Monthly Archives: July 2014

Slimming Plus Size Tankini Swimwear

Tankinis

Want to instantly look slimmer in a swimsuit? Plus size tankini swimwear can have a remarkably slimming effect on the figure to boost your confidence this summer. With today's flattering plus size tankini swimwear styles, you can rock a two piece bathing suit at the beach or pool and look great. The key is to select plus size tankini swimwear that is perfect for your body shape. Here are three slimming plus size tankini swimsuits and a look at which types of figures they're best suited:

1. Blouson Tops for Hiding a Tummy - If you're concerned most about hiding a belly in your bathing suit, plus size tankini swimwear styles with blouson tops are the perfect choice. These tops are fitted through the chest and then hang more loosely around the stomach with a band at the bottom for a polished look. The loose fit of these plus size tankini swimwear styles helps to hide the stomach without looking sloppy or baggy.

2. Flared Tops to Slim the Silhouette - If you have an hourglass or pear-shaped figure, you want to choose plus size tankini swimwear that will accentuate your natural waistline where you're slimmer. Flared plus size tankini swimwear tops gradually become wider from the bust line to the hemline and will call attention to the waist while flattering a wider hip area. Plus size tankini swimwear styles with bold prints will look best on an hourglass. Choose a dark bottom to slim a pear-shaped figure.

3. Empire Suits for a Narrower Waist - If you're an apple shape, you can use a plus size tankini swimsuit to create the illusion of a narrow waist. Empire waist plus size tankini swimwear styles that are fitted under the bust and then flow all the way to the hemline will create the perfect silhouette. Empire styles can also be flattering choices for women with rectangle and pear-shaped figures.

Women’s Board Shorts: The Perfect Cover Up

Board Shorts

When you're considering what to wear over your swimsuit to the beach or the pool this summer, you'll find many cover up options in swimwear collections. If you want to feel comfortable and look laid-back on the shore or the deck, opting for women's board shorts as a part of your cover-up is an ideal choice.

What Are Women's Board Shorts?

Women's board shorts are a bathing suit cover-up style that never fades from fashion. The shorts are inspired by the long swim trunks worn by surfers, and the "board" in their name is a reference to the surfboard. While styles of women's board shorts can vary, most are long in length and hemmed to the mid-thigh or just above the knee. The traditional style for women's board shorts includes a drawstring waist, though some styles have elastic waistbands for a comfortable fit. Most also have a Velcro or zip fly, but some styles for women have a faux fly front. Many styles feature flap pockets in the legs for stowing keys and other small items.

The Appeal of Women's Board Shorts

There are many reasons why women's board shorts remain popular choices for swimsuit cover-ups year after year. One of the most appealing things about women's board shorts is just how comfortable they are. The shorts typically have a relaxed fit through the legs and the seat, making them perfect for stretching out on a towel, a beach blanket or a lounge chair. Often, the shorts are made out of fabric that dries quickly, which is beneficial when you pull your shorts on right after a dip. Many styles of women’s board shorts are designed to be swim-safe so that you can even wear them in the water without worrying about damaging the quality of fabric. When you slip a t-shirt on with a pair of women's board shorts, you look as if you're just wearing a casual summer outfit, making it possible to run errands or have lunch without changing out of your cover-up. You can also wear a one piece or two piece swimsuit with a pair of women's board shorts as a tank top, camisole or bra top.

What’s Hot for Summer 2014 Swimwear

2014 Swimwear

Just as fashion trends for streetwear come and go, what's hot in swimwear changes every year. Summer 2014 swimwear collections include a number of hot features that make this year's swimsuits sexier and prettier than ever. The following is what you need to know to get the look of the Summer 2014 swimwear trends.

Hot Patterns for Summer 2014 Swimwear

Patterned bathing suits tend to be popular every year, as prints can help to slim the figure and call attention to a woman's curves with the right design. For Summer 2014 swimwear, there are a number of pattern trends that were shown on the runways. Floral prints in large and small sizes are a popular look this year and make for a romantic, feminine look. Repeated geometric prints made up of diamonds, triangles and squares are another hot trend. Aztec or tribal prints were also shown in many designer Summer 2014 swimwear collections. These prints are an extension of the geometric look, combining repeated lines, curves and shapes in complicated yet elegant patterns.

