Ah, swimsuits. Those lovely, body-baring, no-place-to-hide scraps of tight cloth that are somehow supposed to flatter and sexify the body. Now, don't get me wrong, it is completely possible to rock a swimsuit, but it's also equally possible to get the look wrong. Here are some swimsuit tips for all the tall women out there:
- Two Piece Suits are Best. I've spent a lot of time in swimsuits. Not only was I on swim team growing up, I also spent roughly 13 years working in aquatic environments as a lifeguard, pool manager and swim lesson instructor. As a tall woman, there's little that's more uncomfortable than wearing a one-piece bathing suit with a too-short torso. A constant, all-day wedgie does not make for a good look. Trash the one-piece suit and opt instead for a two-piece that allows you to mix and match the bottom and the top for a perfect, full-body fit.
- Match the Suit with the Purpose. Swimsuits aren't one-purpose-fits-all items of clothing. If you're a sporty lady who wants to spend her weekends body boarding, swimming laps and playing sand volleyball, choose a suit that will stay put for all that activity. A sport-style suit with wider straps and strong bust support is probably your best option. On the other hand, if your aquatic activity tends to be more stationary, a string bikini will probably work just fine.
- Highlight Your Assets. Just like any other outfit, you want your swimsuit to draw attention to your best assets while minimizing your trouble zones. If you're proud of your strong arms and your nice chest, choose a halter-top in a bright color or pattern that lifts your breasts and calls attention up-top. You can minimize your bottom-half by choosing a standard full-coverage brief in a solid, dark color. On the other hand, if you want to show off your legs and butt, choose higher-cut briefs with less coverage and opt for a bright or light color on bottom with a darker, simpler top.
- Look for Long-Torso Tankinis. Some stores offer swimsuits and tankinis designed for tall women. While personally I'd still avoid purchasing a one-piece from these stores, their tankinis offer more fabric through the torso, giving you more control of how much tummy to cover.
- Avoid Strapless Suits. Tall women have a lot of body to show off while wearing a swimsuit, and strapless suits, particularly the bandeau tops, don't do anything to flatter the tall frame. The stretch of cloth around the chest ends up looking like a slash-mark that almost appears to cut off your head and shoulders from your torso. Triangle tops, halter straps or vertical straps draw the eye north toward your face, giving you a more flattering look.
All else aside, you need to walk confidently when wearing a swimsuit. There's nothing that draws attention more than a tall woman who feels confident in her own skin...and if you're not quite there yet, fake it till you make it.