For many people, the bikini season brings to mind sun, sand and relaxation. Unfortunately, finding a swimsuit that fits your characteristics isn't always easy, but with the right spirit and a little preparation, holiday shopping can be as enjoyable as a day by the sea. Leaving preconceptions and living this experience with an open mind can be of great help. Buying a bikini can become a happy moment if you have a clear understanding of your needs and the options available.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choose the Bikini Based on Your Body Characteristics
Step 1. Choose a tankini if you have an apple physique
If you have a large bust but thin arms and legs, a tankini (which is a mix between a bikini and a one-piece swimsuit) with a curl or corset at the abdomen can serve to direct attention elsewhere. A very high-cut briefs will highlight your legs.
Step 2. Choose a bikini with flounces, fringes or ruffles if you have an athletic physique
If you are very slim and with few curves, a fluttering appendix can fool the eye. Bra and panties with flounces and ruffles will create the illusion of a more harmonious body by adding volume where it is needed. If you prefer, you can also choose just one piece of the bikini with such a detail to emphasize a particular area of the body.
Step 3. Choose a bikini with laces if you have an hourglass body
Women that fall into this category have narrow waists and shoulders and hips roughly the same width. A slip with laces accentuates the curves and draws attention to the waist; moreover it can be adjusted according to one's morphology. Generally this type of bikini has a simple triangle bra.
Step 4. Choose a bikini with a padded bra if you have a pear shape
If you have hips wider than shoulders, a narrow waist and small breasts, you should opt for a bra that can optically widen the upper part of your figure. In addition to the padding, a lively pattern or applications will help attract attention towards the upper part of the body. Opaque but low-waisted briefs (hipster model) will make your hips appear more proportionate.
Part 2 of 3: Masking the Weaknesses and Emphasizing the Strengths
Step 1. Choose light colors to attract attention
Light tones can highlight an area of the body, especially when combined with darker ones. If you have an apple-shaped body and want to make your legs stand out, wear a light blue panty paired with a blue bra. If, on the other hand, you have an hourglass body and want to highlight the waistline, both the bra and the briefs should be of a light color.
Step 2. Use dark colors to mask small flaws
You can divert attention to the parts of the body that you like least with the help of dark tones. Black is the ally par excellence, but any dark color can be fine. A dark bra paired with a pair of light colored or large patterned panties will help hide a bust that is a little too large.
Step 3. The fantasies allow to harmonize the figure
They attract the eye and can create symmetry, especially if the other part of the two-piece is solid color. A bra with a small pattern paired with a solid color bottom will make you look more proportionate if you have a pear shape.
- Use the strips to your advantage. If you want to create the illusion of longer legs, a vertical striped bottom can be very useful.
- Drawing attention to your breasts and hips using horizontal lines can help you make your waist appear slimmer.
Step 4. Applications and embellishments allow you to highlight the parts of the body you prefer
Whatever your strengths are, you can highlight them with jewels, sequins, flowers and other decorations. If you don't particularly like this type of frills, try wearing only the panty or bra in this style, paired with a solid color for the other piece of the costume.
Part 3 of 3: Buying the Bikini
Step 1. Choose a bra that fits in place
The best way to check it? Start jumping while in the dressing room wearing your bikini. If it moves, goes up, down, or feels uncomfortable, it's not right for you. It would behave the same way as you move around the sea or the pool.
Step 2. Choose a comfortable slip
The bottom of the bikini doesn't just have to stay in place, it has to be comfortable, it doesn't have to tighten and it doesn't have to force you to check it frequently. Make sure it's your size; you should measure your hips at the widest point, which does not necessarily coincide with the pelvis. Use a mirror to determine where they are widest, then translate your measurements into the slip size.
For example, the Italian size 40 generally corresponds to a hip measurement of 92-95 cm
Step 3. If possible, buy the bikini in the store
Having a chance to try it on before you buy it allows you to test out different styles. Plus, you can make sure it fits you well and is the correct size. If you prefer to order it online, look for the section dedicated to the "size guide" on the site and also read the reviews of previous customers. Also read carefully the indications regarding the request for exchange or return of products.
Step 4. Try a mismatched bikini
In many cases it is possible to customize the two-piece by selecting a bra and a brief of a different color or style. You will be able to choose separately the model that you find most comfortable and that suits you the most. It is an ideal solution especially if, for example, you have wide hips but small breasts and therefore you need two different sizes.
Step 5. Evaluate which material is best for you
When it comes to bikinis, each fabric has its advantages and disadvantages. To make the right choice, think about what activities you intend to do while wearing it, but also about how long it will last.
- If you are looking for a sturdy yet lightweight material, you should choose nylon, Lycra, or neoprene. They are often combined with other materials and treated to withstand the elements.
- If you are looking for a fabric that does not deteriorate and does not discolour in contact with chlorine, choose polyester. It is a material commonly used for beach or pool clothing, generally combined with others that allow to improve its qualities.
- If you swim at a competitive level, you should choose a PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) swimsuit for its excellent elasticity and resistance to chlorine.
