Everyone looks good in a one-piece bathing costume. Do not torture yourself trying to find a flattering two-piece if your body is not what it used to be. The right one-piece is practical, alluring and an absolute confidence booster.

“Miraclesuits” continue to meet with expectation because they are designed to fit real women. I am impressed with the “Sonatina” Miraclesuit this season. I’ve popped this style onto a whole slew of sizes and body types and they all got my thumbs up. Its V-neckline, vertical seaming and mid-riff ruching is elongating and extremely flattering. Its “girdle” effect is extraordinary and the cup size is available in a DD.

Give this particular Miraclesuit a bash if you are battling with bathing suits. But don’t faint at the price. This superb bathing costume does not come cheap.

The Sonatina is available in black, brown, indigo and coral at department stores, or on sites like simplybeach.com. Unfortunately, the style is not available in bright beach colours, but you could add a bright wrap or tunic to your poolside ensemble.

Whether you wear a two-piece or one-piece bathing costume (swimsuit, or “cozzie”), a classy cover-up is essential. It’s stylish to conceal when you head out for a snack at a beach restaurant or poolside bar. There are plenty of slip-on coverage options that’ll have you looking both alluring and appropriate.

• Sarongs and Pareos are simple wraps that tie at the waist and cover the tummy and thigh area. It’s my favourite choice on a very hot day.
• Slip dresses are mini frocks that slip over the head. Empire, halter and strapless styles are most common.
• Tunics and Kaftans remind me of St. Tropez and the Bahamas. These collarless long sleeved tops are made of flimsy fabrics and are usually embellished or exotic in pattern.
• Tie front tops or robes are made of jersey knit, terry cloth or crinkle cotton and have some sort of front tie detail.
• Board shorts or cropped pants are much like surfing shorts and yoga pants. They’re probably the most practical option if you intend to do lots of walking.

A great cozzie can last for years and changing your cover-up is an excellent way of renewing it’s look.

Top row: kaftan, cropped knitted pants, tie-front top and halter slip dress.
Bottom row: sarong and tunics.

Buying a swimsuit doesn’t have to be an unpleasant experience. Skimpy bikinis that look fabulous on hangers and mannequins but make you feel fat and self conscious are not the answer.

My opinion has not changed since I set out the bare facts in last year’s blog postings on swimwear (part 1 and part 2). Everybody looks great in the right one-piece. Add a dainty wrap to the ensemble and you’ll feel confident and comfortable, and look stylish and alluring.

“Miraclesuit” is a brand of swimwear that’s designed to flatter. Their suits are lined and made of thick, drapey fabric that gives your body the control and support that you need. Their V-shaped necklines elongate your frame; while their ruching details camouflage the midsection. Their backs are scooped for an extra bit of sass.

If you’re self conscious about body realities like stretch marks, “back fat” , dormant tummy muscles, or a large bust, then this is the cozzie for you. A beautiful one-piece with a wrap is flop-proof for the beach.

Flattering one-piece Miraclesuits are available at department stores for about $140. That’s expensive, but feeling confident in your cozzie is worth the investment. 

Be kind to your body because it works hard for you! If it isn’t perfect, give it a chance to redeem itself by putting it into the best possible swimsuit style. Once again, it’s about showing off the best part of you and concealing the rest.

If you are a little bigger on the bottom:

• You’ll look best in a one piece with dainty wrap. Your one piece should have broad structured straps, a strong neckline and top detail to create a balanced silhouette.
• If you prefer a two piece, choose one with briefs that have sides of at least 3 inches. Keeping the bottom plain and the top patterned will de-emphasize the larger part of you.
• Buy a bikini top and pair it up with board shorts instead.
• Avoid skimpy bottoms, boy shorts and bottoms with lots of hip detail.  

If you have a little extra in the middle:

• A one piece swimsuit with a built in tummy control panel is the best idea.
• One piece suits with side or centre ruching (fabric that has been gathered and stitched to maintain a rippled appearance) will also do wonders. Draping will mask the area you would rather conceal.
• Choose a patterned one piece as opposed to plain.
• A patterned two-piece tankini will also do the trick.
• Avoid bikinis.

If you are a little bigger on the top:

• Under wired bikini bra tops will offer you extra support.
• Double lined halter bikini tops with structured under bust bands and wide straps will hold your bust as well as show off cleavage!
• One pieces need to have build in shelf bras or under wire foam support. Broader straps will be more comfortable then spaghetti straps that may cut into you.
• Avoid strapless styles even if they have built in bras. 

Bikini with plain brief and patterned top (InStyleSwimwear.com), patterned one piece with tummy control panel (Land’s End), One piece with side-ruching for tummy concealment (Neiman Marcus), and one piece with built in underwire support for busty ladies (Neiman Marcus)

You won’t want to skimp when buying your swimsuit. Spend the money that you need to create your comfort and confidence. I’ve personally found joy in the Gottex range, which is available in most department stores. It’s an Israeli company that has been around for years and has won award after award for their excellent swimwear. 

You don’t absolutely need to own a swimsuit, bathing suit or “cozzie” (short for “swimming costume” where I come from). But if swimming with your children, boating or going on a beach holiday is on the agenda, you’ll need to have a few in your drawer. Few of us look forward to shopping for swimsuits – we are self critical and dissatisfied with the bodies that we have, no matter what other people say. Ladies – thinking like this is not going to help! Our bodies are what they are and we should celebrate them.

The best swimsuit for your body requires attention to detail. I intend to cover specific advice for different body types in a future posting, but for now, here are some general tips to consider:

• All body shapes look good in a one piece swimsuit and a wrap – bikinis and tankinis can be far from perfect, but a well cut one piece will never let you down.
• Beware of the tunic – pretty lightweight tunics to wear over bathing suits should not hit you at your widest part if you are pear shaped. Choose one that is at least mid thigh in length.
• Make sure that tankini’s are snug– tankini tops tend to be wide at the hem which is unflattering. They look best when they fit snugly like a one piece but are actually two.
• Fuller figures needn’t wear frumpy skirt suits – choose a low cut simple full piece with good bra support. Match it up with a dainty sarong and pretty thong sandals and you’ll look wonderful.
• Black is not always best – it’s always more festive to wear colours on the beach! A black one piece with lots of coverage can look awfully matronly. However, if you insist that black is best, select a style that has dainty cut away detail or lots of metal trim.
• Board shorts for Mums – wraps can untie when playing in the sand with children. Opt for board shorts that match your swimsuit and be hassle free.
• String bikinis are not always best for small busted bodies – they can make you look less shapely than you are. Halter necks and bra tops are better alternatives and offer extra padding if desired.
• Multiple suits – Lounging by the poolside and cannoning require different types of bathing suits. You’ll want to have a few swimsuits at your disposal for various occasions. 

You‘ll find the best assortment of swimsuits in stores in March and April. Be at peace with the body that you have. Remember: sex appeal is more about confidence and attitude than aesthetic perfection!

A Halter, a dainty One-piece and a colourful Strapless, all from Nordstrom

Plus Size Swimwear creates elegant options for the fuller figure. The suit above flattens and hides the tummy without a skirt. 

Perfect length Tunic, Tankini that fits at the waist, and dainty One-piece with cutaway detail from Macy’s