Find Your Perfect Swimsuit for Summer

Swimwear from Etam

Finding a swimsuit to flatter your body can be just as difficult as getting up the confidence to show off your bikini bod on the beach. Have you ever found yourself in the situation of trying on a million swimsuits at a store and just not finding the right one to make you feel sexy and confident? Well, that's about to change!

Before last year, I tended to settle for lower quality swimsuits that looked cute because of the color and style, but they didn't exactly flatter me in the perfect way. Last year I went on the hunt for a swimsuit that I would feel amazing in because I had a month full of Spanish beach excursions ahead of me. Although the women in Spain really don't care about their swimsuit (most go topless), I wasn't quite that daring and wanted a truly great swimsuit that would last for years to come. I ended up finding my perfect fit at European lingerie retail chain, Etam, in a small shop at the heart of Marseille, France. Etam has very high quality, chic swimwear for a decent price. See for yourself - http://en.etam.com/maillots-de-bain/the-collection/all-swimwear.html

Monokini from
Everything But Water

Petite - If you have a small frame, you'll most likely want to choose a swimsuit to enhance your curves. If you're small on top, choose a top with padding. Most bikini tops have at least some padding but if you're looking for more, Victoria's Secret has some great push up styles. Twist bandeau tops, triangle tops with ruffles or eye catching prints will give the appearance of a fuller chest. Marie Claire states, "Hothouse pinks and tiny prints make a big style statement," and they feature swimwear with paisley prints, polka dots, floral and geometric shapes as options for a petite figure. If you don't want to go with a two piece, try a plunge halter or a monokini, which  has side cut outs so it looks like a two piece in the back. Everything But Water has a stylish, unique selection of monokini's. I'm so in love with the one to the right. 

Suit from miraclesuit.com

Curvy - "Flaunt a full figure with retro prints and screen-queen silhouettes," says Marie Claire. High-waisted 50's inspired bikini's are oh so cute and trendy right now. Asos has a broad selection of adorable options in floral, vintage, polka dot and animal print designs. Check them out at http://www.asos.com/Women/Swimwear-Beachwear/High-Waisted-Bikini/Cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=17551&r=2. Rouching is your best friend if you want to conceal your tummy and there are many one and two piece styles out there with miracle fabrics and rouching in just the right areas. If you want to conceal your hips and thighs, Fitness suggests skirtini's and boy-cut shorts. To control cleavage, choose a trustworthy top with underwires, well-constructed halters, and wide bands. 

Suit from Lululemon

                   
Athletic - For a toned figure, you'll want a sporty cut and secure style if you're planning on playing beach volleyball or any other beach sport. Marie Claire suggests attention grabbing graphics, such as colorful stripes and polka dot patterns. Halter tops would be best for support but a triangle top would also be fine if you're not planning on doing activities. Show off your toned legs in a bottom with side ties. Lululemon has some options for swimwear for the athletic, moving body. 

This year, I bought a cheaper suit at Target back in February. Part of the purchase was simply to escape winter and just dream about the days until I could sunbathe on my deck. I chose an edgy black two piece, mixing and matching the top and bottom so the top has bronze studs against the sweatheart neckline and the bottoms has frills on the side ties. The suit doesn't flatter me quite as well as my Etam one but a girl can always use a chic black suit, since black is a flattering color. Plus, you can never have too many swimsuits, especially if you're moving to or living in a warm climate like I will be soon in Texas :)

Loving this swimsuit from Etam with a
twist bandeau top and aztec inspired print.

Good luck finding your perfect swimsuit. Make sure you feel comfortable and confident -- that is the most important thing!








Sources:
http://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/trends/swimsuit-guide-summer
http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/gear/reviews/swimsuits-for-every-body-/
http://www.everythingbutwater.com/swimwear/browse/products/l-space/free-love/57952+mp20m14+333.html