Swimwear For Heavy Bodies
Before heading for the beach and exposing yourself to public view, take a second look at your swimwear to be sure it suits your form.
Everyone enjoys a day at the beach, or barring that, some time at the public swimming pool. A warm day, bright sunlight, and beckoning water spell relaxation for those who seek to escape life’s daily grind.
But before baring your body to the view of other water lovers, try on your swimsuit before a full-length mirror at home to be sure it flatters your figure as much as you hope it does. While some folks are trim enough to look great in anything, no matter how little cloth there is, others can benefit from suitable covering and well-cut swimwear to look their best and feel confident while exposing skin to others’ view. If you carry a few extra pounds, here are some tips for choosing a flattering swimsuit:
1. Opt for a one-piece suit. No matter your body shape, a single-piece suit will fit better and stay on, as opposed to roll up or down. A one-piece suit provides a central focus for the gaze of passers-by, thus reducing your form to a single size instead of an amorphous shape. A single piece of fabric helps to bind and collate the body in an economical manner so that you feel and look trimmer.
2. Choose a dark color. Navy, black, or dark brown, green, or blue can help to slim your shape by tightening the overall appearance in a single color. Dark shades help to make the body appear more spare and they provide more contour for your figure. Try on a variety of hues and shades to find one that accents your skin tone or eye color.
3. Look for V-shapes. A V-neck, if not too low, can add vertical length to your body, making it appear taller and less heavy. The same goes for your back, as long as it doesn’t plunge to your waist, or lower. V-shaped leg openings help to trim your thighs unless they are very large. In that case, choose a regular panty-leg style that won’t call attention to your thighs or hips.
4. Avoid loud prints. Florals, cartoon characters, plaids, and beach scenes can make you appear larger than normal. Stay with sedate themes or reserved motifs that still look attractive but don’t scream “Look at me!” The same goes for ties, lacing, bows, or other additions that fluff out the suit and make it–and you–appear fuller than need be. Select a simple style that hints at your natural attractions without flaunting them. Don’t wear anything that shows front or posterior cleavage.
5. Choose a cut that looks good on you. Shoulder straps can make the suit appear longer, and you will look taller. Stay away from puffy skirts or blousy tops unless absolutely necessary. A tasteful beach cover in fishnet or soft cotton will lighten your overall look as opposed to wearing terrycloth or linen.
6. Get a second opinion. Take an honest friend or your spouse shopping to see what they think about certain styles on you. Pretend he or she represents the entire swimming area and see how you feel wearing a particular suit before that person. If your companion gives a certain suit a thumbs down, you may want to heed the advice instead of getting embarrassed later, in public.
Swimsuits can look good on any figure. It’s just a matter of thoughtful planning to find one that will bring out the best in you.
Written by Debra Johanyak – 2002 Pagewise
