Spotlight Magazines Spotlight on West Bridgford, Nottingham June 2015 | Page 20

Spotlight Magazine A Bathing Beauty Swimsuit Guide friend of mine was delighted recently to win a swimming lesson with former Olympic breaststroke champion Duncan Goodhew, but her initial euphoria was soon replaced with feelings of dread as she contemplated what to wear for her big occasion. The ultimate, most terrifying stage fright – with the exception of total nudity – is the bathing suit. Thoughts about whether “my bum looks big in this” pale into insignificance as we consider exposing every bump and lump imaginable in the most revealing item next to our birthday suit! Everyone has something about their body that they think looks horrible in a swimsuit, so when looking for the ideal swimwear, the secret is to find something that creates a sense of balance and draws attention to the most flattering parts of our figure whilst masking our trouble spots. Most of us fit into three problem shapes – pear, apple and straight (or athletic). Pears are heavy around the hips and thighs, and wearing a plunging neckline or eye-catching top with ruffles or embellishments will make the bust look bigger and will also draw attention away from the heavier bottom half. be afraid to buy different sized separates in complimentary designs. For example bottoms in a bright or patterned fabric and a top in a plain, darker fabric, will help draw attention away from the bust. If you need to disguise a large tummy, a one piece suit with ruched panels or shirring will hide bulges and create definition, as will a wrap over design with crossover fabric. Straight shapes need to create the illusion of more curves, and the monokini is great for this, as is a one-piece with strategically placed cuts or slits. Bold prints, ruffles and embellishments on tops and bottoms accentuate the bust and hip lines, and skimpier bikini bottoms plus side ties will make your bottom appear curvier. Finally, before selecting your swimwear, consider how and when you plan on wearing it. Whether you intend to go swimming or scuba diving, or spend your time sunbathing will have an influence on the style, fabric and even the colour you choose. Padded, push up tops make boobs look bigger and bandeau tops make the bust appear wider. High cut bottoms make the legs look longer if this is also an issue. Apples have large busts and thick waists with comparatively small hips. Boy shorts make the hips look wider and help to give balance. Tops that are cut straight across help to minimise large busts, and for extra support bikini tops should be under-wired, and one piece suits should have higher backs. If finding the perfect fit for both top and bottom halves is a problem, don’t 20 www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 0115 822 4995 • [email protected]