BAE WATCH
Annually I drag my feet to swimwear departments and brave their change rooms with fluoro lighting and multi-mirrors that instantly remind me of missed gym sessions! This year I’m determined to get the job done swimmingly.
The trick is to know what brands to hunt for and what styles suit your body shape best before you even think about reaching for a credit card or your Pay Pal login details. Once that’s covered, securing a prized sale to flaunt at the beach or pool is a cinch.
Three go-to Aussie labels to look out for and recommended styles to try according to body shape are:
Her.: this local Sydney label offers classic swimsuit ranges in delectable monochromatic shades and they’re introducing three new colours this season: Rhubarb Red (ideal for brunettes), Green Yellow (a knockout for blondes) and Smoke Navy (the new slimming black for all). Tailored with precision utilising the highest quality European fabric that lasts beyond one season (read: chlorine-resistant lycra that offers 50+ UV protection), their one and two-piece swimsuits fit like a glove.
Forget high cut legs and hang-it-all-out rears, all their swimwear provides adequate derrière coverage, whilst bikini’s are on the high-waisted (secure your tummy in) side with a few tasteful skimpier versions for those with abs to flaunt. Best of all, if going for the two-piece, you can choose whatever style bottom (from high to tri briefs) with any top you want. Think about getting two shades shades in different cuts to mix ‘n’ match. Available online, you have the added benefit of trying them on in from of your trusted mirror!
Matteau: stripping each piece to its essential form, the label – designed between New York and Australia by two sisters – works to enhance and support the body through streamlined silhouettes and an exemplary fit. Comfort is key. Minimal one-piece suits and interchangeable separates are timeless in their discerning simplicity. Do the polka this season and have some fun with their dot designs – they’re friendly to all shapes and are currently on sale at Incu stores (in Sydney and Melbourne) and online.
JETS by Jessika Allen Swimwear: after an interesting print, slimming stripes or playful cut-outs? Then long-time player, JETS, is your answer. It’s point of difference its its use of softly draped and structured fabrics with clever detailing and construction. Using premium-quality fabric too, it’s guaranteed to last beyond the season. Their range enhances the natural curves of all shapes and sizes. Best of all, two-piece styles cover cup sizes to an F. You can find the brand at David Jones and online where you can conveniently search via cup size.
APPLE
APPLE figures are characterised by an average to big bust, broad shoulders, fullness around the middle, narrow hips and good legs. Here’s what to look for: this plunging JETS neckline is a winner for you rounded types as nothing’s going to hang out up top! Showing some skin up top detracts the eye from the roundness of your tummy and elongates your torso. You may instinctively want to cover up from your bust to your hips, but this can often make you look bigger around the waist.
For a two piece, try Her.’s high-waist bottom that holds everything in securely, and the Astrid thinly strapped top with its subtle V-shape to divert the eye to the neat bust.
Jets Plunged Swimsuit, $179.95
Her Astrid, $175
Matteau Bandeau, $120 and Briefs, $120
Matteau The Cross Back Maillot, $280
PEAR
PEAR figures are characterised by narrow shoulders, a well-defined slim waist, wider hips than shoulders, and wide-set thighs. Look for these styles: with slim shoulders and a small bust, try a spotted Bandeau Top with a metallic central clasp from Matteau (this style is a flop on fuller chests which can look like bread wedged between jaffle maker plates!). Pair with a Body Leg or High Brief bottom in a monochromatic shade. This way all the focus is up top and you feel secure down below.
Glide through you strokes is this ultra simple yet exquisite cross-back maillot from Matteau. It’s cut low around the top of the thighs and across your bottom so you needn’t feel self conscious about anything hanging out. Plus, all that exposed skin on your back guides the eye towards your shoulders and arms, detracting attention from the fullness of your hips and thighs.
RECTANGLE
RECTANGLE figures are characterised by a small to average-size bust and a straight line between the similarly aligned shoulder and hip widths. Swimsuits to enhance your streamlined assets include: this Spectrum strapless one piece from JETS which gives the optical illusion of broadening the hips and adding a little diagonal depth to the bust. With the change in patterns, it also gives your waistline some definition instead looking like a linear “ironing board” as is the case with monochrome one-pieces.
Prints are your friend, adding the illusion of fullness to your bust. Try JETS’ D/DD T Bikini with its on-trend small Gypsy floral print that swathes in the centre line to add a little volume to the package inside. Pair with a matching Gypsy Gathered Side Bikini bottom to draw attention to the hips and break up a monotonous straight up and down look.
Jets Bandeau Swimsuit, $179.95
Jets Gypsy Bikini Top, $119.95
Her Freja Milk White, $225
Jets Sliding Bikini Top, $99.95
HOURGLASS
HOURGLASS figures are characterised by a full bust, a well defined narrow waist and similar proportions for shoulder and hip widths – essentially, they’re all curves). Reach for these styles: a Freja one-piece by Her with its elegant cut and contoured panels is crafted to define and flatter your silhouette. It features a V-neckline, front zipper and lined interior (available in black or white only).
Add a splash of colour with the Missoni-esque stripes on this Spectrum triangle top from JETS that supports a full bust (for large cup sizes it also comes in an underwire top for additional support). Add a matching Spectrum Hipster bottom.