Swimwear buying guide - Tiscali Shopping

1. UPPER BODY - boobs/shoulders/arms

What would you suggest as a good option for bigger busts?

A well cut halter bra with detail is fabulous on B-D cups and gives a fantastic shape and cleavage. D/DD cups need to avoid buying a standard bikini 2 sizes too big in the hope that it might give them enough coverage, they need to go for a cup sized D/DD Bra so they can stay with their dress size but get the support and coverage they need. It is also very important that bigger busts stick with beachwear where tops and bottoms are sold separately.

And what about smaller busts - can we forget the underwired/padded approach and go for something that shows off what we already have?

Yes! Tie front halters and tri bras work well as the tie at the front adds the decorative detail and breaks up the cleavage (or lack of it). Tri bras that have very subtle moulding, not padding, enhance the shape without boosting and are delicate and feminine.

- A twisted bandeau top are perfect for showing off your arms and upper torso. The twist makes sure that the bandeau does not flatten like many bandeaus do.

- Halter Bras are great for showing off toned upper arms.

- Colour is key - go with colours that instantly work with your skin tone and light up your face (e.g. blues, sea greens and chocolate give an instant tan to fair skins and the brighter colours and white backgrounds show off darker skin tones.

2. STOMACH

What's the best style to show off a toned stomach?

Go low! There are some lovely hipsters on the market with patterned belts to draw attention to the flat tum and skirted pants also draw attention to the tummy. Also low slung hipsters in strong patterns are great because the bold pattern draws the eye down to the tum.

3. BUMS AND LEGS

Do high leg bottoms really make your legs look longer successfully, or is there a new approach to try?

- Generally pants are lower on the leg at the moment and not really high-legged. However, a side tie would leave less to the side giving an illusion of more leg.

- For those who really hate their legs we recommend sheer plain sarongs secured with a fun sarong buckles to give a bit of cover and they look so elegant the focus is then from the waist upwards!

What should women with 'flat bums' wear to give the most flattering look?

Trial and error - depending on other assets but they will need something that sits well under the bottom e.g. A Loop Tie Side would be great as it breaks the pant at the side and can be adjusted. Tab-tie pants and belted hipsters would also be tidy and good. Patterns are great for this.

And do you have any tips for women with more curvy bottoms?

Avoid big patterns on the bottom and plain is good. Belted pants break up the pant making the bottom appear smaller. Worn with the halter this style is ideal for a curvy shape.

4. TRENDS

Have you noticed any buying trends?

- Tankinis are still very much in and, as you suggest, give more options for a perfect top and bottom fit. They are versatile too as people wear as a sun top with shorts or a skirt. It also gives them the option of secretly rolling it up for some sunshine when no-one is watching! Ruched Singlets are very popular as this means they fall more softly round the tummy which can be more flattering.

- All-in-one swimsuits are also very popular.

- With the fashion for the sleeveless tube dresses so big, bandeaus are very popular. Flattering bandeaus are however difficult to find but twisted bandeaus flatter not flatten and are incredibly popular!

- Sarongs are back with a vengeance to cover our least favourite bits - sarong buckles are popular too so the sarong can be worn stylishly slung low on the hips and look quite funky not apologetic.

- Surf goes feminine. Boardies worn with pretty feminine bikinis are very popular.

- Kaftans are also becoming more and more popular as they are the perfect beach cover-up and can also be thrown over a pair of jeans in the evening.

5. COLOURS

- Chocolate is now a classic - still so popular. Generally bolder retro prints and colours this summer mixing back to chocolate and sea-foam green really fun and quite 70s-inspired.

- Baroque prints are very popular and create a strong contemporary look.

- Royal blue - this new fashion colour is truly flattering to most skin tones as it gives you an instant tan.

- For those who can take it monochrome, plain black and flame are stunning.

- Detailing is being used to add interest to beachwear and simple gold has taken over from the jewelled bling of last summer - gold bead trim on ties, gold rings on plains and gold thread mixed in with the retro colours all making sure that it won't just be the sun that's shining this summer!

This guide was kindly provided by Coco Bay. Coco Bay sells a brilliant selection of bikinis, swimwear and travel accessories.

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