All Entries Tagged With: "swimwear"

History of Costume Friday: The Bikini

Here in good ole’ Kent, OH, the weather forecasters are predicting a chance of snow in a few days. This makes me want to slit my throat just in time for Dia de los Muertos, so I thought I’d uphold the masochism by talking about bikinis.

Women started wearing bikinis at stylish resorts as early as the 1930s. The first two-piece consisted of a bra top and modest, trunk-like bottoms. Today, the bikini represents a social leap that emerged during that time period, one involving moral concerns, sexual attitudes and body consciousness. The first time that one was seen at a fashion affair was at a poolside show in Paris at the Piscine Molitor on July 5, 1946.

Though popular in postwar France, the bikini was considered too risqué in America until Hollywood starlets like Rita Hayworth and Ava Gardner were photographed wearing them. The first suits in the early 20th century were made from wool and terrycloth until the 1930s when Lastex and nylon were developed. Early suits were boned and cupped before the 1960s when the string bikini was designed. But probably the most controversial style was Rudi Gernreich’s monokini introduced in 1964. Thin straps were connected to the bottom brief leaving the torso completely exposed. Women were actually arrested on beaches for wearing it.

We have so many choices today regarding bikinis and swimsuits in general, but it’s hard not to be a little jealous of those fashionistas living on the edge. “How was your vacation?”

“Oh you know, got a tan. And was arrested for being avant-garde and fabulous.”

10 Tips for Finding a Bathing Suit

Swimsuit season is officially here. Perhaps all those extra hours at the gym have paid off and you’re ready to flaunt it. However, many women will never feel entirely comfortable or confident wearing swimwear in public! So we came up with 10 Tips for Finding the Suit that Suits YOU courtesy of Fiji Time Swimsuits & More!

1.) Know your body type. Be honest with yourself about what your best features are and what parts you shouldn’t accentuate or highlight. Just like a pair of pants or a dress, certain fits will make your body look better than others. For instance, a bandeau top is typically more flattering on women with smaller busts. Larger breasted women should use an under wire top or something with extra support.

2.) One-pieces are great for plus size women, but just because you are not a size 2 does not mean you must shun a two-piece. If you have larger legs and a smaller torso or if you have very broad shoulders a one piece might actually emphasize your flaws. Don’t automatically assume a one-piece bathing suit is more flattering than a bikini.

3.) Pay attention to detail on the suit itself: Colors and patterns are very important and can make your body look better or worse. As an example, a solid color usually draws less attention to the rear. Conversely, if you are small busted and self conscious about it you can play up your bust with a swimsuit top that has bold patterns and colors. Playful suits with ruffles, logos, or really bold designs in certain areas can help draw attention towards one area of your body while masking others.

4.) Fit is everything. Just like a business suit, a wedding dress, or a pair of jeans, the fit of the swimsuit is the most important item. Don’t worry about what size you are wearing. Too many women get hung up on trying to “fit into” size X because they don’t want to be in a size larger. If a 10 fits better than an 8, even if you are usually an 8, get the 10!

5.) Find a suit that does not pinch (you should not get bulging above and/or below any of the straps or material). Go up a size if you feel pinched.

6.) The swimsuit bottom should not be baggy in the front or the back. You want the bottom to contour your rear without pinching and without sagging. Women who would like to elongate their legs should wear a tie side or a thin hipster bottom with a high arch. Tie sides make the legs look longer.

7.) With the top, always do the bottom strap first as tight as possible (don’t lose circulation!) and then tie the top around your neck. This has a dramatic effect on how the top looks

8.) Women who want to de-emphasize their butt should wear less fabric. The less fabric you have the smaller the target for peoples eyes. The more fabric, the bigger the butt will look. Also, another tip to draw the eyes away from the buttox would be to wear a top that is eye catching. It can be more colorful, have jewelry, have a pattern or anything else that would catch attention. Then pair this top with a solid darker color .

9.) State of mind is important: Do not go swimsuit shopping after a long day of eating or shopping or after a hard day at work. You will think NOTHING looks good because you are already in a tired, possibly negative state of mind. If possible, try to go swimsuit shopping in the morning or early afternoon after you’ve exercised and drank lots of water (no sugary soft drinks!). Your body always looks its best after a workout and ample water.

10.) Consider a private fitting service like Fiji Time Swimwear & More. Swimsuit expert Danna Pomeroy can bring the boutique to YOU so you can avoid department store horrors. Through her exciting swimwear parties, VIP private fittings and comprehensive virtual online consultations, Fiji Time Swimwear specializes in finding that perfect swimsuit for any body type.

Shopbop Gives Us a Sultry Swim

Shopbop may have just taken a page from the glossies with their latest spread, “Sultry Swim”. I may be wrong, but I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen a man make it into one of their campaigns. So basically, buy the swimwear, cause the boy will come soon. You can shop the collection of swimwear at shopbop.com.

Do you like Shopbops sexier shoots?

 Loading ...