Swimsuits are a sign of summer, relaxation, and vacations, yet somehow are also the harbinger of body-image stress and endless searches for the perfect swimwear. So what are we to do?
First, there are a few things you should consider when shopping for your swimwear, like body shape, or your activity level while in your swimwear. Lounging by the pool allows for more of a fashion-based statement piece, whereas body surfing would obviously present the need for a suit specifically designed to stay put. We have some ideas for every lifestyle, plus guidance on the best fit for every prime woman’s body!
One-Piece Suits
Curvy Bodies
Coastal Blue Strappy Back Chevron……$68
Why We Love It: The vertical chevron compliments the curvy width of the body, and the wide shoulder straps will support and lift. The straps add a splash of detail in the back with the offset stripe pattern.
Dolce & Gabbana Halter Plunge Swimsuit……$645
Why We Love It: Patterns distract the eye from imperfections in your figure. The wrap-around waistline provides support to the middle, and the halter/empire waistline exaggerates length.
Slim Bodies
Anne Cole Rugby Striped V-Neck with Twisted Band…..$54
Why We Love It: This classically nautical suit features larger stripes on the bottom and smaller on top. The twisted sash minimizes the waist, creating an hourglass feel.
Robin Piccone Jennie Plunge Swimsuit…..$158
Why We Love It: Ruffles add volume in the bust area. The higher-cut leg and plunging V-neck showcase length.
Voluptuous Bust
LaBlanca Sweetheart Swimsuit…..$118
Why We Love It: The adjustable, wide strap offers support and the sweetheart neckline is a classic cleavage perfecter.
Miraclesuit® Illusionists Bandwith Swimsuit…..$188
Why We Love It: The criss-cross banding visually and physically lifts the breast. The underwire and high-neck design adds support.
Tummy Control
LaBlanca Twist Front Bandeau Swimsuit…..$109
Why We Love It: Black is slimming and this suit has a figure-perfecting ruched midriff. The strapless top draws the eye upward, distracting from the tummy.
Onia Isabella Seersucker Swimsuit…….$195
Why We Love It: This sculpting swimsuit from Onia features darts and vertical stripes to lengthen the body, while the underwire lifts the breasts, creating a lovely hourglass figure.
Fashion Statement
Trina Turk Midnight Paradise Flutter Sleeve……$67
Why We Love It: This suit is a fun nod to the excess of the ’80s. Paired with jeans or long skirt, this suit would be great for seeing the sights on your way to the beach.
Johanna Ortiz M’O Exclusive Bastille Ruffle Swimsuit……$650
Why We Love It: Shoulder ruffles are all the rage right now, but the suit is modest, with a lovely white bow in
the back as it’s only color accent. Pair this with Palazzo pants for a fun day shopping on your way to lounging
by the pool.
Active Lifestyle
Lululemon Swell Seeker Paddle Suit……$128
Why We Love It: Lululemon gets the details right. Perforated panels allow for added water flow, and the coverage is great.
Stella McCartney ‘Stella’ Iconic Miracle Suit……$385
Why We Love It: Fitness meets Fashion. The design is body-slimming and there’s a full-coverage backside.
Two-Piece Suits
Curvy Bodies
J.Crew Laser-cut Eyelet Bikini Top ($64) & High-Waist Bottom ($58)
Why We Love It: The bandeau top with straps adds support while the high-waist slims the hips. The peek-a-boo laser-cut eyelet pattern is backed by a tan fabric, so no skin actually shows through, but the design still adds
a bit of spice.
Tommy Bahama Sand Bar Stripe Bikini Top ($78) & High-Waist Bottoms ($78)
Why We Love It: A high-waisted bottom shows off curvy hips, while the halter top lifts the cleavage and offers support. The nautical details of the grommet & bow add a touch of whimsy.
Slim Bodies
Fin Fun Mermaid Bandeau Bikini….$54
Why We Love It: When you can wear just about anything, have fun with it! This mermaid-inspired set also features this year’s hit Pantone color-UltraViolet.
Mara Hoffman Colorblock Bandeau Top ($160) & High-Waist Bottoms ($175)
Why We Love It: Horizontal stripes are your friend! (and yours, alone…)
Voluptuous Bust
High Neck Tankini Top ($78) and Banded Bikini Bottom ($39.99)
Why We Love It: The high neck halter top gives support, while providing modest, but not matronly coverage, with matching ultra slimming bottoms with banded waist.
LaBlanca Island Wrap Bikini Top……$75
Why We Love It: The wrap-around top is a big trend this season, and emphasizes the hourglass shape of the body. Underwire adds support.
Tummy Control
Pour Moi Daydreamer Control Bikini Bottom ($30) & Halter Bikini Top ($40)
Why We Love It: This two piece suit has a control panel in the bottoms and a couple of different bikini tops to choose from depending on your coverage preference.
Solid & Striped Brigitte Bottom ($88) & Ella Top ($88)
Why We Love It: The thick, vertical stripes draw the eyes upward and add length. Overall, it’s a simple suit
done well, with a fun nod to the ’70s.
Fashion Statement
Luxe by Lisa Vogel
Halter Draped-Keyhole Velvet Tankini ($98) & Premier High-Waist Banded Swim Bikini Bottom ($58)
Why We Love It: Velvet! Pair with your favorite jeans for a stylish way to transition from pool to party, or with a mini to dress it up for cocktails.
Johanna Ortiz Ruffled One Shoulder Bikini Top ($248) & Ensenada High Waist Bikini Bottom ($75)
Why We Love It: This suit is begging you to buy a ticket to Barcelona! If you pair this suit with a long skirt it will transition nicely to dinner, drinks and the dancefloor.
Active Lifestyle
TYR Women’s Durafast Elite Diamondfit Workout Bikini….$50-$100
Why We Love It: The bottoms have a drawstring to keep them in place during activity.
Ultracor Adrift Mesh Luster Bikini Top ($135) & Argon Luster High Waist Bikini Bottoms ($135)
Why We Love It: The ‘Futurism’ trend isn’t going away anytime soon, invading all areas of fashion, including fitness. The fabric dries quickly, and the inset mesh adds a bit of glamour to your workout.
Tankini
Tommy Bahama Blouson Tankini Top……$98
Why We Love It: This could double as a shirt for those post-swim lunches and errands. Comfortable, with soft cups and removable strap.
Miraclesuit Tiki Love Knot Tankini Top……$122
Why We Love It: The print is modern, yet tribal. The decorative cut along the bottom is so unique, adding a touch of haute for when it’s hot.
Protective
TYR Santa Cruz Belize Rashguard……$50
Why We Love It: Thumbholes keep the sleeves down while chasing your adventures in the water.
Rip Curl G Bomb Long Sleeve UV Surfsuit…..$80
Why We Love It: Full coverage bottoms, and a UVA rating above 50, you’ll stay protected while in the water. This is a great suit for colder waters as it maintains core body temperature.
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