A glorious sun drenched holiday awaits you. Ice cold drinks, endless golden beaches, azure skies, leafy palm trees. No wonder you cannot wait to get to this exotic haven.
Or maybe you have opted to stay in this country and are hoping for a sunkissed staycation right on your doorstep. No packing, weighing luggage, elbow jostling at airports or Delhi belly for you. Just a few weeks of pure relaxation in the familiar surroundings of your own home place.
Whether it’s Salthill or the Seychelles you are heading for you will need a swimsuit if you want to get in the holiday mood and dip more than a toe into the water this summer.
You may have put off buying one until the last minute so if you plan to rush down to the shops here are a few tips to help guide you through the maze of styles and shades on offer.
Shopping savvy
Before you hit the shops and maybe spend hours wandering aimlessly from store to store unsure of potential choices, spend a little time narrowing your focus.
Stand in front of a full length mirror and if you do not know your body shape already try to work it out. Have you got big hips or a small waist? Are you an apple shape who collects weight around your middle? Have you a full bust or short legs? When you have decided what category you belong to you can then get to work shopping for swimwear which accentuates your good points and plays down any perceived imperfections.
The next question is whether you should opt for a one piece or a bikini. One pieces will shield you from the sun because they cover more. That may be a good thing if you want to hide your less-than-perfect body from public scrutiny. If you tend to be shy or embarrassed you may feel more comfortable dressed in this way, too.
However if you have a long body and short legs a bikini may look better. One piece swimsuits emphasise the length of your body while two piece styles shorten it.
Colour is another consideration. Should you opt for bright and cheery summer shades, such as canary yellow, ocean blue, or sizzling cerise or would black be a better choice? It appeals to many because it is slimming and looks elegant. But it can drain colour from you so if you are pale and interesting to begin with be prepared to look as if you got a bad fright. If you are tanned you will look great in black even if you have been raiding the cookie jar on an ongoing basis!
If you are pear shaped (have a small bust and bigger thighs ) you may want to concentrate on your bottom half and slim it down by illusionary means. Avoid high cut bikinis or one pieces. Opt instead for ones where the bottom half is black and the top is a lighter colour. To create a more curvaceous look choose tie-fronted designs or ones with ruching, gathers and frills across the front. Padded or underwired looks will give the impression of a fuller figure.
Apple shapes look best in one-piece swimwear. Choose a style with vertical stripes or panels because these will slim down your tummy area. Avoid high legged varieties and halter necks.
If you have an hourglass figure (curvy with wide hips and shoulders, full rear but small waist and shapely lower legs ) a bikini may be a wise choice for you. The best options are those which have halter tops, V-necks, all-over prints and side details. These highlight curves and accentuate the waist and legs.
Tips to help you make the right choice
* Think before you buy. Decide which colours and styles suit you best. Look at fashion magazines to get ideas if you are unsure
* Choose a style which complements your lifestyle. If you plan to swim, run and enjoy an active holiday make sure your swimwear is suitable
* Look at the garments in natural light, if possible. It may appear a different shade under fluorescent light
* Don’t squeeze yourself into a smaller size. Aim to buy something well fitting and flattering
* Buy a sarong. It is a stylish cover-up, will ensure you look smart and takes up little room in your luggage
* Take your colouring into consideration and choose shades to complement it
* Avoid swimwear with metal buckles. These will attract the sun and you may end up with burns
* Think twice before embracing dazzling stripes or eye-catching leopard prints. You will stand out on the beach so be prepared!
* Do not buy a size too small in the hope that a week long lettuce leaf diet will ensure you slip into it. You won’t and the discarded swimsuit will add more clutter to your wardrobe.
* Resist the lure of one-pieces with designer openings (holes ) or lacing up the sides. Unless you are the perfect 10 flesh will gape out and you will get an unusual tan.
* Avoid white swimwear, it becomes see-through in water
* Be sure to handwash your bikini or one-piece after use each time with mild hand soap ideally. Chlorine, sea water, perspiration and suncream will all take their toll on it. Lay it flat on a towel to dry - roll it in it and squeeze gently rather than wringing it out. Direct sunlight may fade it also. It is wise to have a spare one and to alternate wear.
Top styles
for summer 2010
1. Colour is back. It will enhance your skintone, make you glow and help you feel like you are on holiday.
2. Feminine touches abound. Watch out for ruffles, bows and skirted looks. Pretty prints are popular too.
3. Covering up is big fashion news. The forties’ styles are real winners this season. Long, lean looks with elegant touches come up again and again.
