I do not know about you but although I look forward to the arrival of Summer I absolutely dread the thought of having to search the shops for swimsuits for larger women. I cringe at the thought of revealing acres of flesh and putting it on public display. Why is it that none of the holiday advertisements feature larger women wearing swimsuits, do we not exist? It seems that if you are larger than a size 14 you join "a fat club" where the only available swimsuits for larger women are hideously shapeless, made in ghastly prints or colours, and seem to make you look the size of an elephant!
The key to looking good if you are a big girl is to accentuate your assets and draw attention away from the parts you hate. Good swimsuits for larger women feature control panels to minimise tummies, built in support bras and clever use of "skirts" to thin down the area below the hips and top of the legs.
Here are some tips for problem areas:
Large or undefined waist
Swimsuits with a wrap front make the waist look slimmer and draw attention up towards the cleavage area;
Clever use of strips down the sides of plain coloured swimsuits have the effect of clinching in the waist;
Shirring around the waist area and side insets are also very slimming
Heavy hips and large thighs
Swim dresses or skirtinis work really well and look both feminine and flirtatious. Just because you are looking for swimsuits for larger women doesn't mean you have to limit yourself to dull, safe colours - choose vibrant colours or bold prints but stick to the following rules:
A tankini or skirtini works well with large hips or legs as long as the bottoms are plain and the top is patterned, drawing attention upwards towards the face;
NEVER wear horizontal stripes as these are guaranteed to make you look the size of an elephant!
Choose a swim dress that drapes softly from the cleavage area, skimming gently over the hips and creating a pleasing silhouette
Large tummy
If like me, you think your tummy is your worst area then help is at hand in a great many types of swimwear;
All in one swimsuits with shirred waists and tummy control panels can work wonders;
Swim dresses are ideal for hiding a tummy, especially if you opt for one that places emphasis on the bust area with some clever detailing to draw the attention upwards;
Tankinis also work well if you choose a style of top that is not too fitted and that is long enough to hang over the briefs;
Certain colours can be slimming too - try wearing colours that bring out the best in your complexion and again attention will be drawn away from your tummy and up to your face.
