It’s been two years since I wrote about swimsuits. Looking back at my post, I still like everything I wrote and it all applies today. If you missed this post the first time around, I think you will enjoy it. If you read it originally, you may want a review.
Recently I became “Swimsuit Fit Certified”. Can I just tell you I didn’t realize what I was getting into when I agreed to this. We were told to choose 6 suits of varying styles to try. We all had to come out of the dressing room to show and critique each other. Talk about a humbling experience, even if it was with peers and fellow stylists! But you know, the hands on approach is really the only way you learn. It was much more helpful than seeing a suit on a hanger that’s for sure.
Trying on swimsuits is every woman’s nightmare, no doubt about it. Being fitted for a swimsuit is really very similar to being fitted for a bra. You must trust the salesperson’s knowledge AND you must show her each suit on your body! She cannot help you and make a recommendation behind a closed door. So shave, slap on some self tanner and head to the store.
If you can’t face it, read reviews carefully before ordering online and be prepared to order SEVERAL. Here is what I’ve learned about some brands.
1. Miracle Suits are worth every penny. Hands down, they will offer you the best overall support especially in the middle.
2. However, Miracle Suits do not work as well on everyone, especially if you are well endowed. For whatever reason “the girls” just don’t fit into the cups correctly and there always seems to be some spillage, or as we learned to call it “east to west migration”.
3. If you have a LONG TORSO, I learned that La Blanca offers the best coverage to the seat so it’s not creeping up, but it is not as supportive in the bust.
4. Brands like Fantasie and Freya offer extended cup sizes.
After trying on my six suits, I did not find one that was a winner. I told our expert going into this that I would be the challenge in the group and indeed I was! I have a long torso, thick middle, heavy thighs and a large chest. Every suit I tried had it’s drawbacks in various areas. Luckily I’m not moving to (or even visiting) a tropical island anytime soon.
Time did not allow me to keep trying more possibilities, but here is what I know now that works for me.
-I will continue to search to find a top that fits correctly instead of settling with an ill fitting top and squishing my chest into something that doesn’t fit.
-As much as I want to wear a one-piece suit, they just don’t seem to work.
– I absolutely will not wear a two-piece suit unless I have plastic surgery.
What to do?
I have always had some luck with a tankini especially the “skirtini”. I tried on one of these skirts and everyone liked it. Years ago I had purchased a similar one at JC Penney and it had a slit on the side. It worked well, but the top never fit. That skirt has seen better days. I think I really like this one by Tommy Bahama.
Next, what to do for a top? Our swim fit expert suggested Freya and Fantasie who also make bras.
My plan is to try the bottom shown above in BLACK with the Freya polka dot top and see how it comes together. If it works, I might even just be brave enough to model for the blog.
Stay tuned later this week for my favorite styles of Miracle Suits, Tankinis and 2 pieces!
Are you swimsuit challenged? I just put it all out there for everyone to read, so let’s hear how you feel about swimsuits!
