Swimsuits
Shop New Markdowns at Gap.com
The Deal: New Gap styles for on sale now
The Lowdown: While we have no spring getaway plans (sigh) it’s quite possible that you do—but if there’s a vacation in your near future, we’re guessing much of your budget has already been spent (seriously, who can afford plane tickets AND clothing these days?). Still, you’ll probably want a few cute, packable items to take (and with all the new baggage fees, packable is very important), particularly if you’re heading somewhere warm. Which is why it wouldn’t hurt to hit up this sale at Gap which includes, amidst the sweaters and wool pants, some very cute, vaca-worthy items.
We are now shifting into fantasy vacation mode (yes, we’re living vicariously through you) and have selected a couple of pieces we’d like to slip into before heading out for that poolside Margarita: an Plaid Empire Tie Dress, on sale $34.99, and this swimsuit: Bow Halter Bandeau Top, $29.99;
Bow Bikini Bottom, $19.99.
Of course, if you’re like us and don’t have anywhere to go, perhaps you can console yourself with one of the many pairs of fab Gap jeans on sale now—get the most mileage out of a classic denim look, like this new low rise boot cut in a dark wash, for just $29.99.
Shop: Gap.com
2 for $20 Swim Separates at Wet Seal: Daily Deal
The Deal: Now through Aug. 17, get 2 for $20 swim separates at Wet Seal
The Lowdown: While swim season may be very close to over, it’s hard to beat 2 for $20 on swimwear separates. You may just want to give those last few visits to the beach or pool a little extra kick with a new suit, or buy one to tuck away to save you the trouble next spring. Either way, there are deals to be had, like this metallic triangle bikini top with matching bottom, or a cute and sassy pink plaid bandeau top and matching bottom; all are 2 for $20.
Shop the Sale: Wet Seal
30 Swimsuits for Under $30
VISIT OUR 2009 SWIMWEAR GUIDE
“These Products Are No Longer Being Sold”
Whether you’re heading off on holiday to somewhere sunny, or just gearing up for summer, we’ve found 30 suits under $30 to get you in the beach-going mood:
1. Newport News Vneck halter suit, $29.00, Newport News
2. Beach Sexy® Adjustable triangle top and double-string bottom, $29.50, Victoria’s Secret
3. Backless Halter Suit, $29.00, Newport News
4. Beach Sexy Triangle Bikini Set, $24.00, Victoria’s Secret
5. Belted Bandeau, $29.00, Newport News
6. Sand N Sun - Women’s Asymmetric Ring Maillot, $19.88 at Wal-Mart
7. Halter Swimsuit, $29.50, Old Navy
8. Crossback Swimsuit, $19.50 at Old Navy
9. Sand N Sun Women’s Ring Bikini, $11.88 a piece Wal-Mart (top) (bottom)
10. Bandeau Monokini, $29.99 at Target.
11. White Stag Floral Halter Swim Dress, $29.66, Walmart
12. Dolfin Winner HP Back Swimsuit Womens, $24.99, Amazon.com
13. Xhilaration® Hibiscus Print Swimwear - Pink/ Black $5.24 - $14.99 at Target
14. Islander Women’s Geometric Striped One-piece Swimsuit, $14.00 at Kmart
16. Waterpro Laser, $25.00, Amazon.com
17. Penbrooke Retro Zen Mod 1pc Scoop Neck Tie Side Sarong, $29.95 at Swimoutlet.com
18. Oasis Explosion Halter Top w/Scoop Bottom, $24.99, Swimoutlet.com
19. Salinas Lisbela Halter Suit, $29.95, Swimoutlet.com
20. Oasis Circle Triangle Top w/Brazilian Bottom, $24.95, Swimoutlet.com
21. Joe Boxer Bikini Separates, $12 apiece, Kmart
22. Two-Piece Swimsuit, $12.99, CCO
23. Printed Halter Swimsuit, $16.99, CCO
24. Halter Bikini, $12.99, CCO
25. Floral mesh one-piece by Leonisa, $29, Carabella
26. Lattice edged 2-piece swim set, $14.95, Carabella
27. Striped bikini, $14.95, Carabella
28. Tahiti Tankini Set, $20.99, Alight.com
29. Love Surf Love Eye of the Tiger Triangle Bikini, $24.99, Overstock.com
30. Newport News Crochet Tankini, $29, Amazon.com
Looking for a Swimsuit on a Budget? Head to Newport-News
Every summer, I update my Guide to Swimwear. During the process of updating the guide, I visit pretty much every site that sells swimsuits under $50. I’ve shopped pretty much every store with a swimwear department and there has been only one place that has consistently, year after year, offered a great selection of swimwear, for all sizes, all budgets - Newport-News.com. When picking my five favorite swimsuits for under $50, I had to limit the number from Newport-News to two.
