Womens Fashion

Experts Share What to Know about Shopping for Swimwear

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It’s summertime and that means long lazy days at the beach and poolside parties.  The common denominator for both, besides having fun, is that you’ll need a swimsuit that looks great and makes you feel confident.  That’s true for everyone!  Luckily, experts from the worlds of guy’s board shorts, lingerie, and swimwear share their insights for keeping things relaxed.

Lingerie industry innovator, Dora Lau, who is also the founder and president of Dora L International, shares her tips based on decades of experience in the lingerie industry. “Over the past two years, we’ve come to appreciate the importance of comfort in everything that we wear. That includes our bras and swimwear too. Trending swim looks have an emphasis on street to swim and swim to street styling. These pieces need to be comfortable the entire day so that you can go from brunch to beach and back out again!” 

In particular, Lau truly understands fit and styling for plus size. “A flattering swimsuit is important, and it should feel good on the body,” she shares. “Fuller figure women often prefer some control aspect or sculpting to their swimwear, and therefore opt for a discreet power mesh tummy panel that can help to smooth the silhouette.”

Sabrina Childress-Miller is the Owner of KuteClassics, whose mission is “clothing for a cause.” Every item they make and sell on the site benefits a charitable cause and currently the company is supporting: Sickle Cell Disease, Domestic Violence, Bullying, and Depression.  Sabrina says to “try something new and daring. You’ll be surprised how amazingly versatile swimwear has become over the years. Body shape shaming in swimwear is almost a thing of the past as designers create pieces that challenge the norm and have an entire personality.”

Even guys need guidance when shopping for swim. Lee W Johnson, Founder of Old Bull Lee, says that guys should not buy based on inseam.  “Buy based on length overall. He explains that younger men tend to like shorter lengths (16”- 18”) while older men tend to like length down to top of the knee or slightly below (18” – 19”).” Explaining things further, he says, “There is a lot of variation in terms of waistband sizing and fit, even within brands. Big brands use multiple manufacturers, from multiple countries and the thing that gets lost in that is consistency. A 33” waistband that you bought last year could be +/- one inch different the next time you buy it. This is less important with drawstrings, but for board shorts, which rely on friction one inch is the difference between something that stays on in the water and something that falls off.”

Echoing the calls to wear what makes you feel confident is Jodie Filogomo from Jodie’s Touch of Style. She says, “My suggestion with any online ordering is to check the return policy FIRST. Once you know that you can return items for free or to the store in person, then you want to load up your shopping cart. I always suggest ordering many different suits and in many different sizes. You never know how the sizing runs even if you read the reviews.”

If you’re looking for one tip that can make a huge difference, take it from Yulia Drummond, designer and creator of Voda Swim. “Knowing your measurements is key to finding a perfect fitting bikini that won’t sag or lose its shape after one wear. There are no ‘body type’ rules for buying or wearing a swimsuit. If you are more comfortable in a one piece, find brands that offer support, coverage and style. If you feel sexy, radiant, and ready to hit the pool, you’re wearing the right swimsuit for your body!” she explains.

Drummond continues, “More and more women are embracing bold colors, shimmer, metallic and belted swimwear! While bikinis are always in style, bathing suits with sexy cutouts are also very popular right now. My clients love cute swim-shirts and skirts that are still flirty and fun, while offering a little more coverage. I find that many women are also looking for push-up support, regardless of their size or body type. Good bust support not only flatters every body, but is often more comfortable, especially if you’re planning to be very active or to be in your swimsuit all day.”

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Marc Wilson is the Guest Lifestyle Editor of Social Life Magazine, a 2013 Big Apple Award nominee and the Founder and Creative Director of MWD Lifestyles (formerly Marc Wilson Design) and Weddings by MWD Lifestyles. Marc’s company is a full scale wedding, event design, production and planning company with destination partnerships and capabilities and has grown to be the name in the decor and events, weddings and destination industry it is today. Marc’s fifteen years within the events industry has resulted in national and international recognition and, to date, MWD Lifestyles has worked with Rolex, Hugo Boss, Martha Stewart Weddings and MGM Metro Goldwyn Mayer. Marc’s work has been published in Grace Ormond Wedding Style, Design Bureau, New York Weddings, Manhattan, Essence, Weddings by Design, The Knot, Brides and Town&Country. Instagram@mwdlifestyles

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