Best Bikinis
For many women, the thought of slipping into a
bikini is enough to make them forget
the Seychelles and consider a fortnight in
Iceland instead. But you'll be surprised by how
flattering the right two-piece can be.
"M"Most people have the
misconception that covering up in a one-piece
swimsuit looks better," says Penny
Klein, one half of glamorous all-year-round
holiday store Heidi Klein.
"In fact, you can
appear slimmer in a two-piece if you get the cut
and color right."
The key is not to grab a
bikini at the last minute from the
airport, but to put as much time and effort in
as you would to find the perfect bra. "Wearing a
bikini is basically like wearing your
underwear," says Lee Prosser,
swimwear buyer at Marks & Spencer.
"The most
important thing to remember is to get the fit
right. " At Bikini Sunshine
we sell separates, as not many women are the
same size top and bottom, and our bikini tops
come in single cup sizes for a better fit.
If you're not
blessed with legs up to your armpits, opt for
high-cut
bikini briefs, which are great for
lengthening the leg. Hipster "low-rise" shorts
will elongate the torso and cover up unsightly
lumps and bumps.
On top, halter
necks will add curves and soften broad
shoulders, bikini tops with gentle padding will
also emphasize curves, while pretty beaded ties
will add an eye-catching - and distracting -
charm.
Larger women
should opt for underwired tops with double
lining for a smoother, more supported look.
"The biggest draw
for our customers is color," says Prosser. "
Don't shy away from printed bikinis, either;
they can be as flattering as black."
Still not
convinced? "Try a tankini - a vest and shorts -
for a more covered up look," says Prosser. A
tankini can then double up as a simple holiday
top, too.
And if all that's
not enough, throw on a kaftan. This season,
you'll still be the height of fashion.
By David Hayes, Evening Standard |