While the other offerings from the online/catalog retail may be up for debate, there’s no denying that Newport-News currently has the best selection of fashionable swimwear, for all sizes (including tall and petite), for those who are on a budget. Better than Victoria’s Secret, who has great deals on sexy swimsuits that look good on about 1% of women. Better than Lane Bryant, whose plus size swimsuits look big black sacs. Better than Old Navy
, whose 2007 offerings are surprising unstylish and expensive ($49.50 for a swimsuit from Old Navy, nah). Even better than Target, who, while still a great place to find budget swimwear, does not offer the range of sizes that Newport-News offers.
Some of my favorite suits from Newport-News:
Backless Halter Suit, $20.00
Triangle Bikini, $25.00
Plus Size V-Neck Halter Suit, $31.00 at Newport_news.com
Bandeau Tankini, $29.00
Visit Newport-News.com swimshop
Answers to Common Swimwear Questions: The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 5:
In part 5 of our swimwear guide, we answer your questions ranging from “do dark suits help you tan” to “the difference between lycra, spandex, etc.” Have a swimwear question? Contact me.
Answers to Common Swimwear Questions
Question 1: Lycra, Spandex, nylon, Supplex – what’s the difference and why should I care?
Here’s why: each offers a unique fit and function. First, decide if you are wearing a suit to sunbathe or swim. If it’s the former, choose a soft, lightweight fabric like cotton or Supplex. If it’s the latter, choose a suit with higher Lycra (spandex) content.Still confused? Below is a mini glossary of common swimwear fabrics:
Nylon: Nylon was developed in 1938 by DuPont as the first completely synthetic fiber. The material offer resilience, abrasion resistance and high flexibility. It’s often added to natural fibers to boost a garment’s durability.
Cotton: Cotton suits are softer and comfier than nylon but rarely form fitting. They lose shape, shrink and bleed and fade colors.
Supplex: Supplex is another DuPont invention which offers the plush touch of cotton with the strength, durability and performance of nylon – but softer. Plus, it won’t wrinkle, shrink or fade.
Lycra/Spandex: Lycra/spandex won’t ride up or slip off while you swim or ride the waves. A bonus: The higher the spandex content, the greater the slimming ability. But, keep in mind spandex fibers break down easily with exposure to chemicals in swimming pools, hot tubs and even sunscreen. You’re not alone and miracle products do exist. Take for example, Panache’s molded gel underwire bikini tops (available at figleaves.com). They not only resist water and maintain shape in and out of water, but they present a pretty convincing breast-lift. You may also want to try other tricks like front-tie halters to define cleavage and boost your bust. Finally, there’s always regular underwire for lifting and sculpting any chest size. If the thought of waiting in line to try on a handful of suits in a teeny tiny fitting room with unflattering florescent lighting doesn’t appeal to you, then online shopping is a great option. It’s worth noting that most e-commerce sites – including figleaves.com, Bluefly.com
Tricot: Tricot (nylon-spandex) is generally constructed from four-way stretch fabric, meaning your suit moves with you.
Question 2: I’m small-chested but every time I wear padded tops in the water the inserts get soaked and lose their shape. How can I avoid this problem?
, victoriassecret.com, dELiAs.com
and Target
—offer comprehensive size listings and charts and hassle-free return policies (so you can try suits on at own home and then send them back if you change your mind). Also worth noting, a few sites, including Lands’ End, now offer high-tech display software like My Virtual Model, so you have the option to “virtually” try on your swimsuit before you buy.
Question 4: Are there any suits that will get rid of my cellulite?
Clothing does not remove cellulite; the easiest way to disguise it is by sporting cute boy shorts or sarongs. A nice tan can also reduce visible the dimples and cottage-cheese- like texture of cellulite.
