HOW (AND WHERE) TO SHOP FOR SWIMWEAR

With only two weeks until summer officially begins, it also marks the beginning of swimsuit season.

So for those of you with a summer cozi on your shopping list, I’m here to help.
If you thought undergarments were difficult to shop for (see last week’s post), bathers are typically tougher as we can actually see them!

Fortunately for you, I’m not going to personally showcase options but I’ve selected a few styles and a 3-step guideline for purchasing swimwear.

Now, swimwear is quite personal, however, the wrong cut & shape can be a tragic decision, resulting in breasts not being supported or covered enough, extra bum cheek falling out of ill fitting bottoms or tummy on show that was not intended!

SWIMWEAR TIP 1

Before you embark on your swimwear shop, head to your underwear drawer and find your best cut and fit of undies you already own – this is your answer on the shape of your bikini bottom or bather bottom.
So while you might prefer high cut, mid cut or boy cut in swimwear, nothing is going to look better on you than a size and cut that fits and feels comfortable every day. A super simple task we can all do.

Left: Full Bather bottom from Seafolly $74.95
Left Centre: Brazilian cut bather bottom from Seafolly $59.95
Right Centre: Boyleg bather bottom from Seafolly $69.95
Right: High-waisted bather bottom from Seafolly $89.95

SWIMWEAR TIP 2

Now for my busty ladies (D Cup+), look for swimwear which features an under-wire bust insert, bathers with wider straps or a halter neck as you will generally require support.

Left: Geisha D Cup by Seafolly, $99.95
Right: Summer Garden D cup by Seafolly, $189.95

Smaller busts can easily wear bathers with shoestring straps, bandeau bra tops, strapless swimwear with ruffles to volumise the area and even a higher neckline.

Left: Net Effect Cascase Bandeau by Seafolly $89.95
Centre: Keep Choker one piece by Zimmermann $295
Right: Pop High Neck Maillot by Seafolly $149.95

SWIMWEAR TIP 3

Have a tummy that you wish to hide?
There are some great support swimwear brands now like Nancy Ganz and their range can help target problem areas – similar to the result of shape wear.

Left: Monaco by Nancy Ganz, also comes in black $179.95
Centre: Leila Top by Nancy Ganz, comes in various colours $99.95
Right: Chateau one piece by Nancy Ganz, $149.95, also comes in other colours

Consider ruching (gathered material) across the tummy or a pattern running vertically for a slimming affect. Other options could be a one-piece suit with a centre zip and “tankinis” can be another option for hiding the tummy.

If your figure is a gorgeous full hourglass (lucky ladies), there are many 60’s inspired bathers available for you which will accentuate your waist. Try Thurley or Zimmerman as they have some gorgeous cuts for your feminine shape.

Left: Scout Look Back by Zimmermann, $230
Centre: Keeper Frill Bikini by Zimmermann, $195
Right: Scout Balcony in Snake Print, By Zimmermann and it’s $330

WHERE TO SHOP

Tigerlilly do a beautiful range of swimwear if you are looking for a touch of “boho” and they also have bikinis and one piece suits in gorgeous prints. Think Dita Von Teese.

Left: Cacacona 50’s Halter by Tigerlily, $99.95
Right: Ajrakh One Piece by Tigerlily, $199.95

Thurley’s new swimwear range is divine with a few different styles & colours to suit most tastes and they also offer some gorgeous matching cover-ups for when you’re walking around poolside.

Left (shows front and back): Bauhaus by Thurley only $169.99
Centre: Laser Cut Bodice by Thurley $169.99
Right (shows front and back): Geo Tribal One piece by Thurley, $169.99

I find David Jones a great one-stop shop for swimwear with almost all swimwear styles covered- any shape & style requirement.

Seafolly also carry a great range and have a selection of mix & match bottoms. A brilliant concept as you can try several pieces that are perfectly sized for your body.

Remember ladies, where you have a problem area e.g. your tummy, be careful not to draw attention to it. Aim to bring details anywhere other than your tummy, otherwise that’s where we will all look=)

Do you stress about wearing bathers or do you just buy whatever you like and confidently strut your stuff on the beach no matter what is on show?

If you have found bathers that work well for your body shape and/or bits then please share below to help others.

Love Cindy xx