Aside from finals week, bathing suit season is that time of year that tends to creep up quickly and spark more anxiety in us college students.
Some of us girls start to obsess over calorie intake and which self-tanners to buy while trying to get in as much time as possible at the gym. I’m guilty of it too, well maybe except the self-tanning.
Although we love swimsuit weather, we put way too much stress on ourselves to find the perfect bathing suit that doesn’t draw attention to our problem areas. There is no such thing as the “perfect body,” but with a little help from this guide, you can find the perfect suit for your body.
In one of my earlier columns, I discussed the different body types and how to dress for each. Just like apparel shopping, it is important to know your body shape when searching for the perfect swim suit. You never want to be discouraged though, and always remember that there is a flattering suit for you!
Before I get into the specific fits for your body, there are a couple of useful tips before you step foot in the fitting room. For me, trying on bathing suits is complete torture. I think way to much into it, but I have found with a couple easy steps, the experience can be a lot more enjoyable.
First, I would recommend trying bathing suits on earlier in the morning because our bodies are less bloated. Make it your first trip of the day, instead of going after lunch or dinner when you had one too many pieces of bread.
Second, I personally feel more confident when I have a little color and a hair free body. Whether you self, spray or even tan with UV lights, you are more likely to have a confidence boost when trying on your first suit. You also want to make sure you shave or get waxed.
Third, have a plan. You want to have an idea of the type of suit to look for, so you don’t try something on that is not right for you. We all know that when we try something on that does not flatter us, we start to lose confidence and it can kill our shopping spirit.
With that said, here are a few simple guidelines on must haves and what to avoid for your body type.
If you are looking to slim down your hips, I suggest a bottom that has a higher waist. This will help create leaner looking legs. You also do not want to draw too much attention to that area, so stick with solid bottoms. Darker colors always recede, so black, navy or dark brown are great choices. By wearing lighter colored tops with fun prints and patterns, you will attract eyes to your upper half!
For women with smaller busts, I recommend tops with lots of beading and ruffles. The extra material and texture look creates a fuller illusion. Steer clear of the infamous bandeau top. I also wouldn’t rule out tops with underwire.
If you are looking to control your belly, do not wear tankini’s; they are extremely clingy. Even though it seems they are made for this type of figure, they actually tend to accent that part of your body that some of us like to keep hidden. Choose a top that is a lower cut and bottoms that are cut higher.
For a bigger bust, lower necklines and under wire tops are the way to go, especially for support. I would stay away from triangle tops as they can be too revealing, and not in a good way. Solid prints up top are always a safe bet, but make it fun with beading or ruffles at the bottom to create a balanced proportion.
And finally, if you are looking to flatten some of your curves, angled and vertical stripes are key. Tie-string bottoms can be a little tricky and tight for this body type, but a wrap cover (around your hips) is the perfect accessory!
One last, important thing to remember when trying on bathing suits is to not focus on numbers and letters. It’s not about sizes, it’s about comfort. Summer is all about relaxing and feeling great, so make this years bathing suit shopping trip a fun one, and try not to stress yourself out too much. There is a style for every body type that will accent all of your best physical qualities, so don’t focus on the negative.
Lauren DiCrecchio is a fifth-year student majoring in liberal studies with minors in journalism and Spanish. She can be reached at LD658004@wcupa.edu.