Beachwear For The Not-So-Beach Bod

February 23, 2009     Posted in Style

beach.jpg


By Sarabeth

If you’re like me, no matter how much time you spend in the gym, there are some body parts you’d rather not flaunt. But with spring break coming up, there’s absolutely no reason for you to hit the beach or pools without feeling fabulous. Never to fear ladies; I’ve dug around for some hot ideas for you to look and feel your best, no matter what body type you have.

If you’re worried about:

Hips & Thighs

This is the one I worry about. My usual remedy for this is board shorts. They look cute and easy, and are a great accessory for a bikini. No one has to know you’re wearing em to cover up a few imperfections.

board1.jpg board2.jpg board3.jpg

TIP: Get a fixed waistband board short, not an elastic band. Fixed waistbands are smoother and give you a more streamlined look, so your stomach ends up looking ab-fab. Stay away from gathered or anything elastic; it makes you look bulky, which sorta defeats the purpose, no?

Stomach

Personally, I feel there’s nothing wrong with a one-piece, especially if it’s done well. Here is where rouching is your friend. It distracts the eye, and it disguises that mini beer belly wonderfully. I love this first one because it’s very classically sexy.

one piece  tankini  1piece.jpg

TIP: If you want the coverage of a one piece, but the playfulness of a bikini, swimwear designers answered our prayers with the tankini.

Large Chest

Another one of my worries. The best thing for girls who need a bit more support without looking dowdy is the ever-amazing halter top, especially ones with broad straps. Not only do halters provide much-needed support, but the cut of a halter is very slimming. The key to looking good in anything is balance; halters make you look smaller up top so that you look proportional. Plus those suckers hold your chest in place, which is always important.

top  halter top 2  halter.jpg

TIP: Stay away from anything with the words “string” or “bandeau.” It’s just an accident waiting to happen.

11 Comments on "Beachwear For The Not-So-Beach Bod"

  1. S. says:
    Mon, 23rd Feb 200912:32 pm 

    Good advice. Maybe some tips for small-chested girls too?

  2. Lauren says:
    Mon, 23rd Feb 200912:44 pm 

    I love the red one piece, I saw that on the Victoria's Secret website too.

    But $167 for a bathing suit? I actually wear my suits to the beach, and I'm not going to baby it, so I need to buy cheaper suits.

    I found one at Target that looks almost exactly the same for like $30 instead.

  3. Vivian says:
    Mon, 23rd Feb 20094:23 pm 

    S. – For small chested girls, bikini tops with ruffles or bandeau tops are the most flattering. The ruffles help visually fill out the chest area while bandeaus compliment small busts. With these tops, you never have to worry about having an "accident" =)

  4. Laura says:
    Mon, 23rd Feb 20096:37 pm 

    Actually I've tried a couple of halter tops (I'm a DD) and I find that they actually dig into my neck because of all the weight! It's very uncomfortable. I actually prefer an underwire that is shaped more like a bra.

  5. Kathryn S says:
    Mon, 23rd Feb 20097:52 pm 

    I agree with Laura- plus, even when I buy an "extra large" top, it's usually either too wide (I have big boobs, but a fairly small torso) or the cups are still too small and my chi chis threaten to explode at any given moment. Anybody know where you can buy a good top that goes past a size C?

  6. D. says:
    Mon, 23rd Feb 20098:16 pm 

    Try the figleaves.us website. They have a bunch of stuff for larger busts.

  7. Becky says:
    Tue, 24th Feb 20097:17 am 

    I was a little surprised at Macy's selection this year – better than usual and discounts galore. They've partnered with studentrate.com and are offering a coupon right now for plus sizes. Here's the link:

    http://www.studentrate.com/StudentRate/bu/get_bu_…

  8. Jenna says:
    Tue, 24th Feb 20098:35 am 

    I'm a 34DD and have bought all my swimsuits from Bravissimo.com. They specialize in big busts.

  9. Jayli says:
    Mon, 2nd Mar 20099:49 pm 

    WORLD SWIMWEAR has the cutest swimsuits for inexpensive. All come with removable foam padding for a push up look, all are fully lined and I just LOVE each one that I purchased. Most of their suits are between $35-$60, but UNIQUE! A must see check them out online.

  10. Tracie says:
    Tue, 3rd Mar 200912:45 pm 

    I have shopped at World Swimwear, too. I bought 3 swimsuits. I love them all. http://www.WorldSwimwear.com

  11. Beachwear says:
    Fri, 10th Apr 20099:55 am 

    Very good tips! But a not-so-beach-bod will still be a not-so-beach-bod unfortunately…

Tell us what you're thinking...