Fresh Summer 2014 Swimwear Silhouettes

For Summer 2014 swimwear lines, designers introduced a number of sexy, flattering silhouettes. Some of these looks, such as high waisted bikinis and bandeau one pieces, have their roots in vintage swimsuit designs. Other silhouettes for the Summer 2014 swimwear season are more modern. Among these are midkinis, which feature long-line bra tops and classic brief bottoms, and monokinis, which are one piece bathing suits with cutouts at the sides.

Special Fashionable Features for Summer 2014 Swimwear

If you prefer solid color suits and have a favorite swimsuit silhouette, you can still choose a bathing suit that keeps with Summer 2014 swimwear trends. Suits with mesh, fringe on the neckline and cut-outs at the bust or midriff are all hot styles for Summer 2014 swimwear. You can find these fashionable features on a number of swimsuits of various colors and styles.

Types of Beach Cover Ups

Cover Ups

A complete beach ensemble goes beyond a bathing suit. Beach cover ups are an important part of beach attire and serve the practical purpose of keeping a suit hidden until its time to swim. There are three main types of cover ups available: short, long and convertible.

- Short options for beach cover ups are perfect for ladies who want to be able to get some sun on their legs while keeping their suits covered. One of the most popular types of short beach cover ups is the tunic, a long, typically short-sleeved top that travels past the waist and skims the tops of the thighs. You can wear a tunic alone or with a pair of leggings or board shorts. Ponchos are another popular short option among beach cover ups. Similar in length to a tunic, a poncho does not have sleeves and instead is designed to pull on over the body.

- Long options for beach cover ups are perfect for women who have fair skin and need added sun protection or who simply like to go less bare until it's time for a dip. Long beach cover ups can easily double as casual summer dresses, making them popular choices for women who want to be able to have lunch or even do some shopping without changing out of beach attire. Popular styles of long beach cover ups include maxi dresses, which travel to the ankles, and high-low dresses, which are typically hemmed to or above the knees in the front and are longer in the back.

- Convertible options for beach cover ups give women the flexibility to change the style of their cover up with ease. With these types of beach cover ups, you can often change the neckline or straps, allowing women to fully cover suits of different styles without having to purchase multiple beach cover ups. You can also find convertible beach cover ups that can be worn both as skirts or sarongs and as dresses.

Trendy High-Waisted Bikinis

Bikinis

Trendy High-Waisted Bikinis

While itsy bitsy bikinis are still undoubtedly in fashion, a trendy new swimsuit silhouette is heating up the beach this year. Inspired by vintage swimsuit designs, high-waisted bikinis are back in a big way, which is good news for women of many different body shapes. Here's a look at what's great about high-waisted bikinis and some of the options available in high-waisted styles.

The Flattering Fit of High-Waisted Bikinis

High-waisted bikinis are gaining popularity because they're not only stylish, but they're also incredibly flattering. Many women find that bikinis that sit low on the hips create a "muffin top" or roll around the midriff. The style of high-waisted bikinis eliminates this problem. These suits sit much higher on the abdomen and help to flatten the stomach. In addition, high-waisted bikinis contour the natural waist to give the illusion of a slimmer silhouette. Women with loose skin due to weight loss or a previous pregnancy and those with C-section scars and stretch marks often love high-waisted bikinis because they bare some of the midriff while still providing some coverage for the lower body.

Choosing the Right Bottom Option

Not all high-waisted bikinis are cut exactly the same, giving you the flexibility to choose the style that is most flattering for your figure. Some high-waisted bikinis sit just below the bust line, traveling up over the natural waistline. Other high-waisted bikinis sit straight across just at or right above the navel. Women who want to show a little more skin can choose high-waisted bikinis with v-shaped waistbands that sit lower below the navel and higher at the hips. High-waisted bikinis are also available with skirt bottoms instead of traditional briefs, providing more coverage for the rear and the thighs. Top options for bikinis with high waists run the gamut from halters to bandeaus to underwire bras to long-line midkinis.

