BIKINI BASICS : Flattery Tips

BIKINI BASICS : Flattery Tips

Swimsuit shopping can be one of the most painful experiences in a woman’s life. It can serve to remind a woman of every unused pound and every unneeded midnight snack. However, with the right information and the correct mindset, swimsuit shopping can also be an extremely flattering and rewarding experience. If this statement sounds almost too good to be true, you will want to read on to acquire some valuable tips for finding and purchasing a flattering swimsuit for you.

Color: A general rule for good swimsuit flattery is to use darker colors on areas you would like to slim and understate and lighter and brighter colors on areas you would like to highlight (this rule also applies to general fashion). While a black swimsuit will likely do the trick for slimming your body, you may be able to do even better by using swimsuit colors wisely. For example, if you would like to De-emphasize your hips, try pairing dark red, blue, or black bikini bottoms with a light-colored bikini top. The light color will draw attention and eyes toward your bust and away from your hips. Another good slimming trick is to look for a tankini in a generally bright color with darker insets on the sides. The insets will make your figure look thinner and more toned.

Prints: When looking at prints, pay attention to the color, size, and placement of the print. Prints on a darker background are more slimming. In addition, prints with allover swirls will stop the eye from focusing on any one area of the body.

Shine: In general, opaque, matte style fabrics will slim the body the most, while shiny fabrics will make the body seem larger. If you do like the idea of shine in a swimsuit but not the enlarging effects, look for a shiny bikini in a muted or otherwise dark color.

Details: Details on a bikini, such as bows, belts, ruching, embroidery, beading, and ties will all grab attention. Use them wisely on an area of the body you would like to draw attention to and gain the benefit of drawing attention away from less desirable characteristics.

Coverage: An oft-misunderstood rule of swimsuit coverage is the fact that less is often more. Looking for more coverage in a swimsuit is not always the best way to deal with figure flaws. Using huge amounts of fabric to cover a large derriere may actually draw unwanted attention to that very section of the body. For example, women with wide hips often assume that the skirted swimsuit is the best style option for them. However, the skirt quite often ends at the widest part of the hips or thighs, serving only to make the area appear larger. A much better bet is to choose bikini bottoms with high cut legs that will elongate the legs and slim the hips and thighs. As long as a swimsuit fits comfortably and highlights desirable characteristics, bare is almost always more beautiful.




BIKINI BASICS : Fitting Tips



Swimsuit sizing can often seem like one of life’s cruel little jokes. Manufacturers appear to have an inordinate amount of difficulty in deciding on the universal prototype of a size 6 (or any size for that matter). Thus, the size that may have fit and worked wonderfully in last year’s swimsuit may be causing you great disappointment in the next season’s swimsuit search. In addition, manufacturers are unwilling to come to agreement over whether swimsuits should be sized as dresses (0-16) or as shirts (S-XL). The result is a general hodgepodge of swimsuit sizing that plays havoc with swimsuit consumers’ time and emotional stability. In general, to get a good swimsuit fit, you should look for a swimsuit approximately one or two sizes larger than your dress size. When trying the suit on, be sure to lift your arms, bend, and sit down to ensure everything stays covered. Below are some general tips to finding a good swimsuit fit in all areas of the body:

Torso: If you are going with a classic bikini style (bare midriff and back), the body section of a swimsuit is not really applicable. However, if you think you may be interested in a tankini, make sure the torso portion of your swimsuit lies perfectly flat on the body. You will want a good, streamlined fit with the right percentage of Lycra content. Still, be wary of too tight tankini tops; they will tend to cause belly bulges in even the slimmest of women.

Leg Openings and Waistbands: Make sure that the leg openings and the waistband of your bikini bottoms are not puckering or digging into your skin. Puckering will result in an uncomfortable and unflattering fit. If the bottoms are digging in anywhere, you will want to try a larger size or different style. If the bottoms are not offering enough coverage, a different style is the answer, not a different size. For most people, the most flattering leg opening falls an inch below the top of the hipbone. To get a good fit, start with this style of leg opening and experiment from there. Also, remember to check your butt in the mirror to be sure the bottoms are offering enough coverage.

