Look fit in your swimsuit

Your swimsuit must accentuate your positive features, says Neela Chopra

NOW that summer is in full swing, there is nothing more welcoming than a swim after slogging all day in the office/house. Being the holiday season you might even go to exciting beaches to burn out those calories and get back into shape. Get back into shape, that is the significant phrase that brings us into discussion on how to select a swimsuit for your beach/pool outings.

With the teeny-weeny lingerie you get to stay in bed. But with swim wear you’ve got to actually walk around in public. Of course, if you have a well-proportioned figure and long limbs, any and every swimsuit style will look good on you. But if, like most Indian women, you have an ample bosom and broad hips, you will have to pick and choose your swimsuit.

The basic rule is that before you buy the swimsuit that will show you off best, go to the mirror and have an honest look. Your swimsuit must accentuate your positive features and camouflage those parts you wish you did not have. The first requirement is that your skin should be in perfect condition. Of course you will be going on a soup-n-salad regime but ensure that all those places around your swimsuit bottom are subjected to clear waxing, and have an exfoliating scrub so that all the dead skin is out and your complexion glows.

About your basic physical problems, do not fret too much because Ruchita Melwani, fashion designer, has some valuable tips on how to minimise body flaws without wearing a sheet to the pool.

Melwani suggests bathing suit tops with padded details to create a little bit of interest where there isn’t anything else. There are many padded swimsuits now, both in bikinis and two-piece suits, she says. Some are structured almost like a bra. Try a swimsuit with a halter tie so that you can adjust the support.

If your thighs are too full, go for suits with a higher cut leg. If your hips are too wide, look for vertical stripes or a vertical pattern. Definitely avoid horizontals on the hip area and also avoid a belted style which might accentuate the hips. If your waist needs tucking in, choose a lycra fabric, which will keep the embarrassing flab under check. In case your hips are too narrow, choose a bathing suit belted at the hips to give them some accent.

The colour and cut of your swimsuit is decided by your height/physical characteristics/complexion. It is advisable to stay clear of white/beige and other pastel shades and decide on navy blue/black/ dark bungundy/ brown. Opt for a more conservative cut. In any event, the safest bet is a dark-coloured swimsuit cut deep on the top and kept low on the bottom. Similarly, avoid large florals if you are well built and ensure vertical strips that create the illusion of your being thinner than you are actually are. — MF