A Checklist for Swimsuits

Let’s take the mystery out of the buying or wearing of a swimsuit by looking at all the options. Two elements to consider are: one’s age and figure. However, keep in mind that, in many Latin countries, both factors are discounted and the ladies wear what they want. Girl power!

Now, let’s take a look at The One-Piece Suit in three different styles:

• Bandeau – has detachable straps for an even tan and a higher back. This is my favorite one-piece suit

• Tank – flatters most figures and features over-the-shoulder straps

• Halter – gives support for a larger bust and ties behind the neck

Moving on to The Two-Piece Suit, we find there are five options for tops:

• Tankini – this is my favorite two-piece because it has a full-length top that covers the bod, but has the versatility of a two-piece

• Bandeau – a great top because it does away with tan lines. May have structural boning, molded cups and a detachable strap

• Underwire – offers more support for a larger bust or enhances a smaller one because of the built-in wire

• Halter – features wide bands for more support and, like the one-piece, ties behind the neck

• Triangle – enhances the smaller bust and can create more-or-less coverage; adjustable with ties at the neck and back

Finally, here are five options for the bottom of The Two-Piece Suit:

• Skirted – gives more coverage for hips and thighs. The attached skirt is usually offered in different lengths

• High-waisted – features a higher rise and a fuller back; offers more coverage of the tummy and le derrière

• Side Tie – comes with adjustable side ties and gives minimal hip and back coverage. Definitely for those with slim figures

• Hipster – has wider sides and sits lower on the hips. Will give slightly more coverage

• Brazilian – Ohh la la! If you’re looking for a bottom with a cheeky back, this is for you. It’s skimpy and very sexy

Now, we realize that the bathing suit buying and “on sale” season is over by June. So let’s look forward to the winter months in the tropics. This is an up-to-date list of swimsuit styles that works for any time of the year.

A Trivia List for Swimsuits

• In the 18th century women wore “long bathing gowns” in the water that would not become transparent when wet

• The first bikinis appeared just after World War II and were named after the Bikini Atoll, which was the site of several nuclear weapons tests. Ergo: this bathing suit was named for its explosive effect on the viewer.

A bikini in the 1940s

• From the 1960s on, the bikini shrank and in the 1980s the thong or “tanga” was introduced in Brazil. Ohh la la!

• Muslim women wear the burqini that covers the whole body and head (but not the face). It’s similar to a diver’s wet suit

The Muslim burqini – similar to a diver’s wet suit

MAY WE SUGGEST…for summer travel you’ll find that our tops and camis pack just as easily as your bikini – so take them along.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

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