My Image Expert

My Image Expert: Bathing Suits for your Body Type

If you’re like me, and grew up in a place where Brazilian Bikini’s were the only acceptable form of swimwear, than you know how hard it can be to find a bathing suit that flatters your body type!  As a fashion consultant and personal stylist, I can’t stress how important it is to feel comfortable in your body and wearing next to nothing isn’t something most of us would call their comfort zone. I recently went to see the Metropolitan’s Museum of Arts new exhibit entitled, “American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity.” The premise of the exhibit shows the progression of what we now see as the ultimate American beauty: athletic, strong, lean, and tall. The reality is, this isn’t the ultimate beauty and is only a small percentage of our populace. Most women do have curves and those curves come in  all different shapes and sizes.  So here is a basic layout of good bathing suits for your body type:

High-waisted bottoms: This is a life saver for those of us who have a little more love in the bottom half of our body like the apple and pear shaped body types.

Boy shorts: This style tends to flatter a mass majority of body types. It has the most coverage while still allowing you to get a nice summer glow.

Hip Hugging bottoms: This is a great choice for those who have the much envied hourglass shape. It both smoothes and accentuates those natural slopes.

Halters: These tend to give women the most support up top and is generally a good choice. Especially for those who have wider shoulders; because the line of the bathing suit points in, instead of out, de-accentuating the wider shoulders.

Bra top: This is one of my all time favorites because it works just like a good bra, with wire and all, but made in fun and flirty swimsuit materials!

The Tankini: This tends to be a favorite for apple shaped bodies who hold most of their weight in the midsection. Tankini’s are a definite plus, if you happened to start your summer workout regimen a little late; but remember that a tankini can be well fitted and tailored just like a top. Sometimes the loose, flowy tankinis can make you look larger than you actually are.

Bandeau: These should be reserved for those who don’t need much to any support on top and I would keep it as a purely stylistic choice, not if you’re thinking of running and jumping in the water.

String Bikini: These, like the bandeau tops, work well on ruler shaped bodies and fit  hourglass shapes. But again, the not the best for beach volleyball or other summer beach sports.

Monokini: This has become popular in the recent summer seasons and I’m not quite sure why. Who wants a white strip running down their stomach?

One-peice: Don’t count these out! They are definitely not out of date and can be one of the most flattering bathing suits. Keep in mind that a one piece will have different cuts on the bottom and top just like a two piece. For some ideas on how great a one piece can look, take a gander at a brand called Lover Swimwear.

By: Brooke Brazil, assistant fashion consultant and image consultant for My image Expert.com