During a heat wave, the last thing anyone should be stressing about is how they look in a swimsuit. Staying cool should be your top priority, and if that means taking a dip in the ocean or pool, do it!
OK, now back to reality. Even the most confident bathing beauties among us often still have that teeny-tiny nagging voice inside, urging them to find the most slimming swimsuit possible. We get it — and no shame here! If looking lean and svelte in a bathing suit means you feel fab and are more likely to enjoy yourself, then we’re here for it.
In fact, we’re here to help. We assembled a panel of fashion pros to reveal insider secrets for choosing a swimsuit that slims. Bikini vs. one-piece? Full-coverage vs. barely there? No matter your preference, keep reading for expert tips and tricks.
Meet the experts:
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Alissa Bristow, vice president of creative/design at L*Space
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Stefania Frangista, owner and lead designer at Stefania Frangista
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Jen Hinton, chief creative officer/co-founder at Carve Designs
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Sarah Heaton, head of product at Boohoo
Opt for a high-cut leg
It’s totally normal to want to cover more skin in retro bikini bottoms or swim shorts. However, our experts agree: A swimsuit with a high-cut leg is much more flattering and slimming. “High-leg styles can make your legs appear longer. They’re perfect if you’re petite or have lower-set hips,” Bristow says. Heaton agrees, adding, “High cuts instantly elongate the legs and create a sleek silhouette.”
Choose the right coverage level
Similarly, Frangista warns that opting for a swimsuit with lots of material may have the opposite effect than what you’re hoping for, making you look bigger instead of smaller. “Covering too much of the body is often less flattering,” she says. “Instead, I recommend selecting a style that offers medium coverage.” For instance, instead of opting for the swim skirt, try a more classic bikini cut.
Get creative with color blocking
We’ve all heard that black is slimming, but don’t let that stop you from embracing other shades this summer. Our experts say color-block designs are your best bet at the beach. “Dark color-blocking can offer subtle slimming effects while still feeling fashion-forward,” Bristow says. Hinton adds, “We designed our Dahlia one-piece with color blocking to break up the body and make it appear smaller.”
Look for waist-defining details
The pros have a few different tricks for creating a leaner look through your mid-section.
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“If you’re after something sculpting, go for a swimsuit with contrast piping or side panels, as they draw the eye inward and define the waist,” Heaton says. Hinton seconds that, explaining that “side panels can make your waist appear small.” She also says that seams running down the front sides of your swimsuit can give you a slimmer look as well.
Make ruching a requirement
If a less-than-toned tummy is making you self-conscious, a bathing suit with ruching in the midsection is a no-brainer. Bristow explains that the subtle pleating can sneakily slim the stomach, while Hinton reveals that she has added ruching to her brand’s popular rash guards to “hide a belly.”
