Women's Swimwear in General

For the last decade it seems that women's swimwear has been getting more and more minimal.  By that I mean almost no material, very low cut, and rather high cut on the legs.  Or perhaps no cut at all in the thong bikini category of women's swimwear.  In the United States, most women are not comfortable wearing these skimpy women's swimwear designs, unless of course they are practically skin and bones or perhaps a lingerie model.

After having children, many of us ladies have stretch marks.  Sometimes really bad stretch marks.  There's no way most of us would be caught dead in any women's swimwear that shows our midriff.  And how about surgery?  Some of the women's swimwear I've tried that are two piece are so low cut on the bottoms that my c-section (which is not high up) was not even covered.  Honestly, what are women's swimwear designers thinking?!

Hope for Women's Swimwear

Just today I read how a Victoria Secret model resigned because of the skimpy women's swimwear and her changing thoughts and beliefs.  There are some indications that designers might be hearing us.  I just saw the cutest top and pants combination that were actually full pants.  Ruffles seem to be catching on, too.  And I like how women's swimwear engineers are constructing the thin fabrics to be more supportive without revealing every little bulge.

I know it's always been about sexy looks.  Our culture has both aged and gotten larger.  We don't need all of our women's swimwear options to go the other direction.  We need more choices for the aging and heavier population of which there are many of us.  Quite a lot of us love to swim.  Many of us are taking aerobics classes for exercise.  Sometimes these classes are both women and men and I for one am not there trying to show off all my stuff.  Additionally, I don't require a piece of women's swimwear designed for an Olympian.  I am not that.  But I do swim several times a week in a pool.  (I wish my swimsuits held up longer, too.)

Tips for Buying Women's Swimwear

I'm amazed at the number of women who don't get sizing right in their women's swimwear selection.  It is not as simple as it sounds.  Designers and manufacturers do not all use the same standards.  So, my first tip is to start with your normal size, but try it on.  That sounds simple enough.  Just give yourself time when shopping to do that.

Make sure that your women's swimwear is not too large.  It should be form fitting in most cases but not uncomfortably tight.  You should not automatically purchase a size smaller because you're going to be in the water and it will stretch.  It will likely have some give, but not huge amounts.  Too big and you'll be dragging it around and it might reveal more than you wish due to slippage.

Several friends were commenting recently on how expensive their women's swimwear has become.  Shop around.  Look for sales.  You also don't have to have designer labels to do water aerobics.  A cruise, maybe you want to splurge and get yourself something special.  But my next tip might not be so typical:  shop online or using the Internet.  True, you don't get to try it on.  But most reputable sellers will allow for timely returns.  And even with shipping charges, you can save a bundle if your purchase 3 or 4 suits a year like I do.

mbfw swim miami 2012 CAFFE show.wmv

Probably the best advice I can offer is to be comfortable and make the choice that you like best when it comes to women's swimwear.