Tips for Finding Cheap Swimwear in Plus Sizes

Cheap Swimwear, Plus Size Swimwear

Looking your best at the beach or pool doesn't have to mean paying a fortune for a bathing suit, even if you're plus size. There are many ways to find cheap swimwear in plus sizes, so that you can maximize your shopping budget. Here are some tips to help you find cheap swimwear that will flatter your figure.

1. When you're shopping for cheap swimwear in plus sizes, don't forget about quality. Cheap swimwear that isn't well made won't necessarily save you money. Saltwater and chlorine can be hard on fabrics. Paying slightly more for a well-made swimsuit that will last will help you save in the long run.

2. Timing your shopping right will help you to find high quality cheap swimwear. Often times, cheap swimwear is available in the middle of the summer, at the end of beach season and in the time between spring break and the start of summer.

3. Shopping online will increase the chances of you finding cheap swimwear in plus sizes. Online retailers are often able to offer cheap swimwear prices due to having less overhead and fewer employees than department stores and large specialty brick and mortar stores. You'll also find greater selections of cheap swimwear is plus sizes at online stores that specialize in nothing but bathing suits.

4. Purchasing swimsuit separates is a great way to find cheap swimwear, particularly if you need several suits for an extended vacation. You can purchase one or two solid colored bottoms and multiple tops in different styles and then mix and match to create different looks.

5. While online stores are often the best source for cheap swimwear year-round, many stores offer special sales and discounts at certain times of the year. Bookmark sites that offer cheap swimwear and stop back frequently to see when they are having special sales.

The Many Benefits of Underwire Swimwear

Underwire Swimwear

When you're shopping for swimsuits, there are so many different styles and types that it's easy to get overwhelmed. Understanding more about the most popular types of swimwear can help to make shopping simpler, allowing you to focus on styles that are most likely to flatter your figure. One type of bathing suit style that is a great choice for many women is underwire swimwear, which is available in a wide range of designs.

What Is Underwire Swimwear?

Underwire swimwear is a one piece or two piece bathing suit with an extra supportive bust. The name comes from an underwire, a piece of plastic, metal or another rigid type of material shaped like a "C" that is sewn into the cups of the bathing suit. Used in bras and lingerie as well as underwire swimwear, underwires help to support the breasts. Some women find that choosing underwire swimwear helps to reduce fatigue and strain, as the wires help to minimize the weight of the breasts on the back. In addition, underwire swimwear provides lift for the bust line, helping the breasts appear perkier. Underwires can also enhance cleavage to create a sexier look in a bathing suit with a low cut top or a plunging neckline.

Who Can Wear Underwire Swimwear?

Any woman who wants extra support through the bust line can wear an underwire one piece or two piece bathing suit, but underwire swimwear is especially beneficial for women with certain body types. If your bra cup size is a B or larger, you may want to consider underwire swimwear for your comfort and to flatter your figure. Plus-size women often look shapelier in underwire swimwear, as the extra support helps to call attention to the bust line. You may also prefer underwire swimwear if your breasts sag due to age or a previous pregnancy.

The Many Benefits of Racer Back Swimsuits

Racer Back Swimsuits, Water Aerobics

Swimming is an excellent form of exercise as well as a fun past time. If you plan to swim to get the cardiovascular and strength-building benefits of laps in the pool, you need the right swimwear to help you give your workouts your all. Many experts recommend racer back swimsuits for those who swim for exercise, as the swimsuit style offers many benefits for both and aspiring and accomplished athletes.

What Are Racer Back Swimsuits?

Racer back swimsuits are bathing suits with high scoop necks and specially designed backs. The straps of racer back swimsuits travel over the shoulders and around the back of the neck, where they connect with an hourglass-shaped piece of fabric that covers the upper back. The shoulder blades are left open due to the cut of racer back swimsuits.

