini from Target. Again, the way the pattern falls can be flattering on most figures--it's what works for you. Larger frames (height or weight) can get away with larger prints. I'd suggest this awesome cheeta print bikini from Forever 21 or this striped one piece at Karmaloop. There are some prints that work for all body types, like this high waited polka dot suit from Modcloth, a bitchin' rib swimsuit from Who Killed Bambi?, or this interesting piece from Modcloth.

    Draped or ruffled suits work basically the same as prints, but are much for versatile. That is, they can be worn by virtually everyone. This draped one piece from J. Crew is extremely flattering along with this Miu Miu bikini at Net-a-porter. With the latter, be careful is you have larger breasts, because the ruffles can become unflattering. In this case, if you can't try before you buy, I wouldn't recommend it. The following suits from Target, here and here, are sexy with the lingerie-esque tops and draping that is gorgeous.

    Solid colors can be interesting too. Alternating colors, such as this bandeau bikini from Anthropologie are super hot and always in style. Just be sure the colors don't clash. A side tip: watch out for colors that wash you out or are too bright for your skin tone.

Hopefully this guide has helped in your quest for finding a great swimsuit ~~or two~~. Regardless, it's important to mix-and-max and try things out to find what works for you. :D

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Labels: diy, fashion, how-to