Swimwear to Suit You, Designer Reassures

It's finally hot enough to shimmy out of your clothes and into that swimsuit you've been working out for the past three months. Or maybe you didn't find time, in which case we've good news: today's swim suits are designed in styles that best highlight different body shapes' advantages and diminish their shortcomings. Here is an interview with fashion designer Wen Quan, who has around 10 years' experience designing swimsuits and is now design director of Hosa, a sportswear company specializing in swimwear. Wen offered some tips on how to select a fit based on your physical shape and size, so that you look your best both on the beach and in the pool.

A.    Size matters

The super-skinny do better to avoid dark-colored swimsuits, as the slimming effect only makes them look more scraggy. Instead, the toothpick-thin do better with bright, warm colors to enhance what curves they may have. Eye-catching floral patterns also help distract attention from "flat" attributes. Conversely, the larger among us are advised to stick to those dark colors, and better yet if they combine shades of black, dark blue or red rather than sticking to one solid color block. Avoid wearing bikinis and make sure your suit isn't inappropriately tight that will only highlight that you're fat.

B.    Choose by your bust size

If you didn't win out in the breast lottery, consider a swimsuit with pleats at the top, a butterfly bow or lace designs to enhance what little you do have. Bright materials can also have a "plumping" visual effect. On the other hand, if you're physically endowed with both boobs and butt, Wen suggests you wear a suit with a V neckline, ideally a one-piece with a low-key pattern.

(Hosa)

C.    Those with fleshy build

Those with meaty, tree-trunk like appendages best avoid the hip-cut swimsuit style, as covering up all that thigh just ends up exposing more of its thick shape. Bikini or more triangular cuts are thus advised instead.

D.    Not so colorblind

Generally speaking, lighter skin is best offset by pink, blue and purple, while women who've got a jump start on tanning season do better with bright shades of yellow, green, gold or silver.

Finally, Wen added that based on his observations at the Miami Mercedes-Benz Swim Fashion Week 2010 Collection (held in July 2009), the trends this summer will include bright colored polka dot patterns, clear and simple stripes and checks.