Bigger on the top than the bottom? No problem. Need a little extra support in the bust? It's yours. Like a little logo with your swim? Just pick a designer.
Specialty sizes, mix-and-match separates, perfect coverups: get them all.
It may not be any easier to face that moment of truth during the first swimsuit try-on of the season, but at least swimwear variety and sizing improves every year.
Trends
- Prints. Look for graphic appeal: stripes, plaids and bold florals.
- Colors. Basic black will never go away, but don't overlook cool blues, black and white and tropical colors like fuchsia.
- Details. Ruffles, smocking, belts, embroidery, lacing.
Styles
- Bikini -- This once-shocking style (born more than 30 years ago) is the granddaddy of fashion swimwear. Looks newest now in super-skimpy triangle, side-tie bottoms. Look for built-in push-up bras, underwire and sculpted cups for extra curves.
- Tankini -- A variation of the bikini, this sporty style has a longer top that leaves only a small portion of the tummy exposed. Don't want to expose your tummy at all? Go for the mock tankini.
- Bandini -- A bikini with a bandeau (straight, striplike piece of fabric) top.
- Camikini -- Same as the tankini except the top looks like a camisole.
- Maillot -- One-piece suit (some creative types have even labeled a cut-out style the "monokini"). This year maillots are cut out, one-shouldered and halternecked.
- Boy legs -- A longer leg resembling really short shorts. Careful here -- tends to make the leg look shorter-- but still a favorite silhouette.
Accessories
- Sarongs, in sheer fabrics and pretty prints, continue to be the most flattering and chicest way to cover up. Tie on the side, in front or around your chest for full coverage. More about How to Tie a Sarong.
- Board shorts are a cute and sporty way to pull on extra bottom coverage; find them everywhere from surf boutiques to Target.
- Flip flops have moved from just-beachwear to everyday fare over the past few seasons.
Shopping
Fashion-forward
Designers
Junior Sizes
Special Sizes (plus, tall, missy)
