Soak up the sun

One of the universal joys of summer is swimming. For those not living near the coast, swimming could be more than just a great workout. Either ways, swimming is also a reason enough to invest in swimwear that is not just comfortable but also stylish and flattering to the body

This article talks about the variety of swimsuit styles to fashion inside or near pool this season. Be open to new designs, cuts and colours and try the swimsuit, avoid preconceived notions of which would suit your body form. One would be surprised to know how different body shapes look flattering in a particular style and not so flattering in some. Golden swimsuit shopping tips from leading Indian swim­wear designers Shivan & Narresh, “Always opt for styles that make you feel confident and liberated about your bodies. Never hide the flaws but ‘shift’ fo­cus intelligently from the flays to your assets.” Here is a look at different styles in swimwear in the market today.

BIKINI

A two-piece swimsuit is called a bikini. It comes in two parts covering the bust and the bottom and groin area of the body. There are innumerable variations, styles and cuts of a bikini suit. It is a misconception that only skinny women should go for a bikini style. This style could flatter different shapes and sizes as long as it helps conceal the problem areas of one’s body. “A bikini is more about wearing your confidence than the actual bikini. Hence, always opt for styles that make you feel confident. Certain thumb rules, however, are always applicable. Halter styles are good for support and help women with heavy bust feel comfortable. Halter style bikinis and one-shoulder bikinis are most appropriate for a heavy bust. Flat bust women should choose necklines that help accentuate the curves like halter bandeaus/bikinis and triangular bikinis work best as they provide an illusion of a heavy bust,” suggest Shivan & Narresh.

TRIKINI

If you thought a one-piece is the most humble design in the swimsuit family, a trikini will change your thinking. Deriving its name from a bikini where the ‘bi’ is for ‘two’ pieces, the ‘trikini’ is technically a one piece but gives the illusion of three triangle cloth shapes held together with strings of fabric to form the suit. This suit makes quite a fashion statement and hence often women wear it even when not on the beach or swimming pool paired with trousers or skirt. Athletic and boyish shaped women could easily carry of a trikini as it is designed to enhance and reveal curves of the body. In the film Dostana Priyanka Chopra famously wore a golden trikini on a Miami beachside.

ONE-PIECE/ MAILLOT

A one-piece is the most common choice of swimsuit. Most professional swimmers wear one piece as it seems most comfortable and performance driven. Doesn’t mean that it is to be a boring or conventional style. Also called a ‘maillot’ it is inspired from the same basic shape as of the one-piece worn by gymnasts and dancers. Added details to the classical style make for exciting new options. If you like the sporty look, the one piece comes in cross-back style to provide extra support and comfort while swimming. On the contrary, the 1940s retro style suit gives equal support but exudes a very feminine look. Ruching on the waist and princess cut neck details makes a one-piece a fun, girlish option without showing too much skin.

TANKINI

A tankini is a two-piece suit with the support and coverage as ample as that of a one-piece suit. Here the bikini bra top is replaced with a tank style top covering the torso. Young girls prefer this as it is comfortable and convenient to wear on a beach or swimming pool. Some women find this style more comfortable than a maillot due to the separate wearing nature of the bottom and top of the suit. Women with a long upper body should opt for a tankini. Also women who feel they need support on the stomach area can wear a tankini.

Body shapes

Swimwear designers Shivan & Narresh share their expert knowledge to help pick the right suit. “The generic Indian body type is curvy with a heavier bottom. The boy shorts and tutu style of swimsuits does not work with Indian women, as they make their bottoms look wider and rounder than they actually are,” suggest the designer duo. Match your body type to the basic forms below to know which swimsuit you should opt for.

Pear Shape

• What: Bottom heavy with a comparable smaller upper half. Wide hips and thighs.
• To wear: Diagonal cut maillots and styles with darker colours at the bottom. Off shoulder swimsuits. Also opt for styles that are cut higher on thighs and avoid boy short-styled swimsuits.

Hourglass shape

• What: A curvaceous form with proportionate top and bottom halves. The stomach is smaller as compared to the bust and hips thus forming an hourglass figure.
• To wear: Any silhouette works for them. Bikinis or one piece suits both will go well with the frame.

Banana shape

• What: An athletic/boyish frame. Resembles a banana shape with less curves and a straight form from top to bottom.
• To wear: Bikinis, trikinis or two shoulder maillots flatter an athletic frame.

Apple Shape

• What: Top heavy with a comparable thinner lower half. Bigger on the chest and stomach area.
• To wear: One shoulder maillots, twin shoulder maillots with deep necklines, preferably with diagonal style lines with contrasting colours.

Tags: fashion, Shivan & Naresh, swim wear

Category: Fashion, Life & Style