Swimsuit Shopping for YOUR Shape

With summer just around the corner, girls at Urbana High School are on the hunt for the season’s hottest swimsuits. From neon colors to polka dot bikinis, there’s sure to be a trend that will suit your style. This summer though, be sure to purchase a swimsuit that is not only fashionable, but also flattering to your shape. While some styles of swimsuits may look great on retouched, Amazonian supermodels who don’t eat, they might not have the same effect on everyone. Rest assured though, this article isn’t here to tell you to starve yourself to “look good;” here at The Echo, we believe in embracing who you are. The goal of this guide is to help each girl at UHS find her perfect swimsuit, no matter her shape or style preference.

For the Athletic Girl

Do you have a lean frame and long, skinny legs? Are your shoulders more on the broad side from working out or playing sports? If so, you’re an athletic body type! Athletic shapes look great in almost everything, especially bikinis that highlight your toned tummy and long torso. If you want to add softness to your frame, ruffled tops can boost your bust and give you an air of femininity. Monokinis also look exceptional on the athletic body type: the side cut outs give you the illusion of having hips while showcasing your slender figure.

For the Curvy Gal

In the past, fuller-figured women were considered the most beautiful because eating decadent food was a sign of wealth. While being healthy is important, it’s important to remember that “healthy” for everyone doesn’t necessarily mean skinny. If you’re a curvy girl, that’s just who you are and part of what makes you gorgeous! Don’t shy away from swimsuit shopping or lounging at the pool because you don’t look like the girls in “Seventeen;” instead, flaunt what you’ve got. One-piece suits with spandex and shapewear fabric can help smooth over areas you may be self-conscious about, but don’t limit yourself to dowdy suits that hide you! Bold colors and feminine details can transform a one-piece into a showstopper. And just because you’re curvy doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear a two-piece: opt for suits with sturdy tops that will support your bust and shape it nicely (basically, underwire and straps are good, and spaghetti halters and no padding triangle tops are not).

For the Hour-Glass

If your chest and hips are the same measurements, but your waist is six to ten inches smaller, you are an hourglass! The suits I have found to look best on an hourglass are either bikinis with plain tops (no ruffles) or bandeau one-pieces. Bikinis show off your shape, and don’t look trashy as long as the top doesn’t look busy or leave you spilling over. One-pieces on the other hand highlight your tiny waist and help keep your chest in check because of the bandeau neckline. Red and black colored suits will give you a bombshell vibe and help expose your inner starlet!

For the Girls with Junk in the Trunk

Hey, some girls have it going on in the bottom department. If such a statement applies to you, shop for swimsuits where the pieces are sold separately to allow you to buy the correct sized bottom and top (not a single-size set). If you want to add a touch of femininity to your look, opt for a skirted bottom. Swim-skirts are very trendy this season, and will offer more coverage in the bottom department if you want it.