Women's Bandeau Swimsuits

From LoveToKnow Swimsuits

Women's bandeau swimsuits are "in" this season, but they aren't the best choice for every figure. Find out if this swimsuit style is right for you.

Bandeau bikini available at Amazon

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Women's bandeau swimsuits are a great choice for women with small chests and boyish frames. This is because a bandeau bikini top is simply a smaller version of a tube top, so it normally doesn't offer the the kind of support you'd find in other styles such as halters and underwires.

Although boy shapes are ideal for bandeaus, they aren't the only ones who can pull off wearing this kind of swimwear. Slim hourglass shapes look great in all styles, including this one. Depending on the size of your bosom, you can choose a straight bandeau or one with a center strap to keep it from slipping. For extra oomph, pair a brightly colored top with a dark bottom to put the emphasis right where you want it the most.

The Look

If you've worked on your shoulders, chest and abs over the winter to develop a long, lean yoga body, you probably won't find swimwear that flatters your shape better than women's bandeau swimsuits. They will highlight all your strong points, and make you look more supple and sexy on the beach. If you can get away with baring that much skin, go for it! With all the effort you put into making your body look that good, you deserve to flaunt it.

Good posture is also very important when wearing this style of suit. Regardless of your figure type, nothing looks worse in a bandeau suit than a slumped-over body. Take a page from the bikini models and stand tall with your shoulders back. This will also help keep your top where it belongs!

As for bottoms, you can take your pick. Pieces with more coverage tend to look better because they create a balanced look. In most cases, you'll want to stay away from the thongs, G-strings and other super-skimpy styles.

At the same time, you'll probably want to stay away from full skirts because they tend to make your bottom look disproportionate to your top. Boy shorts, low-rise bikinis and medium-to-high-cut bottoms that keep your derriere covered look best.

The Fit

A perfect fit is the key to looking good and feeling confident in a bandeau, so make sure you have the right size before you hit the beach.

A top that's too tight will create unsightly "rolls" under your arms. You may even find rolls above or below the suit as well, even if you're thin. A top that is too big simply won't stay in place, even if you opt for one with a center strap.

When you try on a bandeau swimsuit, drop your arms naturally to your sides to check if the skin in front of your underarms bulges at all. Next, check out your back to make sure your suit doesn't look too tight, like it's digging in. Remember, you want it snug enough to stay put, but not snug enough to look as if it will rip down the middle at any moment.

Now, jump up and down, bend over and twist; do whatever you can think of to make sure that suit is not going to budge. You may feel silly, but you'll feel sillier if you get out on the beach with a suit that slips and slides, rides up and needs a tug every few minutes.

Get a Bandeau Body

If you really want to wear a bandeau top, you're going to have to get your body as tight and toned as possible. You don't want bulk; you just want definition. Depending on your current weight and body type, your exercise routine will vary. It's wise to consult with your physician first to assess your current state of health, and then let him/her advise you on the type of exercise program that will best suit your goals.

You may also need to reassess your diet and make sure you:

Watch portion sizes
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and lean meats
Drink plenty of water

As far as exercise goes, weight lifting is an excellent way to sculpt your body, as long as your doctor gives you the go ahead. Remember to keep the amount you're lifting on the low side, but do lots of repetitions. This will help you gain definition without building muscle mass. If lifting doesn't suit your needs, Yoga and Pilates can also help create a long, lean look.

Don't feel discouraged if you're just not cut out for a bandeau body; many women decide that bandeau swimwear isn't the ideal style for them. The important thing to keep in mind is that there is a style of swimsuit to compliment virtually any figure, so there's no need to work yourself into a particular swimsuit. Instead, find a swimsuit that will work for you.