Summer is here, which means it’s time to hit the beach! Whether you are lucky enough to have access to a swimming pool nearby or you plan to take a vacation during the summer break, swimming or dipping in cool water is an essential part of the warm season. It’s one of the best ways to combat rising temperatures while having a great time.
Whether you plan to spend time in the water or just work on your tan next to it, you need the perfect outfit for the task. Swimsuits and cover-ups are an indispensable part of every summer wardrobe, but they need to be selected with care. Like any other item of clothing, your swimwear needs to fit well and flatter your body.
Of course, beachside or poolside clothing should be stylish too, so that you look fashionable and make heads turn! Let’s take a look at how this can be achieved.
4 Tips for Choosing the Right Swimwear
When you are buying swimsuits and outfits to wear by the pool or at the beach, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Since these items reveal more skin than most other clothing, you need to be careful to ensure that you are not exposing too much skin or any unsightly bulges. This is easier to do than it may seem, if you follow these simple tips:
Know Your Body –
The shape of your body is one of the first things you should consider. If you are really fit and toned, you can wear just about any kind of clothing, but most of us tend to deviate from the ‘bikini model’ type. This is what makes each of us unique, so instead of turning to crash diets or unhealthy choices, it’s better to pick a swimsuit that is figure-flattering.
Fuller figures can opt for one-piece wrap swimsuits as they are great at creating the illusion of a streamlined body, or tankinis. For bottom-heavy women, boyshorts and long leg styles are the best option, teamed with a bikini top or halter. Padded suits are perfect for women who wish to enhance curves, as are monokinis with cutaway sides.
Choose Colours Well –
Always pick colours that complement your skin tone and hair, since clashing colours can make you stand out for the wrong reasons. Black, white and brown tend to suit just about everyone, but that doesn’t mean you have to shy away from bright colours either!
Neon hues, multi-coloured fabric and embellishments like embroidery should be chosen the same way you choose other clothes. Have fun with the variety of colours and patterns available but if you are unsure of whether you can carry a bright colour, stick to the neutrals.
Fabric Makes a Difference –
If you will be spending time in the water, you need to pick a swimsuit that does not get stretched out of shape, and synthetic blends are your best bet. The added benefit you get with these is that they dry really fast, so you will not be walking around in a wetsuit for long.
If your swimsuit is padded, you may need to check how well it holds up to being immersed in water, but make sure you get one with at least light padding to avoid the embarrassment of visible nipples!
Cover Up the Right Way –
One of the most important aspects of your beach outfits is what you cover your swimsuit with. When you get out of the water or during summer evenings when the temperature drops, you should be able to look amazing with what you choose to wear over your bathing suit.
Forget the oversized T-shirts and opt for sarongs, kikois, wraps and beach dresses that you can slip over your swimsuit. There is a huge variety of styles and colours that you can choose from, so there is something to suit every taste. Sarongs in particular are very versatile, since you can wear them in a variety of ways. A light jacket and pants are also a good idea, especially if you are in an area prone to sudden rains.
Picking outfits for a trip to the beach or pool, or packing a wardrobe for a summer vacation doesn’t need to be very complicated. If you spend a little time choosing clothing that suits you, more than half of the work is done. The only thing that remains is to pick the accessories and footwear that match what you wear, and you are ready for the demands of the season!
Samantha Whitmore, a fashion store owner, assists people with picking summer clothing and beachwear like sarongs, kikois, wraps, shorts etc.