In the summer months, women of all sizes flock to the nearest pool or local beach for fun in the sun and to swim or wade in the water. No matter their size, all women want to wear swimsuits that flatter their bodies and hide any imperfections. For women with curves, this is especially important. Full figured women seeking advice for choosing a swimsuit that fits and flatters their body should explore all of their options and consult fashion books that cater to full figured women such as Figure it Out by Geri Brin and Tish Jett.
Choose Swimwear that Fits and Flatters the Full-figured Body
Purchase a swimsuit that fits. Be sure to measure the arms, bust, waist, hips and thighs beforehand in order to make sure that the swimsuit will fit. Most clothing companies offer a separate size chart for swimwear, so it is important to choose a swimsuit that fits based on that chart.
If possible, try on the swim suit first before purchasing. While this may be possible at a department store, online shopping does not provide this convenience and so it is especially important to follow the size chart.
Avoid swimsuits with unflattering and “busy” prints. Any print that makes the bust and waistline disappear is not complimentary to any figure and should not be worn. Instead choose a swimsuit with a print that emphasizes the bust and waist line. Such swimsuits will have a belt or indentation around the waist, a flattering cut below the shoulders and may even incorporate a solid fabric for the bottom or skirt to break up the print.
Choose swimsuits with faux attached skirts or a matching wrap skirt that can be tied around the waist. Swimsuits with attached skirts are great to wear as they give the illusion of longer legs, help to define the waist and emphasize the shape of the leg. This is a great option for full-figured women with shapely legs.
A halter top swimsuit also emphasizes the bust and waist line. They work particularly well for busty women who want to play up their curves without revealing too much.
Overall, busty women should especially avoid bikinis with small tops that do not cover the bust line appropriately. Not only are small tops on a large bust unflattering, it also poses the risk of having an “accidental spillage.”
Tankinis, a combination of a tank top and matching bottom (either a panty or skirt or shorts); have become especially popular in recent years. They are also flattering on full figured women as long as the tank covers the body in appropriate spots. Unless the waist line is flat or relatively small, avoid a tankini that exposes any bulges and rolls. Also, consider wearing a tankini that has a halter for the top as they flatter the bust line and shapely arms and shoulders. Halter tops also downplay larger bottoms by drawing the eye upward.
Avoid Swimwear that Does Not Support of Flatter the Full-figured Body
Steer clear from swimsuits without bras or other built-in support. Instead, opt for swimsuits that offer built-in support such as bra cups or spandex stretch, as they give a smoother appearance, flatter the figure, and provide support.
Swimsuits with high cut legs give the illusion of a slender and longer silhouette. However, full figured women with saddle bags about the thighs should avoid high cut swimsuits.
Striped bathing suits, in either a full suit, bikini or tankini form, are usually unflattering for a full-figured body. Instead choose a swimsuit in a print that is more complimentary. Consider wearing a swimsuit with a combination of solid colors or a combination of solid color and small print.
Sarongs and other Cover-ups
The perfect cover up should cover the parts of the body that need work and flatter the rest of a woman’s figure. Do not use a cover up to hide the body completely as this will only draw attention to any imperfections. It is okay to show some arms, legs and thighs, no matter how large they are. Some options for cover ups include dresses, short jackets and matching pants and robe jackets that zip up.
Sarongs are another option to cover and compliment a swimsuit. Wear sarongs that wrap above the waist to downplay a fuller waist and emphasize long legs. Avoid wearing sarongs that are low cut and reveal a hanging belly, or a sarong that is too short and does not cover heavy thighs and legs.
Overall, full-figured women have many options when choosing swimwear that flatters curves and compliments their larger figures. By choosing swimwear that fits appropriately and emphasizes bust and waist lines and shapely legs, every full-figured woman can wear a swimsuit that will turn heads at any beach or pool.
Reference:
- Brin, Geri and Jett, Tish. Figure It Out: The Real Woman's Guide to Great Style. Sixth & Spring Books: 2004. ISBN: 1-931543-61-5
Nascha Joli - Nascha A. Joli is a freelance writer and editor based in her native city of New York. Miss Joli received her BA in Economics from the City ...
Join the Conversation