Swimwear. What the Editors & Influencers don't tell you...

You know it’s summer when you get an influx of Swimwear advice telling you what swimsuit shape suits your body shape, and the best beach cover-ups to keep you feeling cool and looking cool. But here’s what the Editors & Influencers don’t tell you, followed by what to do about it.

About Body Shape

It starts with matching your body shape to swimwear shape for the most flattering look. Apples, pears, hourglass, blah, blah, blah...I’m not knocking it (well, I am a bit) because when it comes to swimwear, you only have from shoulder to crotch to contend with, so the balance-your-body illusions that use shoulder to ankle, with a bit of height from footwear, doesn’t always translate to swimwear. All swimwear is stretched around the torso from shoulder, or off the shoulder, to the crotch.

So, one less thing to contend with, forget searching for certain shapes swimwear and focus on swimwear construction for shape.

About Colour

Pretty much like body shape formulas, colour analysis is slightly different when we’re talking about a small amount of body-hugging fabric stretched around the torso, stopping at the crotch.

If you are body conscious, the last thing you want to do is blend a harmonious colour that picks out the subtle hues of your skin tone. Why? Because it will give the illusion you are wearing a full morph suit and highlight your exact body shape including all lumps and bumps.

Instead, if you are dark skinned go for bright and light colours,  if you are light-skinned opt for bright and deep. Avoid cream, brown and gold if you’d rather hide your figure. Choosing the brightest shades in your palette or even going rogue and going opposite to your palette, will highlight just the swimwear shape and area. Then go back to your palette with a cover-up, picking your colours that work best with what ever swimwear you have chosen.

About Style

Never forget that the influencers and editors are trying to sell you the latest look, and during the summer months, it’s usually to shift stock before it becomes last year’s.

Swimwear is swimwear – that little body-hugging, stretchy, shoulder-to-crotch one-piece or bikini set. It’s not going to date in the space of a few years, or even 10years if you choose well. Fashion isn’t how it used to be – retro, vintage, iconic decades... they are all in fashion on the beach and poolside, so no need to succumb to the hard sell of marketing strategies. Stay true to you. If you style is classic think navy stripe nautical, it your style is dramatic look for the oversized bling, that ruches the fabric together, if you’re a natural style play around with drawstring features that don’t have to be tied in neat bows, but left as tassels. It’s all out there.

My Top Tips from a Stylist/Sewist, in order of importance:

1. Posture

We don’t all revel in exposing more flesh than what is covered, but this is the reality of swimwear, which subsequently makes us want to shrink ourselves, so no one sees.  HOWEVER, my Stylish friends, this results in an awkward stoop, rounded shoulders, arms bent forward to shield belly all unwittingly attracting attention because it looks a bit odd; Literally like we are hiding something. But all we are hiding is our swimwear, making us look naked and, yep, attracting even more attention as any observer has a double-take.

Stand up and be proud to wear swimwear

2. Shape

It’s explained above, all you need to remember is it’s one less thing to search for but do consider the actual garment construction – that’s what provides shape to match the curvature of the body.

3. Construction

Swimwear has a function the same way underwear does. Choose your cup size and look for swimwear that has visible seam structure to create a bust shape. If you wear an underwired bra, choose underwired swimwear. 2 flat pieces of stretchy fabric or a triangle will not be supportive or flattering.

Halter neck or cross back straps will look less like underwear. Wide straps will allow a snugger, secure fit without digging in. Look for stitched in thin, cup-padding, that will stay in place and not fill with water like a sponge.

4. Colour

As above. Choose bright & light, or bright & deep colours. Do go for block colours and larger patterns. Yes, I know it sounds wrong, but it works. Save the harmonious colours and ditst patterns for the cover-up.

5. Accessorise

Big accessories such as floppy hats, tote bags, oversized sunglasses make the swimwear surface area look smaller or can act as a distraction. Cover-ups that are open at the front create half the width of a fully closed over-the-head beach cover-up. The buttons enable closure at certain points of your choice, and also releases the fabric in other places to float freely creating the perfect silhouette.

Go with your personal taste and style, just like you do for daily dressing on any other day or occasion.

6. Price Point

Expensive.

For fabrics with stability and longevity that are designed specifically to cope with salt water, chlorine, and sunlight exposure, as well as the necessary seam types, elastics, and reinforced bits, expect to pay £45+ for bikini top, £30+ for bottoms, and  £80+ for a swimsuit (and that’s airing on the side of sale prices too).

Buy out of season, choose well and your swimwear will last 10+ years.

10 Tips for Flattering Swimwear

1.     Wide straps & low ‘V’ front adds length to the body.

2.     Vertical drawstring adds rouching where you want it.

3.     Textured fabric disguises lumps and bumps.

4.     Avoid high leg (unless you have the legs).

5.     High front neckline and low back detail hides the belly.

6.     Balcony bra bikini top adds length to body & pulls in the waist.

7.     Wafty, front-opening cover-ups are more flattering than closed front styles, and are easier to wear longer, giving the illusion of more fabric/less flesh exposed, but without adding bulk.

8.     Classic nautical styles look sophisticated, and can be worn with non-beachwear for Spas days & city holidays with pools etc.

9.     Frills, flounce and ties do not hide body bits, they are simply a style preference.

10.  If you’re not a model then don’t expect to look the same as the model in the photoshopped, AI picture promoting the swimwear.

Swimwear Brands to consider, Rigby & Pellar, Anne Summers, John Lewis, Figleaves, Moda Minx, Fantasie

I hope you found this useful and informative. Let me know.

Oh, and yes. It is possible to alter swimwear, just like any other garment alteration.

Love Sarah x