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.

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