Buying a swimsuit might seem like a tiring and futile task, but it's possible to find one that fits your body shape and makes you feel gorgeous. To buy one smartly, you need to be aware of all the tips given in this article.
Steps
Step 1. Learn to recognize your body type
The shape of your physique - where your weight naturally distributes - will determine which costume will suit you best. Measure your hips at their widest point, waist at their narrowest point and bust at their widest point to be sure, because the size and style of a swimsuit depend on these proportions. Here are the most popular types of physicists:
- Pear-shaped: If your hips are significantly wider than both your waist and bust, you probably have a pear-shaped physique.
- Apple-shaped: If your waistline is significantly wider than your hips and is the same size or nearly the same size as your bust, your physique may be apple-shaped.
- Hourglass: If your bust and hips are roughly the same width, but your waistline is significantly smaller, you have an hourglass physique.
- Straight (also known as a ruler or banana shaped physique): If you are slim and with no significant difference between your hips, waist and breasts, you have a straight physique.
Step 2. Get ready
Before you go shopping for a bathing suit, do some hair removal to remove unwanted hair. Remove any hair you don't want to show while trying on costumes; you have to do this before going to the store both to avoid feeling embarrassed with the clerks and to understand which exact parts you will have to shave when you wear the two-piece, especially if you have to parade in front of the judges. And don't forget to put on your underwear! Every store that sells these pieces requires customers to try on bikinis and other types of swimwear with their own underwear on. In fact, do you really want to take risks by trying them naked? Remember the importance of hygiene!
Step 3. Choose an appropriate costume shop
There are outlets specializing in costumes (of all genres, from sporty to glamorous), so do your research to find one that's right for you. Also, if you are not too fussy about these pieces, many clothing brands have their own beachwear, you just have to take a trip to the mall to realize it. Online shopping is another possibility, but you should reserve it for double swimsuits, or when you want to buy another one that is the same as one you already have; you will already know which type of costume suits you and you will only need a piece of the same size with a different color or print or identical in all respects to the one you already have of the same brand.
Step 4. Choose colors and fabrics that will highlight your best qualities and hide the parts of yourself that you like least
The secret of a good costume is to draw attention to the parts of your figure that enhance you the most; this will help you feel more comfortable, as well as look your best. Here are some basic tips to follow:
- To bring out a feature you like, use a bold color or print.
- To hide something you don't like, use solid color.
- If you have fair skin, use black or dark, deep shades, such as dark purple, sea blue, and purple.
- If you have dark skin, bright colors can actually flatter you more and help you hide what you don't like.
- To add volume (for example on the bust or hips), choose a piece with ruffles in that area.
- To hide the volume (like the one at the waist), use a ruched or ruched fabric.
- Don't be afraid to buy two different pieces, not perfectly matched! For example, let's pretend you want to emphasize your breasts and shift the focus away from your hips. You could buy the bikini top in a bright color or with a bold pattern and the bottom piece in black, blue or brown (depending on the top part).
Step 5. Select the right model
Here is a quick list of what you should prefer / avoid:
- A one-piece swimsuit will camouflage the waist. Choose one with rippled parts on the belly or a single dark color.
- Even a 1940s-style swimsuit with a high-waisted bottom can help hide the waistline. Again, aim for a dark color or a rippled effect.
- A tankini will show off your waistline, because it draws the eye to the visible skin section. If you love your waist but don't appreciate your hips or breasts as much, choose this model.
- Men's shorts make hips appear wider, regardless of color. If you have large breasts and want to create balance with your hips to achieve an hourglass figure, choose these swim shorts. However, remember that this style may be unsuitable for some women, so be sure of your choice before buying this piece.
- High-waisted bottom piece bikinis make your legs look longer. If you are short, or if the bust part is longer, they are a good choice.
- Swimsuits with the top piece that tie behind the neck draw attention to the bust, and the same goes for the triangle pieces.
- Bikinis with the top that tie at the front draw the eye to the chest, and bring the breasts closer together, effectively giving the impression that they are larger. If you have small breasts and want to make them appear larger in size, you may want to opt for this model.
- Bikinis with bandeau make breasts appear wider. If you have a pear shape and want to imitate the hourglass figure, choose a headband with ruffles or other details that draw attention.
- If you have large breasts, look for a bikini top with a straight cut, with wide straps to minimize the chest. Try a swimsuit with a top that has internal support and a strong chest band for extra support. A double chest strap will keep the breasts from moving, so the bra will stay in place and the breasts won't pop out.
Step 6. Select the costume with its primary use in mind
It is useless to buy a skimpy bikini if you intend to swim or surf: you will soon lose it, with infinite embarrassment. Bikinis are quite limiting in terms of practicality in the pool or by the sea, but a firmer tankini should fit on without a problem. Sports swimsuits often have additional elements to help contain, move smoothly and feel comfortable, so try them if your purpose is to exercise in the water, not just to cool down.
- If you work as a lifeguard, you will usually need to wear a solid one-piece, perhaps in the color of your team. You may also need to add shorts or a diving suit to complete the uniform.
- One-of-a-kind pieces can be very sexy, especially when you choose them in beautiful colors and they fit your body, enhancing it.
Step 7. Get help from a professional
If you've tried shopping on your own and can't find anything you like, ask for help. Go to a store stocked with styles you usually like and ask the saleswoman to help you. Explain directly what you generally like and what you want to hide and do not be afraid of the comments you will receive: respond accordingly and you will probably leave the shop with a costume model you love.
Step 8. Once you think you've found the right one, grab the costume laces and try to pull them up to your ears
If you can reach the lobes or any point below that limit, it will dress well.
Advice
- Don't assume that a costume is better just because it's more expensive. The only way to know if it will suit you is to try it and try it out.
- Swimwear sizes tend to be very different from most other clothing sizes. In many cases, the costume could be one or two sizes larger, but don't give it too much weight, you just have to choose the pieces that suit you.
- Always be honest with yourself about how a costume fits you. If you notice any bumps of skin anywhere, you should try a larger one. In most cases, one size up can further enhance it, because it won't squeeze you.
- Have a trusted friend accompany you to try on the costumes for an honest second opinion.
- Swimsuits tend to stretch a bit when wet, so make sure yours isn't already too big when you buy it. You definitely don't want to miss it while swimming in the pool! Unsightly creases can also occur when a swimsuit that is too large for you is wet, giving the impression that you are fuller.
- Always use colors that match your skin tone, for example, if you have a dark complexion, lighter colors will make it stand out.
Warnings
- If you feel comfortable wearing a costume, don't worry about what others think. If, on the other hand, you feel uncomfortable and not even the words of encouragement from others, who tell you that it is the right costume for your body, help you, do not wear it.
- Don't follow fashion trends that don't flatter your body. What swimwear dictates this year is not a determining factor in choosing a swimsuit, the variables to keep in mind are your body type and comfort.
