Swim Ware
(c) 2008 Puja Goyal
Publication: Bangalore Mirror
Come Summer and it's time to step out of winter layers into 'almost nothing'. Here's your excuse to don chic sexy minimalist clothing and soak up the sun, beaches and everything breezy. With environmentally friendly swimwear, which is made by mixing and matching fabrics, doing the rounds, the two- piece couldn't have gotten trendier. If run- of- the- mill gets your style goat, you could add beads, embroidery, lace and badges to bloing up your swimwear. Especially hot are the bohon and retro influences; with hip prints this season being geometric shapes, contrasting top and bottom, floral, animal prints and polkas. Go for these in shades of, metallic, neon, psychedelic Brights, charcoal or chocolate, and you are ready to do swimming.
PICKING THE RIGHT SWIMWEAR
Bikini Perfect: Apart from the regular duo of two piece and one piece you could go for a "Tankini" if you prefer something in-between. A 'tankini' is a two piece consisting of an extended top and underpants. Other styles include plunging necklines, halter-neck swimsuits, surplice styles, tank suits, bandeau bikinis. Take your pick or go for bikini sepreates underpants like thongs, briefs, and boy shorts.
Cover-up in style: Sarongs, sexy transparent well- designed shirts, loose dresses etc serve well as cover- ups. Most girls go for big shirts because it gives a very sexy and mysterious look. Not only does it define your beach dressing but if well coordinated could serve as a stole, skirt, shawl, beach spread, one piece halter dress tpp.
Fabric Fundas: Fabrics which are resistant to chlorine and contain a high percentage of nylon and spandex material are the best bet because they will stretch and not shrink. Investing in a good brand would be worthwhile
To show or not to show: It is important to keep in mind what you are going to use your swimwear for and how often you are going to use it. Is it for active swimming, lolling on the beach or playing on the sand? A thong for a volleyball competition on the beach is not a good idea.
SWIMWEAR FOR MEN:
Although comfort is an important factor, men don't really have a lot to choose from, but can make use of the opportunities that color, style and prints provide them.
Surfing Shorts: Surfing shorts are the safest men's swimwear available. They look good on anyone; even if he stays away from the surf. There are adjustable long surfing shorts available which can be torn up to make them super low.
The Thong: Thongs for guys were never in, period!!
Swim Trunks: Trunks are the most basic swimwear. It suits any age, any size and any style. They have a lining and are very comfortable with elastic and drawstrings.
The "Speedo": These should be only worn for sports. They are not meant for hanging out on the beaches, or lazing about on the sand. A Speedo is worn low, and tight and usually reveals a butt crack. You need to have a body to carry it out. The square “speedos” rather thank a U Shaped Speedo look good on any body type.
Briefs: Although popular, briefs don't qualify as swimwear. However, if it comes to that, carry a nice sarong if you go for a brief.
Accessories for guys include sunscreen, sunglasses, cap, water, towels and sandals. Hoodies, through shirts, colorful t-shirt or tank vest looks great.
1. Don't go for anything too tight. Tankinis and swimsuit have a very slimmin effect when they are not to tight. Try a waist band if you have a tummy or large hips.
2. A good way to pick a nice bikini top is to wear it and check it out for spilling, by bending, hopping and squatting.
3. There are specially designed swimwears for pregnant women. Go for a swimsuit that has extra support or a single piece skirted swimsuit or wrap front tankini to hide your little bulge.
4. Cover your belly by picking vertical stripes rather than horizontal ones. Soft shirring and smaller design patterns helps conceal stomach bulges.
5. Vibrant flip-flops, beaded bracelets and accessories, go a long way in jazzing up your beach wear.
6. Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, towel and lots of water for hydration. A nice shampoo and conditioner are imperative for your hair.
7. It is essential to wash your body off with clean water once out of the sea or swimming pool.
7. And finally, all possible body hair that can be viewed by the human eye should be done away with!!
Publication: Bangalore Mirror
Come Summer and it's time to step out of winter layers into 'almost nothing'. Here's your excuse to don chic sexy minimalist clothing and soak up the sun, beaches and everything breezy. With environmentally friendly swimwear, which is made by mixing and matching fabrics, doing the rounds, the two- piece couldn't have gotten trendier. If run- of- the- mill gets your style goat, you could add beads, embroidery, lace and badges to bloing up your swimwear. Especially hot are the bohon and retro influences; with hip prints this season being geometric shapes, contrasting top and bottom, floral, animal prints and polkas. Go for these in shades of, metallic, neon, psychedelic Brights, charcoal or chocolate, and you are ready to do swimming.
