Seaside Shapes

Beachside

In previous years of despair I’ve resorted to one of two methods; the first being to try on every single waterproof item on offer and hope that I'll eventually hit on something marginally tolerable. The second, to take only two outfits into the changing rooms, fully accepting the fact that as I’ll never have J.Lo’s bum or Kelly Brook’s boobs, I might as well make only the slightest of efforts and pick one of them. Error, huge error.

What I’ve realised this year is that everyone’s a little self-conscious and that only a chosen few actually have perfect bodies (damn them!). What’s more, manufacturers know this too and are actually on our side. A quick glimpse at any store’s swimwear range reveals that diversity is a major consideration and knowing which style is most flattering to which shape is a clear advantage.

If your shape is unbalanced then the trick to achieving the impression of proportionality is to direct attention away from the negative and accentuate the positive:

Bottom Heavy

• Do: Steer clear of patterned bottoms and go for bikinis which have plainer, darker lower halves and interesting enough tops to draw the eye towards the upper half of the body. Halter neck tops are great as they balance out the shoulders and the hips.
• Don’t: Choose bottoms with side strings, they simply don’t provide enough coverage. Sporty shorts and bottoms with a lengthening high-cut leg are the best options.

Top Heavy

• Do: Look for structured tops with wide straps which will not only provide support but will also prove more comfortable. Keep any detailing below the bust as this will focus the eye downwards.
• Don’t: Go for voluminous cover-ups such as tunics as this will only add bulk. And don’t head to the opposite end of the scale and choose triangle tops as you run the risk of ‘a wardrobe malfunction’.

Boy Bust

• Do: Think about investing in a cut-out one piece as this will create the illusion of curves. Remember that width can be added by horizontal stripes, whilst patterned tops and neckline detailing are the quickest way to a décolletage.
• Don’t: Opt for one colour top to toe or vertical stripes, this will only emphasise a straight up and down figure. Try not to be tempted by the tankini, it’s for seven year old girls.

Armed with these simple hints, hopefully swimwear shopping will prove slightly less painful than last year. Scarborough beckons... we might have to talk about jumpers next week.