Thursday, March 26, 2009

Swimsuit Buying Guide - Swimsuits Deconstructed Part II


The final installation of our swimsuit guide covers the many types of swimsuit bottoms.
Some of the most common swimsuit bottom styles are described below:

1. Boy Short: Bottom that is usually cut low on the thigh and looks a bit like a boy's pair of short shorts. Flattering only on women with narrow hips and small back sides, this cut usually makes the back side look larger than it actually is.

2. Brazilian Cut: Bottom that is cut skimpier than a traditional hipster or double tie-side and shows much of the back side; offering less than moderate coverage. Can be found in Double Tie-Side, Hipster and Single Tie-Side shapes and is flattering on smaller women.

3. Cheeky: Bottom that is usually cut a little lower on the thigh than a traditional hipster or double tie-side but is slightly cut out in the back so the back side is not completely covered. A modern take on the Boy Short, this style is flattering on most women.

4. Double tie-side: Bottom that has strings at the hips on each side that tie. Ties can be thick or thin. A true double-tie side bottom does not have ties sewn in place. The most flattering bottom style as it is fully adjustable.

5. Hipster: Bottom that most resembles women's panties. Pulls on with no adjustment necessary. Sides can be thick or thin, can be high or low waisted, with rings or other embelishments. Best for women with smaller, narrow hips.

6. Single Tie - Side: Bottom that has strings at the hips on one side that tie. Ties can be thick or thin. A true single tie-side bottom does not have ties sewn in place. One of the most flattering bottom styles as it is adjustable.

7. Thong: Bottom that has very little fabric covering the backside. Recognizable because the fabric forms a Y shape in back and offers no coverage. Worn by only the most confident of women and usually at beaches outside the United States.

8. Tonga: Bottom is bigger than a Brazilian and smaller than a traditional Hipster or Tie-Side. Can be a single tie-side, double tie-side, hipster or cheeky bottom. It is usually more flattering than a Brazilian cut bottom.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Swimwear Buying Guide Continued


Swimwear Buying Guide Continued ~ The Swimsuit Deconstructed

As promised, we've taken a stab at describing all of the most popular swimsuit top styles out there. There are probably more, but these are the most common, and the most flattering.

Tops - Swimsuit tops come in a wide variety of shapes and levels of support. Some of the most common top shapes are listed below:

1. Bandeau: Single piece of cloth worn across the breasts. Can be with or without pads, twisted, ringed or smocked. Usually has a removable strap that goes around neck. Best for smaller breasted women as Bandeaus don't offer much support.

2. Demi-Underwire: An underwire top that is cut to allow more of the breasts to show. Usually has shoulder straps like a bra and is not padded.

3. Floating Underwire (aka Push-Up): An underwire top that has underwire suspended between pads and fabric so it does not show from the outside. Can be with or without push up padding. Usually has shoulder straps. Best for women who want more support or want to enhance their breasts. One of the most flattering top styles as it offers the most support.

4. Halter Top: An elongated triangle top that ties around neck and back. Can be with or without pads, fixed (sewn in place) or adjustable (moves on string that ties across back). Best for women who want more support and one of the most flattering top styles as it is fully adjustable.

5. One Shoulder (aka Grecian): A bandeau top with only one shoulder strap from front to back, creating an asymmetrical design. Can be with or without pads. Best for women who need little support.

6. Triange Top: Top made with two triangles that tie around neck and back. Can be with or without pads, fixed (sewn in place) or adjustable (moves on string that ties across back). Best for smaller breasted women who need little support.

Next post, we'll give you the low down on bottoms.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Swimwear Buying Guide


Swimwear Buying Guide ~ Swimsuit Styles


When gearing up for swimsuit shopping, it is helpful to know the terms that describe each style. By taking a few minutes to familiarize yourself with each style and what body type they work best for, you can save yourself time and frustration by focusing your efforts on the styles that will work best for you.


Swimsuit General Styles


1. Bikini: A two piece swimsuit consisting of a top and a bottom. Stomach is revealed. Can come in a variety of styles, cuts and colors. Works for almost any body type as long as the woman wearing it is comfortable with it on.



2: Monokini: A one-piece swimsuit with cutouts on the sides and/or front. Partial stomach, side and back exposure. Works for women who want a little lower stomach coverage.


3. One-Piece: A sleeveless one piece suimsuit that has straps over the shoulder and covers stomach. Sometimes covers much of back too, depending on style. Works for almost any body type.


4. Tankini: A woman's two piece swimsuit consisting of a top that covers breasts, stomach and sometimes the back and usually a fuller coverage bottom. Works for women who want to cover their stomach but have difficulty finding one-pieces that are the right length for them.


Next post we'll go into more detail on the type of tops and bottoms that are available and who they look best on.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Price - Value Relationship

Everyone wants a deal - who can blame them when over the holidays no matter where you looked, everything was on sale. But now, it seems like what we all really want is an alignment of a products' price/value/quality that helps us feel good about making a purchase, instead of guilty.

If this is correct, then the need for swimwear that offers quality along with great fit, color, style at a reasonable price is stronger than ever. Not every swimsuit is the same, some - well most actually - are speedily made in China of fabric that isn't designed to last. If buying something that you'll have to replace after wearing it a few times (also known as disposable fashion) appeals to you, then these brands (and no, we won't name them here) are perfect for you.

But lets' say you care more about how you spend your hard-earned dollars, and that you want the swimsuit you buy to last more than one or two trips to the beach or one or two long weekends by the pool and still look great. If this sounds like you, read on!

1. Check to see where it was made. Not all countries are equal in their swimwear manufacturing expertise. Countries that consistently product quality swimwear include: Brazil, Columbia and even the USA!

2. Check how the fabric feels. If it is rough and scratchy, and doesn't immediately bounce back when you stretch it out - put the suit down even if you love it and move on. If the fabric is soft, thick and stretches and bounces back easily it is good quality fabric.

3. Check the quality of the print. Well made fabric can be found in solids and prints. Solid fabrics fibers are usually dyed before they are knit. Print fabric are usually applied to solid white fabric after it has been knit. A good pattern will not show any white when pulled or stretched. If the pattern you like shows white where there was color when not stretched - put it down and move on.

4. Check the quality of construction. A well-made suit won't have loose strings, crooked seams, snags, pulls, scratched hardware or cracked beads etc.

5. Check how the suit REALLY fits. A bikini or one-piece should fit you so well that you don't have to constantly adjust it when you are walking or moving normally. If you are adjusting here and there when trying on, that particular design may not be right for your body style. Of course if you love it, and have to have it (after confirming it is well made with good fabric) we understand. That is that passion for fashion all of us share!