PLUS SIZE SWIMSUITS

MAKING WAVES

Shopping for swimwear doesn't have to be so traumatic. With a more tailored fit, plus size women may be surprised by the results. There are a lot of flattering options for minimizing swimsuit anxiety; and not just settling for the basic swim dress anymore.

Note the innovations in plus size styles with fab fabrics. From sleek, sexy one-pieces to hello bikini, guten tag tankini, plus size swimsuits are staging a welcome comeback after years of neglect. Designers have responded with stylish, modern, sexy looks, complete with flattering shirring, trendy rings, hardware, crystals, cutouts, fun colors and prints.

A flattering one-piece is always a good idea, in a thicker fabric with a lot of stretch that can sort of hold you in, or a two-piece where the bottom comes up a little higher on the waist. The goal is a suit that hapes and firms, not one that cuts across your stomach in an unflattering place.

A trick for those large up top: Show off your shoulders with a halter. And to cover up, reach for a tunic top, because it falls loosely over the body. If you need to increase the bust- Look for something with either a molded cup or padding but, like fashionable shoulder pads from a generation ago, make sure the padding isn't visible. A halter top also creates the illusion of cleavage because it sort of pulls up and in.

Otherwise, aim for bikini tops that have details: ruffles, embroidering, shirring. The idea is to create an optical illusion, shape where there might not be enough. Underwire is good, too, for lift.

Avoid ill-fitting tops that look too big and sag with droopy fabric. They're not attractive, and they make you seem bigger than you are.

For covering the thighs-opt for a suit that has a dark bottom and lighter top -- or buy separates. The point is to draw the eye up; forgo too much fabric below, because that can result in south-of-the-navel attention. For those still anxious about revealing much more than their knees, there are so many beautiful sarongs, pareos and flowing skirts available; not to mention shorts in every length.

Finally, take advantage of pendant necklaces. They bring attention to your upper body. A ton of jewelry is not practical on the beach, but one long pendant is very chic and serves a purpose.

For lifting and shaping the bottom- try boy shorts in a thicker, stretchy fabric that can sort of hold you in and up. The last thing you want is a droopy fabric where you're just adding droop on droop. A lower cut or scoop on the bottom in back of a one piece suit can work as well. And on the feet, opt for an espadrille or wedge, to kick the height up yet another notch.