Still looking for the perfect bikini to suit your body type? Don’t panic! Here at Rescu. we know the right swimwear style for your shape can go a long way and make the world of difference to how you look and feel when heading out to the beach or pool. Which is why with summer just around the corner we’ve decided to bring you the ultimate guide in helping you find the swimwear of your dreams.
Plus we’ve called upon renowned JETS swimwear designer Jessika Allen to share her best swimwear tips and tricks, plus we have advice on how to find swimwear for your body type. Now let the bikini search begin!
RESCU: What are the key swimwear trends and styles we should be looking out for this season?
Jessika Allen: This season it’s all about modern shapes, sleek lines and vivid colours and prints. Hawaiian-style florals are mixed with bold island colours for an eclectic Tropicana-themed finish.Subtle eastern prints depicting imperial Asian style offer a rich and luxurious take on the oriental trend, Oriental Chic.
Brights are also popping up this season. Also on the radar is the Geo Centric look, which has a vintage twist and defines the perfect symmetry of textural design on sculptural shapes. Finally the Crochet and Lace resortwear Goddess – this trend is all about sophistication with a luxury edge!
RESCU: What is the most important thing to remember when shopping for the perfect swimsuit?
Jessika Allen: I believe that the most important criteria when shopping for anything is not to rush the selection process. Having an idea of what you want before starting the shopping trip also helps, as does remaining open-minded. Next to these few golden rules is confidence! I always ensure I am in a good mood and am feeling my best before I spend time in the change room.
RESCU: Are there any tips you can provide on making the right choice when it comes to purchasing swimwear to suit your body type?
Jessika Allen: Try on a variety of shapes, styles, colours and prints – don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone! If you need a second opinion or advice on fit then ask a swimwear specialist. However the most important advice I can give it to ensure you feel beautiful in the swimming costume – you are the one who will be wearing the piece all summer long!
RESCU: You’ve recently launched your new swimwear collection ‘Evolution’ featuring an array of bright colours and fun summer prints, what are the main inspirations behind your latest designs?
Jessika Allen: I took a new, modern approach in developing the Evolution Collection. I was inspired by a woman of today, tomorrow, and of the future – this season brought a fresh and exciting new era for the JETS brand, an evolution!
In the creative process of developing the JETS Evolution Collection I focused on bringing to life new shapes, vibrant colours and digital prints, which formed the foundation of the key trends present in the Evolution Collection 2012/13.
RESCU: What is your favourite piece from this new collection and why?
Jessika Allen: The Ambience story (one piece pictured below) is one of my top picks in this season’s Evolution Collection – magnificent colour, detailed motifs and opulent features in an elegant baroque-inspired print. The scarf-tie features and modern shapes make it an essential print to welcome into your wardrobe this summer!
I also love the outerwear piece from the JETS White Label Collection 2012/13 Entice story – a beautiful hand-embroidered white cotton and lace kaftan with faux leather eyeleted trims. I coordinate this with a pair of white tailored jeans for a fresh crisp look, not to mention it looks great with bronzed skin.
Image Credit: Ambience V-Neck Halter 1 Piece in Shell Coral $239, www.jets.com.au
RESCU: Your label is renowned for providing women with a diversity of flattering styles for all shapes and sizes, how do you maintain this core foundation collection after collection yet still manage to create fresh chic styles each season?
Jessika Allen: JETS is designed for real women – all with different lifestyles, mindsets and personalities. Designing beautiful swimwear that makes these women feel confident and glamorous is the philosophy at the forefront of my mind when designing each new collection.
Read on for tips for finding the right style for your body shape…
Swimwear for a Bigger Bust
Tips to remember
1. Skip skimpy triangle tops, which lack support and make you look bustier.
2. Choose figure-flattering thicker halter-tops that offer fuller coverage.
3. Pick a suit with underwire for added lift.
Love a one-piece? JETS designer Jessika Allen suggests: My top pick from this season’s Tailored to Suit range is the sexy deep plunged neckline one-piece with an under bust oval wire and removable cups. This style not only shapes your body and holds you in, it offers glamorous style with the wide cross-back straps and low scoop back.
More of a bikini babe? Jessika Allen suggests: From the Evolution story, a great bikini top perfect for a larger bust is the halter-style bra with cross front draping detail. The wide band straps offer additional bust support while the moulded D cups create a smooth and seamless shape. I would style this with the wide-banded ruched overlay bikini bottom.
Image Credit: JETS by Jessika Allen Moulded D Cup Halter Top in Oxidise $89.95 and Wide Banded Ruched Pant in Oxidise $69.95, www.jets.com.au
Smaller Bust
Tips to remember
1. Opt for a bikini top with fringes, ruffles or frills. This will pump up the volume creating the illusion of a bigger bust.
2. Triangle tops work best for smaller busts because they have the least amount of material making sure your small frame looks in proportion rather than being entirely hidden by too much fabric.
3. Padded tops will help to create a fuller figure for your top half.
Image Credit: SDS Red Oceans Mystics print bikini
Swimsuits to slim your tummy
Tips to remember
1. Slim your shape by choosing a suit with ruching or shirring at the sides.
2. If you love a bikini opt for one with a high waisted bottom, this will help draw attention to the narrowest part of your body, your waist. Plus this style is huge this season so you’ll be right on trend!
3. A great way to hide your belly is by sticking to a stylish one-piece in a slimming colour like navy blue or black.
Image Credit: JETS by Jessika Allen Tailored To Suit Cross Back Plunge 1 pieces in Black $209 (right) JETS by Jessika Allen Tailored To Suit Moulded Cup 1 piece in Poppy $189 (left)
Swimsuits for a bigger booty
Tips to remember
1. Try a bottom with rings, this extra detail is super stylish but will more importantly keep your swimmer bottoms from riding up.
2. Opt for skirted bottoms that will provide you with more coverage than skimpier styles.
3. Avoid prints and try separates so you can opt for a colourful top whilst still stick to slimming darker colours for swimmer bottoms.
Image Credit: Tatjana Anika Convertible Bikini To Swim Suit, www.asos.com.au
