Swimsuit Advice with Sukey

Today, we turn to stylist Sukey Johnson for help with the dreaded swimsuit shopping trip. Here’s what to look for and what to avoid:

Why is shopping for a bathing suit so hard? Think of it this way: essentially you are searching for lingerie suitable to wear in public.  And that’s not all. For some of us, we’ll be chasing kids, bending down with chairs or coolers, lugging pool bags, sweating in July. None of this sounds good in your underwear. That being said, you are brave to even consider it!

The first question I will ask a client is, “Are we buying an every day swimsuit for family time, or one for a vacation that looks good lying in a lounge chair?” These deserve to be very different items. If you find one that serves both purposes, you are a lucky lady and probably a frequent flyer at Pure Barre, Bar Method, the Y or another popular calorie burning hot spot.

The next way to break it down is, “One piece or two piece?” People usually stand very firm about their choice in this area. I am flexible with their decision on this. However, trust me when I say there are a lot of spicy and safe suits out there that are both 1 and 2 pieces. If you have to take your clothes off, you might as well try them all.

Lastly, “What’s your dreaded trouble area?” Everyone has one: thighs, tummy, booty, boobs and on and on. For the record, you shouldn’t hate anything. You should give all your parts a pep talk. You’re the one getting ready to bare them to the world. Encourage them to stand firm and not get nervous (and shaky).

One piece of advice before we move on: ladies, even if you order all of your suits online, try these on with a friend. If you’re going to be in a store dressing room, go a step further and apply a little tanning lotion to legs, thighs and chest. You can’t expect baring your bod to look fabulous in florescent lighting and an untrustworthy mirror. Think about it. Buy some Jergens.

Let’s first eliminate certain styles for most:

This season I’ve seen a lot of 1 shoulder strap suits out there. I was anxious to try on this new style. But after trying them on I concluded that if you still have a young, non-swimmer, your girls are unlikely to stay put. I’ve worn suits with no straps before that had more support than this type, so beware. But, it did look sophisticated.

I tried on some very exotic one pieces this year. The consistent issue that led me to put these back was that they all had less hiney coverage. If your hubs planned a trip for you to St. Thomas with a nanny, these would be the suits for you! If that’s the case, add tall wedges to the list, bangles, floppy hat, and big dark sunglasses. No one will notice your hiney.

Advice for all body types:

Here is my rundown list to consider for your own body type, and then we are off to the fun stuff…examples!

• A top with a twist creates a slightly larger bust.
• A halter top with a wider band and straps can support larger busts and hold the girls in.
• Mid-rise bottoms on the front and lower cut sides are slenderizing for thighs.
• High-rise bottoms on the front flattens the tummy and creates a longer looking waist.
• High-cut side bottoms on 1 and 2 piece suits looks great on thinner legs. Try a suit with the adjustable ties cinching up and down — very cute.
• A deep cut one piece is pretty, and still functional.

Some options:

In reality, we like the idea of hiding our thighs. So let’s first talk about a controversial swimwear item: the swim skirt, skort, or shorts. They fit everyone differently and can look horrible soaking wet. Some can be sloppy and droopy when wet. BUT, some totally work. Athleta has great shorts with a flattering wider waist band, plus there is a cute drawstring to keep them from sliding down when climbing out of the pool, out of the lake on to a boat, or standing up from the tidal wave that knocked you over! (These can be cumbersome moments for a lady.)

Please note that most of these styles listed today are available in multiple colors. Look for the style of the suit first, color second! Simply click on any suit for more details.

I like a skirt that lays flat and one that cinches on the sides–cute! Lands End has the most selection of these skirts.  Below are 2 skirts and suits with best reviews.

While we are talking Lands’ End, check out this suit that has bust support on top and full coverage on bottom… and it’s stylish!

I like this 1 piece swimsuit by Lilly Pulitzer in bright navy. It can be strapless and has side cinching–so cute!

This Ralph Lauren Gemstone Shirred One-Piece flatters the tummy:

LL Bean: Love the tiny polkadots in this black and white, slimming one piece:

J.Crew: I like all of the wide-striped one piece and two pieces. I’m obsessed with navy and white this spring.

I also think the J Crew retro boy shorts are cute — and they have full bottom coverage- THANK YOU!

A couple more from Lands’ End, as they fit well for many body shapes and thus have a legion of followers:

Popular tankini:

Lands End: Very sporty and cute detail on the back. Halter top for busty ladies and cute shorts or skirt to match and or standard brief bottoms:

Last but not least are the suits from Spanx. Women are going nuts over these, as they are comfortable and their slenderizing fit gives a little more confidence in the whole premise that I set up at the beginning: essentially you are searching for lingerie suitable to wear in public. I find that my clients with more ample chests are especially happy with how secure they feel. With that said, here a few favorites:

I’ll be back next time to talk about how so many people overlook the importance of the cover-up, which I find ironic. But, as a preview, be prepared to spend at least $100 on a suit and another $100 on a cover up. Once we reach a certain age, surrender the idea of snagging a last minute suit and cover-up at Target for $30 bucks. Those of you that can, bravo! For most of us, be patient and find the perfect style for your unique, fabulous body type.

 

Thanks, Sukey!

Sukey is a wardrobe stylist based in Nashville who writes for StyleBlueprint throughout the year. She is available to help you clean out that closet, shop with you or for you and to create a list of must-haves! She can be reached at [email protected].