Suit up — Looking for the right swimwear? There are lots of options out there
Summer is here, and it's time to let your skin see the sun. Fashion experts say this swimsuit season is all about options, so even the most reluctant shopper should be able to find something that fits her body and style.
"It may take a while to find the suit that is meant for you, but know that it is fun and can be easy and you will find one that fits and flatters," said Michelle Casper, spokeswoman for Lands' End.
One of the top national trends this year is the one-piece, which has made a resurgence along with what designers consider to be more modest clothing options. Other styles include fitted swim skirts, exotic nature-inspired prints and patterns, and also suits with adjustable drawstrings near the legs and neckline.
But here in Utah, women tend to like a two-piece "tankini" that covers the tummy, according to Chelsea Rippy, CEO of Shade Clothing, a Utah-based company aimed at creating modest attire. Unlike many one-pieces, the suits aren't skin-tight and restrictive in the torso, she said. They offer more leeway to hide love-handles and tummy rolls and have some benefits in terms of functionality.
"Every woman wants to feel as beautiful as she can in a swimsuit," Rippy said. "Some women are uncomfortable with their tummies and some with their chests. We try to create suits that flatter those body types."
The skirt is more feminine than board shorts and doesn't ride up when you get out of the pool, Adamson said.
"Now I don't have a problem with my mom taking my pictures," she said.
A new survey by Lands' End shows that 86 percent of women want a suit that will flatter their positive features while 84 percent want a suit to hide "anxiety zones." Suits that can both flatter and hide include pieces with halter-style necklines or ruching around the middle, according to Lands' End.
Casper said that with the halter neckline, a woman can either enhance her chest or minimize. Ruching can hide unflattering rolls around the waist, while suits that have tight or "slenderizing" fabric can also conceal undesirable features.
The Lands' End survey also showed that more than 50 percent of women want to minimize or enhance their waistline. After that, women want to minimize their hips or thighs, according to the survey.
Adamson's advice to women looking for a good fit is to shop early. Off-price retailers such as T.J. Maxx have suits for great prices, but smaller sizes sell out fast, she said. Another tip is to always be looking, no matter if you have plans to buy. Adamson said she often runs into great deals and great-fitting suits when she is least expecting.
Recent comments
I appreciate the article on modest swimwear. However, you forgot...
Kandi Girl | June 3, 2008 at 7:55 p.m.
Lands End are best. They fit great and they are "hearty."...
Anonymous | June 3, 2008 at 12:34 p.m.
Except if you buy from Downeast, everybody else at the pool has your...
Downeast | June 3, 2008 at 11:20 a.m.