Question 5: Will dark suits help me tan?
A dark suit will not increase the intensity of sun exposure to your skin. However, there are some new suit manufacturers that claim their swimwear actually helps you tan. One company, Cooltan, uses a unique patent-pending fabric knit with millions of tiny pores. The pores provide as much coverage as a medium-level sunscreen, so results will not be drastic; your suit-covered skin will receive as much sun exposure as the rest of your sunblock-slathered body.
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 1: The Do’s and Don’t
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 2: What’s Hot and What’s Shot
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 3: The Best Swimsuit for Your Skin Color
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 4: What’s Hot and What’s Shot
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 5: Answers to Common Swimwear Questions
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 4: What’s Hot and What’s Shot
We picked through the good, the bad and the just plain ugly. The lowdown on what’s hot and shot for summer 2006 swimwear.
What’s Hot
| Cutaways that look like a bikini from the back but cover the front |
|
| Skirtinis and skorts | Splurge! Halter Dress Slender Suit |
| Tunics, kaftans, pareos and dresses as cover-ups |
|
| Ruffles | <
Tara Jarmon Ruffle Swimwear |
| Batik and paisley (global-inspired) |
|
50s pin-up girl looks (twisted bandeaus and one-pieces, ruching |
|
| Gelato shades (from chocolate and pistachio to lemon and cherry) | |
Arts ‘n crafts: crochet, embroidery, appliqué, beading, | |
| Metallic fabrics |
|
| Sailor stripes and nautical theme |
|
What’s Shot
1. Animal print overkill. If you’ve got a zebra suit,
tone it down with a sheer black caftan; pair a leopard-print top with a chocolate
brown or black bottom. Never mix animal prints (e.g., combining cheetah, snake
and tiger).
2. T-shirts as cover-ups. It tells everyone you’ve got something
to hide.
3. Flimsy, sheer suit fabrics. Great… for wet-T-shirt contests.
4. Wearing your Burberry plaid from head to toe. Instead try a signature piece (e.g., a designer logo tank with solid, unmarked bottoms).
5. Thongs and g-strings. Out of the question if you have any cellulite -– as Star magazine has shown us, even skinny Paris Hilton’s got no business flaunting her rear assets on the beach.
6. Tiny triangle bikini tops. Support that bust.
7. The skimpy stuff. This season’s look offers more to the imagination.
8. Tube tops and bandeaus. If you’re well -endowed these tops will make it look like you have a uni-boob.
9. Stuffing yourself into a black suit. Try color-blocking
and tricot (slenderizing) fabrics.
10. Over bling. Choose shells, coral and wooden beads instead.
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 1: The Do’s and Don’t
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 2: What’s Hot and What’s Shot
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 3: The Best Swimsuit for Your Skin Color
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 4: What’s Hot and What’s Shot
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 5: Answers to Common Swimwear Questions
The Best Swimsuit for Your Skin Color: The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 3:
Typical features | Dos | Don’ts | Suit your spectrum |
| Ivory skin, black or chestnut brown hair and dark eye | white, black, navy blue, red and hot pink | beige, orange, gold and pastels | Backless halter suit $29.99 at Newport-News.com |
| medium to dark brown skin with dark eyes and hair | bold colors like turquoise, emerald greens, ruby reds and amethyst purples | earth tones and pastels | |
| bronze to light brown skin with auburn or highlighted hair and green or golden brown eyes | earth tones (e.g., camel, beige, rust, gold and chocolate brown) | shades of blue, including navy | Wrap Swimsuit, $62.50 at LaneBryant.com |
| pale or pinkish skin with natural blonde or light brown hair and light-colored eyes | sorbet (e.g., fruit colors), cinnamon, silver and babyblue shades | black and orange | Xhilaration Ice Swim Set in Silver $11.99 at Target.com |
| peach or freckled creamy white skin with golden or light red hairand blue or green eyes | lime or apple greens, mocha or cinnamon browns or melontones | darker, duller hues | Ruched Square-Neck Tank $16.00 at Spiegel.com |
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 1: The Do’s and Don’t
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 2: What’s Hot and What’s Shot
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 3: The Best Swimsuit for Your Skin Color
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 4: What’s Hot and What’s Shot
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 5: Answers to Common Swimwear Questions
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 2: What’s Hot and What’s Shot
Stop! Before you begin earmarking your fashion rags, realize that the cover
model’s hot look of the season might not be right for you. When you buy yourself
swimwear, it is for your body. You will not morph into Heidi Klum just because
you are wearing the same itsy bitsy bikini. (Keep in mind, Heidi is pictured
in that suit after she’s tried on dozens of other pieces and the photo editor
tossed at least half a dozen unflattering poses.) But, with so many amazing
fabrics and cuts and tricks out there, you’ll have no reason not to look your
sexiest if you carefully adhere to the following tips.
