Tell us if this scenario sounds familiar – summer comes, and whether you like it or not, you head to your favorite department store to pick out a new swimsuit. You find a few you like and head to the fitting room.
Fast forward thirty minutes.
You’ve returned each and every one back to the rack, thinking that maybe you could pull a Valerie Bertinelli. You feel discouraged. Maybe you just weren’t meant to swim, get a tan, or have any sort of life during the summer months. Maybe you should move to Alaska.
Well, what if we told you that you’re not alone, that even swimwear supermodels go through a ton of suits before finding one good enough for a photo shoot? Better yet, what if we told you that there are countless suits out there that will not only fit you well, but fit your budget?
You’ve just gotta know what to look for, and of course, being your cyber fairy godmothers, we’ve put together some excellent BUDGET swimwear options.. all for less than $50.
Stick Figures
So what if you weren’t graced with JLo’s behind, Scarlett Johansson’s boobs, or Beyonce’s hips? If you’ve got an athletic body type, meaning your shoulders, waist, and hips are all the same width, you’ve got lots of choices and many swimsuits can give you the curves you crave. Simple embellishments, like beads, sarongs, ruffles, and belts, which accent your waist, will turn your curveless figure into a shapely one. You’ll be strutting down the boardwalk (summertime’s makeshift runway) in no time.
Here are our swimwear picks for beach babes with an athletic body type:
1. Black Xhilaration Monokini from Target, $29.99
2. Blue Brazil White and Navy Triangle & Belted Rio Bikini from Newport-News, $10
3. Women’s Floral Belted Bikinis – Multi-Floral Top and Multi-Floral Bottom
from Old Navy, $12.50 each
4. Shape fx® Ring-trim trikini, $44.50 at Newport
Pear Shaped
If you’re heavier on the bottom, in other words your butt is wider than your shoulders, aim to accentuate your torso and your neckline to draw the eye upwards. Choose a top that’s a lighter color than the bottom, or has some noticeable, standout feature. Halter tops and scoop bottoms are a great option.
If you’ve got a sizable booty or thick thighs, don’t be afraid to show them off! They’re not anything to be ashamed of and in fact, higher-cut bottoms will actually make you look better, not worse. Only resort to skirts and shorts if you’re just not feeling like revealing much.
Check out these budget & figure-friendly suits:
1. Plunge-neck Belted Swim Suit from Spiegel, $29
2. Retro One-Piece from dEliAs, $14.99.
3. Women’s Plus Underwire Halter Swimsuits, $44.50
Top Heavy
Maybe you’re a little busty – in a Barbie kind of way – or maybe you’ve just got really wide shoulders and small hips. You’re what they call an “inverted triangle.” Since everyone will naturally look up (at your chest, perhaps), remind them that you’ve got a sexy waistline, too! To do so, go with a high-cut leg, boy shorts, and/or a bottom that has a more vibrant color or busier pattern than the top. All the while, make sure you’re well supported with a swimtop with cups, a halter top or heavy-duty underwire.
These suits are great for top heavy women:
1. Leopard print haltr bikini, $15.00 at Newport-News
2. Women’s Mix-and-Match Underwire Bikini Tops, $12.50 and Women’s Mix-and-Match Hipster Bottoms, $7.99 at Gap
3. Tuxedo 1pc from JC Penney, $44.99
Plus Size
There are TONS of awesome plus-size swimwear available these days, and they are affordable AND stylish (no more hideous floral printed muumuus).
A few tips – most plus size sistas think they look “slimmer” by covering themselves up. Not true; high-cut bottoms really are much more flattering. As far as colors and patterns go, look for the “crossover” style (you’ll know it when you see it) and avoid horizontal stripes along the waistline. Also, the more skin you show, the thinner you look, so don’t be afraid to show what your mama gave you (within reason).
Also, If you don’t have a standard black one-piece suit yet, that’s a must buy… for any body type, really.
When picking out suits, think voluptuous, not matronly.
Plenty of Plus-size Choices:
1. Women’s Plus Underwire Halter Swimsuits from Old Navy, 44.50 (these are all great)
2. Merona® Distortion Swimwear – Blue from Target, $17.99 to $19.99
3. SONOMA life + style® Striped Tankini & Skirtini Set from Kohl’s, $44
4. Carol Wior® Splice Tank from JC Penny, $49.99 to $54.99
5. Golden surplice one-piece suit from Newport News, $49.00-$54.00
Pregnant
Thankfully, suits are already stretchy to begin with, so really you just need one that’s extra stretchy and can evolve with your growing belly. Don’t just get a suit that’s one size too big – get one designed for a pregnant woman. Otherwise, you’ll have too much room in some areas and/or not enough in others.
Some maternity swimsuit picks:
1. Colorblock Maternity Tankini Swimsuit from Motherhood, $29.99
2. Liz Lange® for Target® Dot/Plaid Tankini – Red/ Black from Target, $34.99
3. Alice Maternity Halter Swimwear from MomShop.com, $36.95
Hourglass
If you’ve got an hourglass figure, first thank your mom. Second, have fun trying on swimsuits. You’re one of the few women out there who can get away with virtually any style.
Some options for curvy girl:
1. Twist Bandeau & Foldover Hipster, $24.50 at dEliAs.com
2. Twist Back Halter top and Bottom, $19.99 at Victoria’s Secret
3. Luxe halter suit from Newport News, $39.00
Petite
You’ve got a ton of options, including checking out the juniors department, and in a pinch, the children’s department. Your biggest concern might be how to find a swimsuit small enough that does make you look like an elderly member of the Mickey Mouse Club or a 36-year-old Lolita.
Here’s some options:
1. Ikat triangle top, $29.99 and Ikat string bikini, $24.99
at the Gap.
2. Girls Neon Stripped Bikini, $10 at Old Navy
3. One Shoulder One Piece, $39.50 at Delias
Tall
We actually have a whole article devoted to you. head to Tall Swimsuits on a Budget.
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