HydroChic is a line of modest swim wear recently featured in the Wall Street Journal. It seems that women are looking for more modest alternatives when it comes to swim wear, and the idea is catching on. From top fashion magazines to Mayim Bialik to a 15-year-old who recently started a campaign on CHANGE.org pleading retailers to offer more modest fashions, it seems the topic of modest fashion is hot.
Today HydroChic is celebrating its 7th year as a leader in this category. They offer a wide variety of coverage styles from sleeveless to long sleeve swim dresses, skorts, skirts, shorts and leggings in fashion forward colors. This month HydroChic put together a list of Bathing Suit Dos and Don’t’s for Lioness readers.
Bathing Suit Dos and Dont’s
Choosing a bathing suit to complement one’s body type can be a daunting experience. But, the swimwear fit and style experts at HydroChic have set down the best fit tips for every body type. From curvier frames to muffin top tummies, we’re helping to make sense of endless swimwear options and narrowing them down to the picks that were made to fit and flatter your frame. Want to know what you should be looking for? Scroll on down to get expert dos and don’ts, find your perfect suit, and never hate swimsuit shopping again.
Tummy Pouch: Hiding a tummy is actually much easier than most people think. Peplums for example, are perfect for a day at the beach or poolside. A full-piece with ruching, gathering or draping can also help to conceal your stomach. A two-piece swim dress with a free-flowing top will also hide bulges and provide comfort. Also, choose styles that draw focus to the upper half of the body rather than the mid-section. Avoid tight-fitting tankinis, belt detailing, and low-rise or string bottoms.
Large Chests: Underwire is key, but wide or adjustable straps, boning, seamed cups, and sturdy linings help lift the chest, too. Other ancillary support features, like high necklines, full coverage at the armholes, or halters with wide bands under the breasts, also help. In many cases a two-piece is actually better, because you have a band of support all the way around the back. Avoid skimpy styles that gape open or lack structure, like triangle tops.
Full Hips and Thighs: A suit with eye-catching details above the waist―a pop of color or hardware will lure attention to your upper half. Down below, opt for an arched leg line that hits about an inch south of the hip bone. A skirted bottom also hides hips. An A-line cut, a slit, or ruched sides help keep the look modern. Avoid boy shorts, one-pieces with side cutouts, and bottoms with embellishments.
Straight/Athletic Figure: Three-dimensional details―ruffles, rings, shirring, padding―and bold prints can make a straight body look more curvaceous. Bottoms with embellishments bring attention to the hips and create a waistline. Avoid designs that reinforce straight lines with vertical stripes or harsh square necklines, or anything completely solid and free of texture or accents.
Inverted Triangle: Choose suits that slim the shoulder line and draw attention to the legs or the curve of the hips. Two-piece suits work well; Tankinis and swim dresses are also good options. Tops – Halter or scoop neck tops in dark, solid colors are best. Wide straps make shoulders appear smaller. To show off shapely shoulders, a bandeau or strapless top works. Bottoms – Boy shorts are one option to create more curve at the hips. Light colors are also good for playing up curves. Details such as ruffles, belts, ties, or print patterns like polka dots or horizontal stripes are also a good choice.
Pear Shape: The key here is proportion. Draw the eye up with colors, patterns and eye-catching embellishments on the top half of the suit.On bottom, keep it simple – no gathers, ruches or ruffles. Conceal hips and thighs in full-coverage briefs, hipsters or boy shorts. Bottoms should fall just below the largest part of the thigh.
Hourglass Shape: The hourglass is considered by many the ideal body shape. Swimwear for hourglass figures should emphasize the body’s natural curves and accentuate the waist. Two-piece swimsuits are generally best for this, though one-piece suits with details at the waistline also work well. Choose tops with dramatic prints or ruffles, which are good for playing up curves. Horizontal stripes widen the shoulders and, if paired with matching bottoms, draw emphasis to the waist. For bottoms, choose details around the waistline to bring out the most slender part of the torso, or a waistline with a different color trim or band. High-waisted bottoms also slim at the center. As with tops, details emphasize curves, whereas dark, solid colors are slimming. Bottoms that cut off at mid-hip should be avoided.
Pregnant: Since you obviously don’t want anything too tight around your midsection, it’s best to look for tankinis since they provide ample wiggle room, sun protection and easy access to your growing belly. Make sure the tankini gives you good breast support as well. And, of course, a two-piece makes going to the bathroom a breeze.
Burn Easily: Sun-sensitive ladies have it tough. You want to catch some rays, but you don’t want to look or feel like a boiled lobster afterwards. Your swimsuit can provide protection while being stylish too. Modest swimwear from HydroChic offers many mix and match styling options for coverage, featuring comfortable fabrics that are chlorine resistant and provide UPF 50+ sun protection.
Plus Sizes: Forget the plus-size swimwear of old: shapeless, dowdy, inevitably black. Today’s suits for full-figured women are made to flatter in stylish cuts and high-octane colors and prints. As for the basic black suit? It’s still out there: in designs that are sleek and chic. Choose styles that provide sturdy straps, a good bra, and backside coverage.
Choosing a swimsuit in harmony with one’s body type can make a dramatic difference. Shoppers who know their type can look for styles that draw attention to their best features, balancing proportions for the most flattering fit. Determining one’s body type is relatively easy: all that’s required is a measuring tape. In just a few steps, women can get a precise sense of the way they are proportioned.
Here’s a good website to help you determine your body type.
Add Comment