Dive In! Our Best Suits for your Shape
Just like that, in a flash, Memorial Day Weekend is upon us.
After a cooler-than-usual May, the idea of sorting out a properly-fitting swimsuit for that first Hamptons’ dip feels contrarian and strange. And, much like with foundations, we’ve discovered that most of us have a knack for selecting the wrong suit for their shape.
Lucky for you we’ve got pros here to help. Scroll through our easy-to-navigate swimwear guide and you’ll find the piece best suited for your body type (and forgive us for using the typical lingo…we’re not too keen for them either, but we really wanted to keep things easier for you) — from teeny-bikinis to one-pieces with a modernist kick.
Then join us Wednesday, May 23 as our swim experts help you find the best fit. In addition, we’re thrilled to introduce you to our swim shop’s newest additions, Carioca and We Are Handsome.
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Pear Shape
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Fuller hips, smaller top
Look for: ruffled details, high-cut legs and styles that accentuate the waist
Avoid: wide straps at the top
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Your hips don’t lie, sweet Pears… but you needn’t fret about finding the right suit because it’s really more about finding the right fit.
Contrary to what you may think, it’s actually better to wear a suit with a higher-cut leg — so try this sporting number from Karla Coletto (left). Straight necklines also are a nifty trick, and Rag & Bone’s two-piece is pretty perfect for your curves.
Also look for waist-accentuating styles like Lanvin’s trompe l’oeil sequin-print suit (top right) or Diane von Furstenberg’s printed piece in the style of signature wrap-dresses. Also: ruffles and girly details at the top will draw eyes away from your hips.
For swimwear, 212 872 2757
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Apple Shape
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Rectangular shape without well-defined waist
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Look for: v-necks, ruching and draping
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It’s as though swimwear’s vintage-style suits were made just for you. Really.
Norma Kamali’s ruched numbers not only are magnificently pinup, their clever draping camouflages your middle. Full bust support is essential for Apples, so Kamali’s halter-necks are another key factor to her dress-like silhouettes (left and right).
V-neck suits, like Gottex’s ombre one-piece (middle), will draw attention away from trouble areas and its ombre coloring have a pleasingly slimming effect.
For swimwear, 212 872 2757
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Large Bust
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Look for: halter styles, adjustable straps and tops designed for your bust
Avoid: high necklines and flared tankinis
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First off: avoid high necklines and flared tankinis as they actually will make your upper body appear larger.
You ladies with larger busts should look for tops made specifically for your cup size (Le Tarte does this splendidly). Halter tops, like both of the above bikini styles from Milly, will provide full coverage while still being adjustable (we like to avoid moments of, errr, overflow).
When it comes to one-pieces, look for built-in support like this tribal-print piece from Gottex. It’s clever pattern placement not only will make you seem taller and leaner, but it also will give you the support that you need.
For swimwear, 212 872 2757
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Small Bust
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Look for: molded, triangle tops; prints and femme details
Avoid: bandeaus and too much padding
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It often is misunderstood that small-busted ladies need heavy padding in their bikini tops. That can’t be farther than the truth.
Those who are truly flat-chested know that too much padding can create the gap-effect, so avoid that awkward space between bikini top & body by wearing molded triangle cups or tops with properly-fitting underwire.
Have fun with prints, patterns and texture with Norma Kamali’s playful ruffles (left), Missoni’s zigzags (right) or Jean Paul Gaultier’s fantastical doodles. Another clever trick is to pair a plain bottom with a patterned top (regrettably we don’t have an example to show).
Finally. Avoid bandeaus. Truthfully, they’ll only make you seem flatter.
For swimwear, 212 872 2757
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Tiny Behind
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Look for: Bottoms with prints, ruffles and fold-over waistbands
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Oh you tiny posteriors, get ready to shake your tail-feathers… or ruffles, at least. Because those are the textures that will give your minimal posterior extra shape.
Skirted or fold over waistbands (like Norma Kamali’s in the middle or Marie France van Damme’s on the right) also will give the illusion of a curvier silhouette.
If you can, avoid solid-colored bottoms (unless they fit the above measures) as they have a tricky way of making your behind seem even smaller.
For swimwear, 212 872 2757
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Straight Shape
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Slight definition between bust, wait & hip
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Look for: printed string bikinis, monokinis & curve-enhancing details
Don’t be afraid to show some skin. Get slinky in a string bikini like this green number from Diane von Furstenberg (center). Monokinis can feel a little racy but this Emilio Pucci (right) actually creates the illusion of curves; Norma Kamali and Roberto Cavalli also have fantastic monokini styles for you to try.
And while one-piece suits may never be front of mind for a sporty straight shape, La Perla’s corseted suit (left) provides subtle curves in its lacing and bust.
For swimwear, 212 872 2757
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Dive In!
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The Swim Event
3.1 Phillip Lim * Gottex * Jean Paul Gaultier * Karla Colletto * Letarte
Marie France Van Damme * Missoni * Natori * Pucci
and introducing
Carioca & We Are Handsome
Wednesday, May 23
5:30 — 7:30pm
Sixth Floor
212 872 2757
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