Suit Yourself
Two words capable of inspiring instant anxiety in women: swimsuit shopping. The thought of squeezing in and out of the most revealing garment you'll wear in public somehow never sparks the warm and fuzzies. We don't know of a remedy for that problem, but we do know of a way to ensure you get the best suit possible.
"What's important is to try on everything," said Red Carter, designer of Red Carter swimwear and Sandy Bottoms by Red Carter. "Make sure you're in a good mood, get your nails done, do your hair. And go somewhere with great customer service."
When you've made it your mission to try on even the suits you wouldn't normally think twice about, your mindframe can make or break your shopping experience. Once you have that part down, carefully consider your body's good points and not-so-good points. Are you blessed with killer cleavage but cursed by a Charmin-soft mid-section? Do you have a tiny waist but a lumpy derriere? With a little precision and a lot of patience, you can track down the suit that will enhance the high points and camouflage the low ones.
Here's a breakdown of the season's hottest styles with details from Red Carter on what each does and doesn't do for your body.
Contact fashion reporter Xazmin Garza at xgarza@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0477.
monokini
Does: Conceal surgery scars and pregnancy stretch marks.
Does: Curve up a boyish figure.
Doesn't: Flatter love handles.
bandeau
Does: Enhance a small bust.
Doesn't: Agree with C cups or larger.
high-waist bikini bottom
Does: Offer tummy coverage and an alternative to a one-piece.
Does: Appeal to fashion-forward women.
Doesn't: Do much except provide a Steve Erkel effect on the curve-less.
ethnic tribal print
Does: Make tan skin appear tanner.
Doesn't: Complement pale skin.
chocolate brown, muted burgundy and black
Does: Make the pasty look less pasty during those first-time-in-the-sun excursions.
Does: Offer a slimming effect on most body types.
triangle tie-side bikini
Does: Favor the most shapes of any suit.
Does: Add more shape to lacking backsides.
embellishment
Does: Distract from problem areas.
Doesn't: Work in large doses on larger frames.
