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Taking Measurements
Six out of 10 women said they have never taken measurements to find the perfect swimsuit size, according to the Land’s End survey. Forty-three percent confessed they simply don’t know how to.
“Taking measurements is the key to finding your size and ultimately looking great on the beach,” said Suzanne Bryant, vice president of Land’s End. “To easily find a flattering swimsuit, it’s important to measure your body, then use sizing charts to pair up your measurements with swimwear designed to flatter your body shape.”
With the right measurements, it’s easy to find the perfect swimsuit size. A common mistake is not positioning the measuring tape correctly when taking measurements.
Bust – With arms relaxed at the sides of the body, measure the fullest part of the bust, keeping the tape measure parallel to the floor.
Waist – Measure around the waist at the narrowest point. Add a half-inch for comfort.
Hips – Stand with heels together and measure around the fullest part of the hips, keeping the tape measure parallel to the floor.
Torso – Run a tape measure down the back from where the shoulder meets the neck, through the legs and back up the front. (In other words, make a loop.)
Right support
It’s a must to select the best bra support and coverage for each body type to achieve the perfect swimsuit fit. Bras shape and define, adding fullness to a small bust and support to a large bust.
Shelf: A shelf bra offers light coverage and support. It’s made of a soft liner with an elasticized bottom band to help the bra stay in place.
Soft cup: A soft cup bra provides shape and support. Most suits with soft cups provide extra modesty; some feature push-up pads to give your figure a boost.
Underwire: An underwire bra provides bra-like support in cup sizes up to DDD.
Mastectomy: A mastectomy bra is a soft cup bra built for support, combined with a liner. The bra and liner hold the prosthesis in place with an under-bra elastic band.
A lot of women head for the beach in malfitting swimsuits, according to a Land’s End survey. End that trend by buying a suit that fits comfortably and accentuates your features.
Published: May 31, 2010 3:00 a.m.

FITTING IN

Hot swimwear trend? The right size! Follow these tips to be well-suited

Family Features
Family Features photos
Create a fuller bust with supportive bras like this BL Loop Sweetheart bikini top.

When you head out to the pool or the beach, does your swimsuit make you look and feel your best? If not, you’re not alone.

In fact, according to a recent survey of 1,000 women conducted by Land’s End, eight out of 10 women (83 percent) confessed to having worn the wrong size swimsuit. The survey also found more than half of respondents (54 percent) bought swim bottoms in a size that is too big hoping for more coverage, while a third (34 percent) have squeezed into a suit that is to small because a larger size was not available.

“With so many advances in swimsuit design, high-performance fabrics and a full range of available sizes, there is no reason why any woman should experience muffin top or saggy bottoms,” said Suzanne Bryant, vice president of Land’s End.

To help you make a splash this summer, Bryant offers tips for finding the swimsuit that’s right for you.

Swimsuit strategies

The goal is to accentuate the positive and minimize your anxiety zones.

Minimize or enhance waist and tummy

Strategy: Define a waistline and create some curves.

•Find waist-defining details such as princess seams, draping and shirring.

•Suits for this shape will feature a shirred waist, lines and prints and special detailing that will help to define a waistline.

•These details draw attention to the waist and can create the illusion of a smaller middle.

Minimize hips and thighs

Strategy: Draw eyes up and away from hips.

•Triangle shapes should look for suits that slim the lower torso and draw attention to the upper torso with shapely necklines, bust detailing and shirring.

•Details to look for include surplice or V-necklines, empire-style waist, darker colors on bottom and patterns on top.

Enchance bust area

Strategy: Create a fuller looking top half.

•Find supportive built-in bras to offer support and bust enhancement.

•Flattering top styles include halter, v-neck, scoop neck and shirred tops.

Minimize bust area

Strategy: Provide bust support with good coverage.

•Higher necks are a must when minimizing.

•Look for back straps and supportive bras built in.

•Quality fabrics will also aid in coverage and camouflage top areas.

Lengthen legs

Strategy: Higher leg openings to create the illusion of longer legs.

•Choosing a suit with a 2-inch leg opening will instantly lengthen legs.

•Side-tie bottoms are great for adjusting the leg openings to a desired height.

Finally, Bryant says, “Do love your body – but don’t stress about your suit.”

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