15 / 09 / 09
Bigger on the top than the bottom? No problem. Need a little extra support in the bust? It’s yours. Like a little logo with your swim? Just pick a designer.
Specialty sizes, mix-and-match separates, perfect coverups: get them all.
It may not be any easier to face that moment of truth during the first swimsuit try-on of the season, but at least swimwear variety and sizing improves every year.
Trends
- Prints. Look for graphic appeal: stripes, plaids and bold florals.
- Colors. Basic black will never go away, but don’t overlook cool blues, black and white and tropical colors like fuchsia.
- Details. Ruffles, smocking, belts, embroidery, lacing.
Styles
- Bikini — This once-shocking style (born more than 30 years ago) is the granddaddy of fashion swimwear. Looks newest now in super-skimpy triangle, side-tie bottoms. Look for built-in push-up bras, underwire and sculpted cups for extra curves.
- Tankini — A variation of the bikini, this sporty style has a longer top that leaves only a small portion of the tummy exposed. Don’t want to expose your tummy at all? Go for the mock tankini.
- Bandini — A bikini with a bandeau (straight, striplike piece of fabric) top.
- Camikini — Same as the tankini except the top looks like a camisole.
- Maillot — One-piece suit (some creative types have even labeled a cut-out style the “monokini”). This year maillots are cut out, one-shouldered and halternecked.
- Boy legs — A longer leg resembling really short shorts. Careful here — tends to make the leg look shorter– but still a favorite silhouette.
Accessories
- Sarongs, in sheer fabrics and pretty prints, continue to be the most flattering and chicest way to cover up. Tie on the side, in front or around your chest for full coverage.
- Board shorts are a cute and sporty way to pull on extra bottom coverage; find them everywhere from surf boutiques to Target.
- Flip flops have moved from just-beachwear to everyday fare over the past few seasons.