Psst… All are under $35!
| Body Issue | Trick | Treat |
| If you’re boy-shaped (curveless)… | Create curves with padded and/or textured (e.g., ruffles, beading, embroidery, ruching) tops. Slip into a cutout or high-cut bottoms. If you’re modest, pull on belted boy shorts. | Newport News’ sporty halter tankini with an adjustable neck strap and contrasting diagonal white piping creates the illusion of curves in cotton/poly-blended jersey knit with figure-flattering spandex. Matching scoop bottoms offer just enough coverage but also just enough leg for a long, lean and feminine look ($19; Newport-news.com). |
| If you’re busty… | Give your chest support with cup-sized swimwear. If you prefer to not wear underwire, a halter top with wide straps, and fabric that covers the sides as well as the front, also does wonders. Stay away from strapless styles | Target Merona bra-sized Halter Swim Top features lined underwire halter top with light, removable padding, a tie back with adjustable neck closure for extra lift ($19; Target). |
| If you’re flat-chested… | Create curves with patterns, beading, ruffles or padding. Triangle tops and twisted bandeaus give the illusion of a larger chest. | From Tara Jarmon, the “Pink Chimes” ruffled triangle swim top offers light padded cups for added comfort, support and coverage with a cord that ties at the neck and back ($14.99; Target). |
| If you’re sagging… | If your problem is your backside, look for a flared skirt bathing suit bottom or swimdress. For the bustline, add instant lift with a cupped halter or balcony bra. | Newport News’ sexy halter swimdress slims all over with with power mesh, featuring a flirty A-line skirt to cover your derrière and a molded soft-cup bra with a tie behind the neck to lift saggy breasts ($29; Newport-news.com).
|
| If you’re packing some extra baggage in your thighs… | Surprisingly, bigger thighs benefit from a bottom cut higher on the thigh; it elongates the leg and creates a leaner look. | Ballet’s “Tobago” high-leg control brief features a flattering high cut and acts like a body-shaper, cinching any lower body bulge. The contrasting embroidery along the waistline draws attention up and away from hips ($28; figLeaves.com |
| If you’re a mommy to-be… | Accentuate and flatter the belly; wear convertible or low-cut bottom pieces that can expand and accommodate weigh gain, while offer lower back and belly support. | Show off a smooth, ballooning silhouette in an ebony keyhole-top, 2-piece tankini from Liz Lange for Target Maternity with a stretchy elastic waist to add support and lift (so your belly doesn’t droop and weight is more evenly distributed ($32.99; Target). |
| If you’re self-conscious… | Don’t just cover up; dress up: Pareos, caftans and the ubiquitous sarong are chic-er than ever this season | Wrap yourself in this sexy Voile sarong with accents of chocolate brown and cream to compliment the bold poppy print and trim from Lepel ($28; figLeaves.com |
| If you’re carrying junk in your trunk… | Don’t cover a large derriere with lots of fabric; try a high cut brief in a solid dark shade. Bring eyes up and away with a contrasting colored top. | This Shape FX Bandeau one piece suit features a built-in shelf bra with rhinestone accents that draw the eye upwards. It also features a high-cut black briefs ($29; Newport-news.com). |
| If you’re plus-sized with curves… | Cinch your waist with a belt. Ruching or diagonal stripes create an optical illusion and slim your torso into an hourglass. Wear a bottom that cuts high on the leg to elongate. | The wrapped style on this MB Plus one piece creates diagonal lines that direct eyes away from fleshy shoulders and arms and accentuate curves. The slimming belt sports a side buckle, which draws attention away from your belly. In sizes 16w-24w ($19; Target) |
| If you’re plus-sized without curves… | Slip into solid colors for a smoother silhouette. Define your bustline with an empire waist accented with piping, hardware or embellishment. Balance with a high-cut or skirted brief. | Mossimo Women’s Plus-Size empire belted swim tankini accents a sexy décolletage and adds the illusion of curves with a strategically placed rhinestone buckle and triangular belted top ($19.99; Target).
