The swimwear fashion we see today is certainly not what your grandmother or great-grandmother wore in their youthful days. It is probably a little less than what your mother had on too. The swimwear trend has definitely gone from itty to bitty and then from teensy to weensy. I thought it would be fun to step back in time and look at how swimwear has changed over time as a preview to "throwback Thursday".
Back in 1895, ladies were highly scandalous when seen in a bathing suit that exposed their arms and allowed their legs to be seen from just above the knees on down. Next, during the Flapper era came a swimsuit that looked more like a mini dress of today. In London, the swimwear fashion was ever changing and soon ladies were seen wearing swimsuits that bared their arms and allowed their legs to be seen from mid thigh on down. The next great swimwear fashion trend modeled in London featured swimwear and beach costumes that showed off a woman's bare back. Back then, the word "costume" was used to describe an outfit worn to the beach, not necessarily a bathing suit. Finally, in 1946 the first modern-day 2-piece bikini, as we know it to be, debuted in Paris. The French designer of this ground breaking bikini design had quite a difficult time finding a "respectable" model to display it for him. He had to settle for a nude dancer from a Paris casino to model the bikini. It took approximately 50 years for swimwear to evolve to the 2-piece variety.
So as the 1950's rolled in, the 2-piece bikini got more elaborate featuring lace frills and prints. The bikini bottoms at this time were still waist high, but as fashion swimwear started to head into the 1970's the bikini bottoms got less in material allowing more thigh and midsection exposure. The string bikini came into existence around this decade as well and the bottoms got smaller and the tops showed more cleavage too. From there to the present time, swimwear has only gotten more teensy and more elaborate featuring hardware, lace, sexy prints, and more luxurious swimwear materials. Single piece swimwear has also gotten more exciting with bigger cut outs allowing more skin exposure and are sexy in their own way.
Fashion is always changing and it is fun to take a look back to see how it all started. Fashion swimwear designers also like to look back in the past to see what can be borrowed and modernized for today. We have so many more choices available in swimwear than we did in the past and nowadays there really is a swimsuit for everyone.
Now that you have decided on what cut and style of swimwear suits your body, you have to make a second decision. What color??? Print or solid?
The most difficult task is already done, so take a breather and relax.
Black is an easy color to go with. If in doubt, go dark. It helps minimize the parts that you do not want to emphasize. It is safe. However, be careful because as much as black helps conceal and minimize, you may want to emphasize what you have instead. For instance if you have a smaller bust, black will not help, so black is not for everyone all the time.
Color helps emphasize or create the illusion of having more. If you want to look like you have a larger bust or a more round bottom, a colored swimwear piece will help. A splash of color will draw attention and play up whatever curves you want to put emphasis on.
Now, just because you have a large bust, does not mean you always have to wear black on top. Color is still your friend, but just not the bright ones. Stick with a pastel color or less intense hue, such as a creamy hue. They will actually help de-emphasize that area. Just make sure whatever bikini top you pick provides you plenty of support. That is first and foremost the most important decision that precedes color selection.
Who gets to wear stripes? Stripes are for ladies who want to help add emphasis on body length. Like all stripes, they help elongate. Wear it if you want to look taller or stretch out your trunk or legs. The bikini cut you wear can help do this, so it's not entirely necessary to wear stripes.
Who gets to wear prints? If a two piece bikini is not for you or you are not quite sure about it, a one piece swimsuit with a darker print can help and will give you a slimmed down appearance. How? Simply by drawing the focus to the print pattern and not on curves or bulges that you don't want attention on. Unlike stripes which are only
for a select number of women, a print can be for anyone! It just makes things a little extra exciting if the swimsuit cut or style doesn't accomplish that already by itself.
Don't forget, it is okay to mix and match! There is no rule that says you have to have the same color for the top and bottom. A print on top and solid color on bottom or color on top and black on bottom, etc..
We hope this helps you get a better sense of how to approach the task of swimsuit shopping. It can be super fun! Surprise yourself!
You often find information out there referring to at least 5 different body shapes: pear, apple, hourglass, rectangle and cone. We all know that this is simply a generalization because we are not made from basic molds. Every body is going to have some variation.
Here at Deja Soleil Swimwear we think it is more helpful to recognize that women come in different combinations of these body shapes. We do use the term pear shaped, but we also recognize that women fall into the following categories as well: smaller bust, larger bust, larger belly, straight body, athletic body, and narrow hips/small behind.
With that in mind we think it is best to mix and match in most situations. An off the rack matching bikini set may not give a woman the perfect fit both on the top and the bottom. Customization is key in this type of situation.
So, the first thing you need to do, based on this body guide, is to decide what best describes your body shape. Be honest now. It's important to wear the appropriate cut for your body because in order to really "rock it", you have to be wearing the right swimsuit. There really is a swimsuit out there for every woman.
Women who have a smaller bust should consider a halter top because it will help lift or enhance what is there. Find one with a little extra padding or one that has a design that will help give extra support below the bust line like padding would. Similarly, if you have a larger bust, support is essential and a halter top is the best choice as well.
For someone with a larger belly, a well cut one piece can be very flattering to the curves that you want to accentuate while at the same time redirecting the focus from the mid area.
On the flip side, someone who has a straight body figure would want to try a string bikini. The more that is covered up, the straighter and less curvy the body is going to appear. Less is more in this case. A string bikini will show off the body shape and add curves. The bikini is also a great choice for a pear shaped woman for the same reasons it works for the straight body type. Excess coverage will only emphasize the body shape, but a string bikini will help add curves.
Athletic body typed women look great in detailed bikini tops because they help draw attention away from broad shoulders. Next pair it with a sexy bottom to add femininity to a boyish shape.
Finally, women who have narrow hips/small behind should focus on getting a bottom piece that will help give the illusion of fullness. Decorative side ties will add curves and look for bottom pieces with detail such as a ruched look in the back will make your bottom appear less flat as well.
Do not buy something that you are not comfortable in, but at the same time, be brave. You may not think you will look good in it, but you don't know that for sure until you try it on. Women do this to themselves all the time. You will be amazed!
Okay, now you have your swimwear. You look good in it. Let's hit the beach!
If you would like more tips and ideas on this topic come visit us on Pinterest.
Back in 1895, ladies were highly scandalous when seen in a bathing suit that exposed their arms and allowed their legs to be seen from just above the knees on down. Next, during the Flapper era came a swimsuit that looked more like a mini dress of today. In London, the swimwear fashion was ever changing and soon ladies were seen wearing swimsuits that bared their arms and allowed their legs to be seen from mid thigh on down. The next great swimwear fashion trend modeled in London featured swimwear and beach costumes that showed off a woman's bare back. Back then, the word "costume" was used to describe an outfit worn to the beach, not necessarily a bathing suit. Finally, in 1946 the first modern-day 2-piece bikini, as we know it to be, debuted in Paris. The French designer of this ground breaking bikini design had quite a difficult time finding a "respectable" model to display it for him. He had to settle for a nude dancer from a Paris casino to model the bikini. It took approximately 50 years for swimwear to evolve to the 2-piece variety. 
