Types of Bikinis

Bikini and bathing suit trends are swinging in favor of the masses. While Hollywood has inspired a renewed interest in the bikini, real everyday women are demanding more realistic options. Are you larger on the bottom that the top? Designers are now catering to fit your needs with separates. The choices improve every year and specialty sizes are becoming more common.

While it may be a moment of dread to try on your first bathing suit of the summer, there are options for softening the blow.

Pair your bathing suit or bikini with a sarong. Not only are sarongs beautiful, but they also inspire the wearer to feel more confident and feminine. Sarongs, in sheer fabrics and pretty prints, continue to be the most flattering and best way to cover up. Tie on the side, in front or around your chest for full coverage.

Bikini Savvy Terms:

· Tankini – A variation of the bikini, this sporty style has a longer top that leaves only a small portion of the tummy exposed. Don’t want to expose your tummy at all? Go for the mock tankini.

· Bandini — A bikini with a bandeau top; IE, a straight, wide horizontal band of cloth worn covering the breasts.

· Camikini — Same as the tankini except the top looks like a camisole.

· Maillot — One-piece suit (some creative types have even labeled a cut-out style the “monokini”). This year maillots are cut out, one-shouldered and halter-necked.

· Boy shorts – These resemble really short shorts. Careful here — tends to make the leg look shorter– but still a favorite style.

For variety, select two or three bikinis in different colors like bold blues and tropical colors. Let variety be your spice.  Eugene Brenner