The NO BULL Sh*T Guide to the Swimwear for YOUR body!
Yes, we just swore. Why? Because there is so much prehistoric rubbish about “your shape” and the 5 categories when it comes to swimwear that we saw it fit to describe it with a profanity. Here at Styelle, we are ALL very different and there are a lot more shapes than just 5, I can promise you that. But we all have one thing in common – we are women – and let’s be honest, what woman doesn’t LOVE a great swimsuit!
So here it is! Your no bull sh*t guide to getting swimwear for your body.
Small Chest
Finding a suit that flatters your bust can be a challenge. The best bet for a woman with a smaller chest is to go for a top with embellishments or ruffles to give the illusion of a larger chest. Most women with a smaller bust would go straight for a padded swimsuit – but at Styelle, we have designed a few different styles without padding just for this! Check out our petites range.
Huge Chest
For all the gifted women out there with large boobs, steer clear of anything with a thin string. It will offer you no support and your girls will most likely come loose in the water. Wide straps or no straps and double stitching or hidden stitching are key and make sure cup sizes are specified in whichever you choose. Underwire or moulded cups are essential for women with a larger bust so you can stay secure while cruising the beach.
Broad Shoulders
There are a few things you can do with broad shoulders. We call it “divide and conquer”. When you have a larger part of you that you don’t like, you divide it to conquer it. Stick to solid colours with a panel on them of some sort. This gives the illusion of division and will instantly narrow the area. An asymmetrical or knotted detail neckline/shape will draw the attention away from your shoulders and even you out. You can also opt for a classic triangle bikini that has had the bust section cut higher.
Flat Booty
Now, this is a Styelle specialty! All Styelle swimsuits are designed in low, mid or high brazil cut for one reason only – to give you the much loved curve you really want. Pick the height you’re comfortable with and know your booty is rocking the beach. Bottoms with scrunch detail are an added bonus too as they give the illusion of extra roundness.
Big Booty
So for the ladies with a generous derriere, we recommend sticking to the lower cut bikinis and in block colours so you don’t draw too much attention to the area. Something with a wide side band or even high waist to elongate your lower body. Stay away from string bikinis, mid or high cuts as well as scrunch bottoms.
Athletic/Compact
The desired look to achieve on athletic bodies is to add more curve. Super feminine styles are the way to go when you have an athletic figure. Think frills, ruffles and girly prints. Try to avoid block colours if you can. Soften your shape with pastels or floral prints.
Love Handles and/or Tummy Pouch
High-waisted bottoms are easily the best way to hide a tummy pouch and/or love handles. Lined swimwear made from a firm lycra will stop any jiggling too. Just make sure it goes above your belly button so you don’t get a muffin top appearance. A plunging neckline or a nice tattoo will effectively draw attention away from your least favoured bits too. But, if you have tats that make you cringe every time (maybe because you got it one drunken night?), you might want to consider removing that unwanted tattoo to absolutely shine on the beach.
Many people decide to remove their tattoos for multiple reasons. Some of those are:
- Tattoos fade over time
- Tattoo quality is bad
- The relationship because of which you got the tattoo has ended
- Due to career change and tattoo policies
Short Torso and/or Legs
Low rise bottoms and a lifted bust line will make your torso and legs appear longer. A string or high cut bottom is the preference so there is the least amount of interruption on your skin. Avoid high-waisted bottoms and tops with any extra detailing under the bust line.
Back Fat
Stay away from thin straps here! They will dig into your skin and create a double-bulge. Head to designs with a softer material and extra-wide bands or a high cut one piece to smooth the lumps and bumps. Also good are long sleeved tops like a cropped rashie.
Full Thighs
Skirted or fold down styles are the best for fuller thighs as they create a block appearance across your bottom and front. Feel free to skip the bikini wax too 😉
Big Hips and Skinny Legs
The way to overcome this is to balance out your shoulders and hips. Sport a high-legged bottom with either a strapless or off the shoulder top.
It’s no longer “trendy” to be skinny – it’s all about proportion now and balancing your body out.
Always remember, you are entitled to wear whatever you like and what we have recommended above is merely a guide. You are ALL beautiful, no matter your shape and should embrace that. Your body really is your temple so love yourself always and be your best version of you.
Article from: Charys Caldarella – Founder and CEO of Styelle Swim and Proud Mother of 6
