Swimsuits and the Art of Figure Flattery
April 23rd, 2010
The goal of figure flattery is to create the visual illusion of a more hourglass-like shape from your figure. Essentially, it’s making the most of what you’ve got - and it makes you look taller and thinner. Whatever your personal architecture, you have a good deal of control over how you look in a swimsuit, especially given how little fabric you’re working with. How do you flatter your body in a swimsuit? It’s all in the details.
If you have a tummy…
Jersey Lomellina Retro Bandeau Tank | $115 at J Crew
Look for ruching at the belly - and a high cut leg and/or a low cut top to look your leanest. Avoid shiny suits, which accentuate figure flaws.
If you have a small bust…
Pindot Underwire Top | $52 at J Crew
Pindot Bikini | $44 at J Crew
Look for suits with underwire for extra definition. Also, ruffles, ruching, and other textured fabric treatments help create visual volume.
If you have a big bust…
Coco Reef Swimsuit | $114 at Macy’s
Look for suits that have enough support, and avoid necklines that are too high (you’ll only look bigger) or too low (not enough support). (PS: While the model pictured doesn’t fit the silhouette type, the swimsuit does indeed work well for women with a larger bust.)
If you’re pear shaped…
Becca ‘Color Code’ Halter Top & Bikini Bottoms | $78+ at Nordstrom
Look for swimsuits that draw attention upward. Also look for higher cut swimsuit bottoms, which visually elongate your leg.
If you’re curvy…
Miraclesuit Sanibel One Piece | $148 at Nordstrom
Look for wrap styles and vertical-type patterns to make you look longer and leaner. Avoid too-high necklines, which will create the illusion of "uniboob."
Entry Filed under: Shopping Guide,Women
6 Comments
1. RobynT | April 23rd, 2010 at 1:39 pm
I like this post! It is ridiculously hard to find a swimsuit with underwire though! I know J. Crew has them. I believe American Eagle has some, but I wish there were more options–and cheaper ones I guess.
2. J | April 24th, 2010 at 7:17 am
For the 500th time. Curvy is not the same as plus size. Some women are average size, but still have a larger bust and hips, those women are curvy. Find a swimsuit/jeans/outfit for that.
3. JenX | April 25th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
great post!
4. Tebonin | April 25th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
Love the white one most. Most nice part of this post is you are using plus size model still cute.
5. Iz | April 26th, 2010 at 10:41 am
I agree – it’s super difficult to find swimsuit options with underwire!
6. Stephanie | May 14th, 2010 at 6:54 pm
Agree with J. I have a little bit of a tummy and thick thighs, but I’m not plus size. There is a middle; people are between, and i dont always know what category i fall under.