By Jeannie D
As we age, our love-hate relationship with swimwear can feel like a summertime taunt sent every year by the universe. What was once a carefree stroll in a bikini now involves the strategic placement of towels, sheer wraps, and prayers that a rogue wave doesn’t disrupt the illusion… And trust me, with my big boobies I’ve had my fair share of nip slips to be an authority on this!
That’s why we need to talk about the unsung hero of the swimwear world: the one-piece. The ultimate comeback kid. Gone are the days of one-piece swimsuits being synonymous with your nana’s modesty suit. Today, they are a sartorial power move. Sexy, stylish, and (bless them) forgiving, they’ve become the MVP of poolside glamour.
But finding the right one? That’s where the magic happens; and the good news is, Jeannie Bikini is here to help you break it down, body shape by body shape:
For the Hourglass Beauties You’ve got curves in all the right places, so play them up! Look for a one-piece with a cinched waist or a belted style to highlight that figure. High-cut legs elongate your silhouette, while plunging necklines scream, “Yes, I woke up like this.” I am hourglass shaped and wore a jade one-piece from Beach Cult for my recent Jeannieous swimwear shoot and felt incredible in it.
For the sweet Apple Shapes Your midsection is your soft spot (literally), so let’s divert attention to your assets. A deep V-neck draws the eye upward, while ruching or draped fabric across the stomach works wonders. Bonus points for bold prints – they distract and delight in equal measure.
For the delicious Pears Among Us Balance is key. Choose styles with embellishments or bright colours on top to draw the eye upward, while darker, simple bottoms work to streamline your silhouette. Halter necks and off-shoulder cuts are your best friends.
For the sexy Athletic Frames If you’re rocking a straighter silhouette, create the illusion of curves with cutouts, bold patterns, or ruffles. You’ve got the canvas; now let’s add some flair. And don’t be shy about backless numbers – they look divine on you!
For the Plus-Size Goddesses First, let me say this: You are not hiding anything. You are flaunting your fabulous self. Look for power-mesh panels, sweetheart necklines, and one-pieces with built-in bras for that va-va-voom effect. And don’t forego asymmetrical designs – they’re modern, flattering, and oh-so-chic.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room (or should I say, the elephant on the beach): swimsuit shame… Ladies, here’s my golden rule of swimwear: Be kind to yourself. And extend that kindness to the woman sitting next to you in her tankini, or the one chasing after her kids in her board shorts, or the glamazon lounging like a Bond girl in a cutout one-piece. Every body is a beach body, full stop.
