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Tina, here.

*updated with new links and swimsuits for Spring!*

Well, this should be fun.  A blog about how to buy underwear you wear in public. Isn't that what it feels like?  The first time of the season you put on a swimsuit? Let's make this as painless as we can, ok dolls?  Here's your guide to buying the perfect swimsuit.

First, start with your first decision: one piece or two-piece?  I do not believe this is an age thing, but a comfort-level thing.  String bikinis? Now that's an age thing in my opinion, but a modest 2-piece that won't totally embarrass your teenage son in front of his friends are ok by me if you're comfortable with it. Tankinis are a hybrid 2-piece and seem to work for a lot of women.

This dark grey one-shoulder tankini has a sideways line, an asymmetrical line, which is always flattering (just like fabrics cut on the bias). Similar here and here. (Shown 1 Sol Swimwear).

A one shoulder swimsuit can really create that diagonal line, a flattering line without being frumpy. Similar here. (Shown from Hips & Curves)

A cinched center adds curve-loving appeal (for those less endowed of us) to the bralette top.  I also like the coverage that the ruching gives the bikini bottom.  (Shown Victoria's Secret)

Next, color and pattern.  Science (I say "science" so you'll be more likely to believe me, because science is irrefutable, right?) tells us that dark, solid colors create an uninterrupted, narrower silhouette as opposed to loud, colorful prints, which break up a surface.  Translation: you look thinner in a dark, solid color.

A busy print breaks up a surface, creating the illusion of a larger surface area., which means, in short, you look bigger.

Wow. What a difference! A solid, darker color is slimming and more flattering, and I think more elegant.  The narrower shoulder straps are also better than wide straps.  $89 from Always For Me

And now, shape.  One word: ruching.  It camouflages the mid-section and creates a waistline.

See that plunging v-neck?  It creates a long, vertical line.  And the ruching on the sides?  Hides the mid-section, and creates a waistline, and an hourglass shape.  (Shown from Always For Me)

Another great swimsuit with ruching on the sides.  If you are not busty, a bow will add volume to that area.  If you are busty, avoid extraneous details along the bust line.

What's better than a wrap dress?  A wrap swimsuit!  Here's a great one from Shabby Apple on sale for $35.97.

I'm usually not one for ruffles, but you can cut the sweetness with a sophisticated black and white palette, like this 2-piece.

A word about the Blouson swimsuit.  Avoid it unless you are pregnant or very thin. Why?  The blousy fabric adds bulk and volume where you least want it: the tummy area.  Instead, opt for ruching which visually erases volume at the mid-section.

The blouson swimsuit: great for maternity swimsuits.  And that's really about it.  (Shown Victoria's Secret.)

So, there's your swimsuit primer.  What to look for in a swimsuit, and what to avoid.  Now, to track down the right swimsuit for you, allow us to help.  We know where all the good ones are in Nashville, and on-line.  There are many, many sources these days, and the plethora of options can be paralyzing if you don't know how to weed out the duds.  We do.  Be sure to check out all our wardrobe services! Thanks for reading, and all the best,

Tina

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