Swim season has arrived and that means it’s time to shop. Unfortunately, after a long year of school, studying and neglecting the gym, we may not all be so eager to bare everything we’ve got in a teeny bikini.
Finding the best bathing suit for your body type can be incredibly aggravating because you are your own worst critic. And it’s pretty hard not to be just a little bit self-conscious when you’re wearing nothing more than a couple pieces of stretchy fabric – even if the rest of us think you look amazing.
I’ve been rooting around for some pretty cool swimsuits that I can buy with my SPC Card. Although a lot of them are not for my body type, I’m sharing my findings with the rest of you in the hopes that somebody else will find each suit to be the ideal sunbathing buddy for her bod.
Straight ‘n’ skinny. Your curves are pretty minimal and you tend to feel a boyish at times. But, lucky for you, you have a small frame and always look slim.
Ruffles, patterns and colours are your friend. Get pink with excitement in this ultra-girly eyelet bikini from Ardene. [Top $14.50; bottoms $14.50]
Athletic. Although you have a well-toned bod, you sometimes feel a little self-conscious about your broad shoulders and obvious muscle tone.
Go for a bikini top thicker strap, like this one from American Eagle, to make you look a little narrower up top. Incorporate a loud pattern to compensate for your smaller curves. [Top $20.34; bottoms $20.34 (sale)]
Top-heavy. You have the Barbie syndrome. Your chest is larger than the rest of you and you often find the urge to say to people, “My eyes are up here.”
Don’t feel like you have to hide; just make sure you’re covered in this Old Navy suit. A thick halter strap combined with a great colour like neon green will make you stand out in the right way. Keep away from teeny bottoms that will make you look like your bottom half is even smaller. [Top $10; bottom $10 (sale)]
Apple-shaped. You’ve got some curves and don’t like to show your stomach. You often opt for the plus-size racks in search of something with a little more coverage.
Try this ruched tankini from Addition Elle to hide your tummy. Its subtle leopard print keeps it fun, while the twist front accentuates the bust without letting everything hang out. [Top $49.99; bottoms $39.99]
Pear-shaped. Your bottom half is significantly bigger than your top. You feel like you carry most of your weight in your butt and thighs
Draw attention upwards in an orange bikini, like this one from Bluenotes. It has a big bow up top and a little more coverage on the butt area for a balanced appearance. [Top $7; bottoms $7]
What swimsuit style are you searching for this summer?