When you head out to the pool or the beach, does your swimsuit make you look and feel your best? If not, you're not alone. In fact, according to a
recent survey of more than 1,000 women, conducted by Lands' End, eight out of ten women (83 percent) confessed to having worn the wrong size swimsuit. The survey also found more than half of respondents (54 percent) purchase swim bottoms in a size that is too big hoping for more coverage, while a third (34 percent) have squeezed into a suit that is too small because a larger size was not available.
"With so many advances in swimsuit design, high-performance fabrics and a full range of available sizes, there is no reason why any woman should experience a muffin top or a saggy bottom," said Suzanne Bryant, vice president of design at Lands' End.
To help you make a splash this summer, Bryant offers these
tips for finding the swimsuit that's right for you.
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SWIMSUIT STRATEGIES
When it comes to finding the perfect-fitting swimsuit, the goal is to accentuate the positives and minimize the anxiety zones. { }
Minimize or Enhance Waist and Tummy STRATEGY: Define a waistline and create some curves.
- Find great waist-defining details such as princess seams, draping and
shirring.
- Suits for this shape will feature a shirred waist. Lines, prints and special detailing will help to define a waistline.
Minimize Hips and Thighs STRATEGY: Draw eyes up and away from hips.
- Triangle shapes should look for suits that slim the lower torso and
draw attention to the upper torso with shapely necklines, bust detailing
and shirring.
- Look for surplice or Vnecklines, empire-style waists, darker colors on
bottom, patterns on top.
Enhance Bust Area STRATEGY: Create a fuller-looking top half.
- Find supportive built-in bras to offer support and bust enhancement.
- Flattering top styles include halter, v-neck, scoop neck and shirred
tops.
Minimize Bust Area STRATEGY: Provide bust support with good coverage.
- Higher necklines are a must when trying to minimize the bust.
- Look for back straps and supportive bras built into swimsuits.
- Quality fabrics will aid in coverage and will help camouflage top areas.
Lengthen Legs STRATEGY: Higher leg openings create the illusion of longer legs.
- Choosing a suit with a two-inch leg opening will instantly lengthen legs.
- Side-tie bottoms are great for adjusting the leg openings to a desired
height.
Finally, Bryant says, "Do love your body -- but
don't stress about your suit. Get a good fit and
balance your body proportions and you'll feel great in
a swimsuit that complements your figure."
