Look fit in your swimsuit

The swimsuit you wear must make the most of your positive features, says Homai Sagar 

MOST women in India avoid swimming for the simple reason that they don’t have the figure. That is probably an excuse, but one that can be tackled. Buying a swimsuit is not only about choosing the right colour, size or price, but it is also about making sure you are comfortable. A bit of thought in your choices can help you find a piece that makes you look and feel great.

But then, before you decide upon the style that suits you best, take a good and hard look at yourself in the mirror. Your swimsuit must make the most of your positive features and cleverly camouflage all those parts of the body you wish were not yours. So, for starters, make sure your skin is in perfect condition. Apart from the soup–n-salad regimen, subject yourself to regular waxing. Scrub your body to get rid of all dead skin and moisturise till your complexion gleams in good health. Also, paint your nails the colour that matches best with that of the swimsuit you want to wear.

Now this could be a tricky part. For the colour you choose, it would depend upon your complexion, height and physical characteristics. The cut and styling of your swimsuit would also depend upon these factors. First, examine yourself and understand if you have a long torso, short torso, pear-shaped body, big bust, small bust, big tummy, plus size or way too skinny. Once you get this in place, start shopping.

For the hourglass figure, you probably don’t need any help at all. The only way you can mess up is by getting an ill- fitting swimwear. Whether it is a frilly skirted suit or a bikini, make sure it fits well, with shoulder straps comfortably rested and supporting your body.

For the curvy figure, you will need halter necks with broad bands to support the fuller busts. Hipster bottoms add an illusion of height to shorten the body and legs. Wear bold colours and for plus size curvy figures, use patterned swimwear.

For the big tummy, use different colours, stripes or a swim wear with vertical stripes on each side. This will give you an illusion of a slimmer body and help shape your figure.

A plump woman looks better in a one-piece swimsuit of deep subdued hues, and a middle-length cut on thighs is a good choice. Opt for a swimsuit with lots of vertical detailing (patterns and seams); make sure it has got wide shoulder straps. Then again there are other problems that have to be tackled.

Bust too small? There are many padded swimsuits now, both in bikinis and two-piece suits. Some are structured almost like a bra.

Bust too big? Try a swimsuit with a halter tie so you can adjust the support. Belly too bulbous? Generous fabric is the answer for this tone. To hide rolls and bulges, a wrap-style bathing suit can disguise that very nicely. It incorporates a little curtain over the stomach.

Thighs too full? Go for suits with a higher cut leg, says Anju Chotrani, swimwear designer from Mumbai. Hips 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. Hips too narrow? It is hard to believe this is a problem, but OK. Choose a bathing suit belted at the hips.

Lots of bikinis this season have little swishy skirts attached to the bottoms. Burberry, for instance, has the two-piece kilt swimsuit, a highbrow way to cover a rumpled rump. A fuller bottom can make you look larger.

When it comes to bikinis, according to swimwear and lingerie expert Dalbir Bains, glam bikinis in trendy animal and tropical prints, retro designs and vibrant colours are in vogue. Designer Wendell Rodricks advises: "Mix and match the bikini with shorts, sarongs or capris, or try out the reversible bikini which has a two-fabric combination.

Model Pia Trivedi, too, recommends a bikini worn with a pair of shorts. You could play beach ball or venture into the water with it. It is utilitarian and comfortable, she says, and it is true, swimwear is getting sporty as well, with sportswear giants introducing sexy swimsuits and bikinis make a statement of haute style.

Designer Pria Kataria says: "Bold swimwear is for a lady with a sexy attitude and not just a great body." Designer Sunity Goel created a personalised bikini for model-actor Kamal Sindhu and Indianised it with a bandhini skirt. Don’t feel embarrassed, go, try it on. Do a full circle. — MF

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