The Benefits of Racer Back Swimsuits

Racer back swimsuits are by far the most popular style for those who swim laps for fitness and for those who swim competitively. The design of racer back swimsuits prevents the straps from shifting out of place, so there is no need to stop swimming to adjust your suit when you're wearing one. Also, the fit of racer back swimsuits at the shoulders allows for a full range of motion, so that you can extend your arms with ease while doing laps with different strokes.

The Many Styles of Racer Back Swimsuits

While all racer back swimsuits have similar necklines and backs, they can vary greatly in their overall styles. You can find two piece racer back bathing suits with shorts and skirts to hide the thighs and rear, and there are also traditional one piece and tankini styles with brief bottoms available. You can choose to purchase a two piece racer back suit as a traditional top and bottom set or as separates that give you the flexibility to mix and match sizes and different top and bottom styles.

The Many Benefits of Bikini Separates

Bikinis, Separates

Every woman's body is unique and that's part of the reason why finding the perfect bathing suit can be so challenging. What looks perfect on one woman may just not flatter another. Bikini separates are offered by many designer swimwear brands as a way to simplify bathing suit shopping and help all women get a gorgeous swimsuit that will flatter their figures.

Why Choose Bikini Separates?

Bikini separates are two piece bathing suits that are purchased separately instead of as a set. Designers who offer bikini separates create tops and bottoms in arrays of different styles, colors and patterns for mixing and matching. The most common reason for selecting bikini separates is that they allow for a more flexible fit. Many women find that they are one size on top and another size on the bottom, making bikini separates more flattering than traditional two piece swimsuit sets. Choosing separates also gives you the freedom to experiment with color blocking and pattern blocking to accentuate and slim different parts of your figure. Some women also love the one-of-a-kind appeal of bikini separates, as purchasing pieces separately makes it less likely that anyone at the beach or pool will have a suit completely identical to yours.

Options for Bikini Separates

When you begin to shop for bikini separates, you'll find that there are many different top and bottom styles from which you can choose. Among the most common top options in collections of bikini separates are underwire bras, halter tops and v-neck tops. Some collections have longer midkini and full-length tankini tops as options. These suits give you the flexibility to mix and match different tops with the same bottom for lighter packing when you're on a vacation. In terms of bottoms for bikini separates, you can find high-waisted briefs, low rise briefs, thongs and even fuller coverage options like shorts and skirts.

The Latest Looks in Designer Swimwear

Designer Swimwear

Designer swimwear styles combine quality materials, superior craftsmanship and trendy styles, making one pieces, tankinis and bikinis from their collections perfect for women who truly want the best in bathing suits. To help you find the perfect look in designer swimwear, here's an overview of the latest styles in the collections of some of the hottest names in designer swimwear.

- Jessica Simpson - After making a name for herself as a pop singing sensation, Jessica Simpson turned her sights on creating fashions and designer swimwear for women of all body shapes and sizes. Her ultra flattering designer swimwear collection includes straight and plus size suits in a variety of silhouettes. This season, Jessica Simpson has drawn inspiration from retro bathing suit designs featuring fringed tankinis and high-waisted bikinis in vintage prints.

- Michael Kors - American designer Michael Kors has created a line of eye-catching designer swimwear for 2014. This season, Kors is showing pieces with bold prints like python and leopard as well as retro prints like tie-dye. Known for experimenting with unique silhouettes, Kors has added asymmetrical one pieces and tankinis, swimdresses and skirtinis to his collection of designer swimwear this year.

- Anne Cole - One of the biggest names in designer swimwear, Anne Cole is known for not only creating fashionable swimsuits, but also for experimenting with new technologies that make one piece and two piece bathing suits more flattering for the figure. This year, the bandeau is big in the Anne Cole designer swimwear collection with prints, solids and color block one piece and two piece styles available in a variety of sizes.

swimsuitsforall carries all of the best brands in designer swimwear in an array of sizes. Shop the collection to find designer swimwear from Jessica Simpson, Michael Kors, Badgley Mischka, Anne Cole, Kenneth Cole and other high-fashion brands.