Here at Lipstick & Politics, we believe that a swimsuit body is any type of body in a swimsuit. We want to empower women to feel their most confident and comfortable while at the beach or poolside this summer. Our swimsuit guide is geared towards every woman and takes into account swimsuit designs that encourage women to feel positively about their bodies, regardless of shape or size.
For the ladies slaying the beach scene with smaller chests:
If you are looking to accentuate your chest, try bikini tops with embellishments or ruffles that draw attention to the chest in a playful and flirty way. This ruffled top from J.Crew is great because it also includes padding for extra definition.
J.Crew Ruffle Top, $58
For the ladies that rock larger chests:
Finding a bikini top that supports larger breasts can be difficult in a swimsuit culture that emphasizes minimal material. Look for a bathing suit top with thicker straps and underwire for that necessary extra support. This top from Luli Fama incorporates double-lined bustier top with cross-back straps for the ultimate support and coverage.
For the ladies flaunting flatter bottoms:
To highlight your derriere, try a bikini bottom with minimal coverage and a back panel ruching detail. Low rise bikini bottoms with the scrunched butt detail allow for cheeky coverage that compliment your curves.
Maylana Scrunch Butt Bikini Bottoms, $40
For the ladies that like their big butts, they cannot lie:
Try pairing solid swimsuit bottoms with a fun printed top to draw attention from top to bottom. This retro one piece from Out From Under provides moderate coverage with playful front and back cut-outs, and ruching on both the front and back panels to showcase your curvy top and bottom halves.
Out From Under Printed Tie-Front One-Piece Swimsuit, $50
For the ladies who love their love handles:
We all have them. You know, the excess skin in the midsection area that protrudes from the hips. In all actuality, most of us- myself included, love to hate our love handles, but a high waisted bikini bottom that goes above the belly button works with the area to create a natural hourglass shape. A tie detail further draws the eye and adds a feminine touch.
Anthropologie High-Waisted Bikini Bottoms, $48
For the ladies showcasing short torsos:
Short torsos look great in bikini tops that lift the bustline. Try a top with halter straps, like this option from Onia that ties in either the front or the back to avoid tan lines.
Onia Molded Underwire Halter, $90
For the ladies strutting their stuff with short legs:
To feature your legs more prominently, try a bikini bottom with a higher cut or a thong design. Because the cut of the bottoms rests above the hips, it lengthens the leg from that point downward.
LA Hearts Sporty Bikini Bottoms, $14
For the ladies celebrating their cellulite:
Cellulite is nothing to be ashamed of. Most women have cellulite on some area of their body, regardless of body type- again, myself included. Being confident and practicing body positivity means feeling comfortable in your own skin- cellulite and stretch marks and all! Don’t let cellulite keep you from the beach this summer; try a swimsuit bottom with a skirt detail. The skirt provides additional coverage without sacrificing style. This high-waisted swim skirt from Albion Fit hugs the hips to eliminate exposure of the inner thigh so you are free to splash in the water at your leisure.
Albion Fit High-Waisted Swim Skirt, $68
For the ladies with more to love in their midsection:
The addition of the peplum feature on one-piece swimsuits effortlessly cinches the waist, while the v-neck and underwire bra top accentuates the chest and provides full coverage. This swim top from Torrid is great for a number of reasons: the thick straps and underwire bra cups provide ultimate support, the sweetheart neckline creates a timeless silhouette that accents the ta-tas, and the cinched waist and demi-peplum flares at the smallest part of the waist to create a shape that fits your body.
Torrid Push-Up Demi Peplum Midikini Top, $48
For the proud pregnant ladies:
When looking for a swimsuit while pregnant, think tankinis. What makes a tankini opportune for pregnant women is that they are breathable and the design is not too constricting for a baby bump.
Gap Maternity Tankini Top, $29
For the ladies looking for a little extra skin protection:
When sunscreen is not enough UV protection, try a printed rashguard. This one from Cabana Life provides UPF 50+ sun protection and features side ruching that can transition from a swim shirt when tied up or dress cover-up when untied.
Cabana Life Ruched Rashguard, $94
These are just some of our recommendations when it comes to swimwear this summer, but you can wear whatever bathing suit you want so long as you feel happy and confident. What swimsuits do you like to wear?
By: Rachel Ladeby