Straps: Bikini straps should lie comfortably on your shoulders without digging in or falling down. If the straps are digging in, you will probably want to choose a larger top size. Conversely, if the straps are falling down, you may want to try a smaller size or different style. If you are trying on a style with tie straps, move around a bit in the dressing room to make sure the straps stay tied.

Bust: When trying on a bikini top, lift your arms to make sure the top offers enough coverage and does not creep up on you. Make sure that you can adjust the straps so you will feel comfortable and secure in your bikini top. If you are looking at a bikini with a built-in under wire, follow the same rules as when shopping for a bra. The under wire should completely cover the bottom half of the breast and not be sitting on any breast tissue. Your breasts should fill the cups of your bikini top completely without spilling over. For the best top sizing, look for manufacturers that offer bra sizing. If you cannot find such a manufacturer with a swimsuit style you like, look for a top with adjustable or tie straps at the back and neck.



BIKINI BASICS : Accessory Tips



A collection of cute, fun accessories can highlight and jazz up even the most banal of bikinis (although the term “banal bikini” seems somewhat oxymoronic). Once you have your new bikini or tankini, try changing your style a bit with some fun and necessary swimwear accessories. Below is a guide to shopping for and wearing two of the most common swimsuit accessories: the sarong and sunglasses.

Sarong: The sarong is a cover-up favorite among women all over the world. Sarong style looks great on women of all shapes and allows a little more coverage for shy bikini wearers. Its graceful beauty can lend any bikini or swimsuit an inherently feminine style (while serving the added benefit of covering figure flaws). Sarongs are very effective cover-ups for heavy hips, thighs, and legs. A sarong is also one of the most flexible swimsuit accessories in its ability to transfer from beach cover-up to sexy mini-skirt or halter dress.

The trick to wearing a sarong successfully is to get the right wrap. To tie a sarong, hold it horizontally around your hips. Gather approximately three inches of material in each hand and tie a simple square knot at your belly button. To adjust the placement of the sarong on your legs, fold the sarong to the desired length horizontally before tying it.

Sunglasses: Sunglasses serve the dual purpose of protecting the eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) sun rays and of providing a guaranteed Audrey Hepburn/Jackie Onassis sexuality and style. There are quite a few items to consider when buying flattering sunglasses to accompany your bikini. It is important to think about the shape of your face, the color of the lenses, and the amount of UV protection you need. Of course, price is another important consideration. Here are some general tips to keep in mind when shopping for the perfect pair of sunglasses.
Update your sunglasses about every two years. This will refresh your wardrobe and accommodate any changes in your face from weight loss/gain.
When trying on sunglasses, check yourself out in a full-length mirror. It is important to match your sunglasses to the proportions of your body and not just your face.
If you have strong, high cheekbones, do not cover them with your sunglasses. You should always let this wonderfully attractive feature stand out.
When choosing frames for your sunglasses, keep in mind that frames that turn downward can age your appearance, while frames that turn upward will tend to lift your face.
If you are unsure about which shape of frames to buy, try oval frames; these frames flatter almost every face shape.
For the most part, the best frames for your sunglasses will be the opposite of the shape of your face. For example, if you have a long, oblong face shape, you will want to try oval or other horizontal frames to shorten the face and soften its angles.
Green-gray is the best and most popular color for sunglass lenses. Green-gray lenses filter light evenly and distort color very little, making them the best bet for bright, sunny days on the beach or at the pool.
Purple, pink, or blue lenses are great for making a fashion statement, but they tend to interfere with color perception. Save them for occasions when you do not need great vision.
Look for sunglasses that block at least 95% of UVB rays and 60% of UVA rays. Check the label on your sunglasses or ask your optometrist to find out how much protection the lenses offer.