PICKING THE RIGHT SWIMWEAR
Bikini Perfect: Apart from the regular duo of two piece and one piece you could go for a "Tankini" if you prefer something in-between. A 'tankini' is a two piece consisting of an extended top and underpants. Other styles include plunging necklines, halter-neck swimsuits, surplice styles, tank suits, bandeau bikinis. Take your pick or go for bikini sepreates underpants like thongs, briefs, and boy shorts.
Cover-up in style: Sarongs, sexy transparent well- designed shirts, loose dresses etc serve well as cover- ups. Most girls go for big shirts because it gives a very sexy and mysterious look. Not only does it define your beach dressing but if well coordinated could serve as a stole, skirt, shawl, beach spread, one piece halter dress tpp.
Fabric Fundas: Fabrics which are resistant to chlorine and contain a high percentage of nylon and spandex material are the best bet because they will stretch and not shrink. Investing in a good brand would be worthwhile
To show or not to show: It is important to keep in mind what you are going to use your swimwear for and how often you are going to use it. Is it for active swimming, lolling on the beach or playing on the sand? A thong for a volleyball competition on the beach is not a good idea.
SWIMWEAR FOR MEN:
Although comfort is an important factor, men don't really have a lot to choose from, but can make use of the opportunities that color, style and prints provide them.
Surfing Shorts: Surfing shorts are the safest men's swimwear available. They look good on anyone; even if he stays away from the surf. There are adjustable long surfing shorts available which can be torn up to make them super low.
The Thong: Thongs for guys were never in, period!!
Swim Trunks: Trunks are the most basic swimwear. It suits any age, any size and any style. They have a lining and are very comfortable with elastic and drawstrings.
The "Speedo": These should be only worn for sports. They are not meant for hanging out on the beaches, or lazing about on the sand. A Speedo is worn low, and tight and usually reveals a butt crack. You need to have a body to carry it out. The square “speedos” rather thank a U Shaped Speedo look good on any body type.
Briefs: Although popular, briefs don't qualify as swimwear. However, if it comes to that, carry a nice sarong if you go for a brief.
Accessories for guys include sunscreen, sunglasses, cap, water, towels and sandals. Hoodies, through shirts, colorful t-shirt or tank vest looks great.
DESIGNER SPEAK - AMANDA'S TIPS: This summer, bright colors are in, and swimwear is becoming more traditional in terms of how it looks. Of course a person has to keep in mind her body shape.TIPS
We Indians have an unusual body shape and we are just getting used to the idea of becoming fit. We are certainly not the best kept bodies in the world and should stay away from two pieces… the safest bet would be a one piece swimwear. It would be a good idea to get one size smaller so it helps tuck the tummy in. The swimwear should not be high rise nor a short style. It should end exactly at the panty line.
In cover - ups, short skirts and short sarongs are in and long fabrics are out. India does not have a really booming swimwear collection to pick from; Still there is a considerable variety to pick from in stores...go for what suits you best.
1. Don't go for anything too tight. Tankinis and swimsuit have a very slimmin effect when they are not to tight. Try a waist band if you have a tummy or large hips.
2. A good way to pick a nice bikini top is to wear it and check it out for spilling, by bending, hopping and squatting.
3. There are specially designed swimwears for pregnant women. Go for a swimsuit that has extra support or a single piece skirted swimsuit or wrap front tankini to hide your little bulge.
4. Cover your belly by picking vertical stripes rather than horizontal ones. Soft shirring and smaller design patterns helps conceal stomach bulges.
5. Vibrant flip-flops, beaded bracelets and accessories, go a long way in jazzing up your beach wear.
6. Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, towel and lots of water for hydration. A nice shampoo and conditioner are imperative for your hair.
7. It is essential to wash your body off with clean water once out of the sea or swimming pool.
7. And finally, all possible body hair that can be viewed by the human eye should be done away with!!
SUNSCREEN SECRETS: People normally use sunscreen like a moisturizer which equates to about half the SPF rating on the bottle. For maximum effect abd benefit, one teaspoon of sunscreen for an adult face and neck (1/2 tsp for a child) should be religiously used.
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