|
| If you’re triangle-shaped… | Look for swimsuits with a pattern or light color top with dark bottoms. | Color block out your less fab features and draw attention upward with a pretty ballerina top and a sheer “slice” strategically slashed diagonally for an overall trim, feminine look with Merona’s “Optic-Print” tank swimsuit ($22.49; Target). |
| If you’re an inverted-triangle shape… | Look for swimsuits that provide support and balance, drawing attention to your waist and/or legs | Go retro and leave some things to the imagination in this black-and-white-Swiss-dot-printed Shape FX maillot. Featuring double straps with a drawstring keyhole tie at the sweetheart neck, a shelf bra and side drawstrings you can tighten or loosen to accommodate weight gain or your own modesty ($19; Newport-news.com). |
| If you’re flabby in the belly… | Horizontal ruching or surface texture disguises rolls. | Newport News’ black or double espresso stretch crochet tankini is fully lined with nylon-spandex for shape retention with delicate merrow-stitched ruffles and soft supportive cups ($25; Newport-news.com). |
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 1: The Do’s and Don’t
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 2: What’s Hot and What’s Shot
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 3: The Best Swimsuit for Your Skin Color
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 4: What’s Hot and What’s Shot
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 5: Answers to Common Swimwear Questions
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 1: The Do’s and Don’t
I have finally completed my Guide to Swimwear 2006. I asked my friend Lindsay Morris, a former editor at Shape, to help me put together this guide. Lindsay knows her swimsuits—a former competitive swimmer who once owned just a team suit, she states, without hesitation, that there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all. “While my teammates and I practiced four hours daily through grueling drills, our athletic builds varied considerably”, Lindsay wrote me. “There were apple, pear and curveless shapes—just like those I’d see at the beach (not on “Baywatch”)—but with an extra layer of muscle. Truth be told, bathing beauties come in all shapes, so thank goodness designers are catching on (if only team uniform designers would follow their lead).”
No matter what your shape, size, state or level of modesty, the following guide offers you the keys to finding the perfect fit; our favorite places to purchase budget beach and poolwear; and answers to your most pressing questions (but of course!). And, as always, we encourage you to share your own swimwear secrets. Dive in!
The Rules
You’ll have no reason not to look your beach best if you carefully adhere to the following tips.
The Dos
1. When shopping for a suit, think about what first catches your eye. For example, do you notice the bottoms or the top? Now, think of how you’d feel if someone looked first at that part of your body.
2. Check the tag. The higher the spandex content, the better. The suit will hold its shape and flatter yours.
3. Sunscreen—the most important swimsuit accessory!
4. Use bump-stopper creams and schedule a professional bikini wax.
5. Alternate suits. The fabric needs about a day to dry and return to its original shape.
6. Follow wash instructions: Gently hand wash your suit in lukewarm water and mild soap and hang it indoors to dry.
7. If you are a regular pool swimmer, buy a suit-cleaning solution (available at most suit retailer shops and e-commerce sites).
The Don’ts
1. Throwing your suit in the machine washer or dryer will break down the Lycra, bleed and fade colors, misshape padding and damage elasticity.
2. Hanging your suit on the clothesline in the sun is yet another way to stretch it out of shape and speed fading.
3. Sitting or sprawling directly on gritty poolsides causes wear and tear; it can also produce unsightly pilling on your suit bottoms.
4. Racer-backs hug and accentuate back fat; try a full tank suit or tankini.
5. Pairing shorts with a one-piece suit makes even the slimmest gals look like they’ve got a belly.
6. Hot tubbing in your beach best is just as bad as dropping that suit in the washing machine. Wear older suits in the whirlpool.
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 1: The Do’s and Don’t
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 2: What’s Hot and What’s Shot
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 3: The Best Swimsuit for Your Skin Color
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 4: What’s Hot and What’s Shot
The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 5: Answers to Common Swimwear Questions
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