Style Stop
By Linda Peavy
Swimsuit season is upon us.
But you don’t have to dread going to the pool or beach for fear of having nothing to wear. We have taken the guesswork out of finding the best swimsuit for your body.
Take Your Measurements
Yes, you will need your current measurements before you go swimsuit shopping. You should ask a friend to help with measurements to ensure accuracy. Be sure to check the results twice.
Here are the dimensions to take:
- Bust/Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest. (Hint: This measurement is different from your bra band size.)
- Waist: Hold the end of the tape at your belly button, and wrap it around your waist to the front.
- Hips: Measure around the widest point of your hips and buttocks.
- Body Loop/Torso: Start at the inner shoulder, come down the front of the torso, and go between the legs. Continue up the back to the start of the tape on the shoulder. You might need help here.
Now that you have the measurements, they will guide you when shopping for the right suit, especially online.
Most Popular Swimsuits
One-Piece: The most popular shape for a swimsuit is the one-piece. These suits complement any body 
shape and never need to be boring! Consider fun colors, embellishments, and ruffles to add pizzazz and dimension to your appearance.
Two-Piece: Think you can’t rock a bikini? Think again. Two-piece suits include a
bra top and bottom. They’re either available in one overall size or different sizes for separates. If you have an unevenly sized top and bottom like many women, buy different sizes to fit your bust and butt.
Tankini: A tankini is a two-piece bathing suit with a long tank top and a bikini bottom. It offers more coverage for the bust and stomach and often comes in separates.
Shape Solvers
Buy your swimsuit based on these recommendations for different shapes, and take the frustration out of shopping.
Do You Have a Larger Bust? Underwire vs. Non-Wire Swimsuits: Decide on an underwire or non-underwire swimsuit. This decision depends on your preferences and desired support level. Underwire swimsuits often give more lift and support to a larger bust, but many women prefer the comfort of non-underwire swimsuits.
Bra Sizing. Consider buying a swimsuit with bra-sized tops and take the guesswork out of whether the suit will fit properly. Many swimsuits offer this sizing based on regular bras for a more custom fit. Varieties include one- and two-piece versions.
High Neckline. To balance a larger chest, a high neckline will minimize the shoulder and chest and call attention to the lower half of the body.
Twist Front Neckline. These shapes are twisted or gathered at the front, creating a heart shape at the chest to minimize and flatter a full bust. The straps slant towards the neck and draw attention away from the bust. This style was popular in the 1950s.
Want to Camouflage a Larger Tummy?
Ruffles. Ruffles down the front of a swimsuit design can disguise a larger waistline as they pull the eye up and away from the midriff.
Ruching. Ruching is gathered fabric that is pulled and pleated to create a ripple-like effect. Ruching is quite slimming and can even create an hourglass effect. Yes to ruching!
Empire Waist. This type of swimsuit can be found in swim dresses and resembles a babydoll top. It features a fitted top with a waistline just below the breast to create a skirted effect that loosely flows over the body.
Do You Have an Ample Bottom?
Swim Dress. With its skirted bottom and attached brief, this swim dress will minimize your lower body.
High Waist Bottoms. If you are looking for two-piece swimsuits, opt for a high-waisted bottom that gives you a more balanced look.
Unitard. The unitard is a one-piece swimsuit that ends above the knee and provides full coverage. It camouflages larger hips and thighs and elongates the entire body.
Modest Swimwear Choices
If you prefer swim capris, swim pants, tankinis, full-length swim tops, and knee-length swim dresses, Calypsa offers one of the largest swimwear selections of all retailers for those with modest taste.
Four Best Swimsuits Styles for Curvy Bodies
One-Piece. The one-piece is excellent for larger frames as it provides one uniform shape. For a more slimming effect, choose ones with ruching or ruffles.
Sarong Front Swimsuits. The sarong is designed with an extra fabric panel in the front that drapes loosely over the midsection. The additional coverage elongates the whole frame and is particularly flattering if you have a larger waist or apple shape.
Swimdresses. Swim dresses offer more hip coverage than the average style and feature a skirted, flared bottom that glides over the hips, thighs, and rear for a stunning but comfortable fit.
High-Waist Bikinis. The high-waisted bikini silhouette lengthens the figure, giving the illusion of a longer torso and longer legs. The bottom rises slightly above the natural waist, therefore covering the stomach.
Final Tips
Look for these extra benefits to enhance your swimsuit selections.
- Adjustable straps
- Support
- Long-lasting fabric
- UPF 50 sun protection
- Mastectomy bra cups
Where to Shop
Now that you know how to shop, here are a few retailers that offer a wide range of regular and plus-size swimwear. Shop at Swimsuits for All, Summersalt, Land’s End, Miracle Suit, Everything But Water, Modcloth, and Bare Necessities.
For a large variety of extended plus sizes, consider Swimsuits for All, Lane Bryant, Ulla Popken, Catherines.com, and Eloquii.com.
Embrace swimsuit season in style.
