Swimwear for the beach bumbs in us all.

Summer is coming and the one thing everyone thinks about, whether they like it or not, is swimwear!

For this segment of Everyday Runway we are helping men and women by providing tips you need to find the perfect swimwear for your body type.

First, let's talk men and the fashionable options available.

Men, believe me there is life outside of speedo's.  I saw so many men walking around on the beach while on vacation that I just began to weep inside at the odd out of shaped  men so proudly wearing such ill fitting pieces of spandex.

Don't be that man that causes women like myself to cry because you are stuffing some body parts and letting others hang, drag or droop in those things.

Ok, clearly you can tell I am traumatized and so sad for the men who do not understand that speedos are not everyone's (almost no ones) friend.

MEN

Your suits are custom tailored, those eyeglass frames hug your face, and that CEO-impressing watch took days of research to find. So why do your swim trunks look like spring break 1997? Sure, they cover the territory, but a style slipup at the beach is like kicking sand in your own face. (Remember, those vacation snapshots live forever on Facebook!) So find the right trunks for your body and share those photos with pride.

Show Some Thigh
Who wears short shorts? Until the '90s, everyone did. (Clyde Frazier's '70s court shorts were probably shorter than the boxers you're wearing now.) And anytime you're shirtless, short shorts still look best. Trunks should stop at least a couple of inches above the knee, says Faherty Brand swimwear designer Mike Faherty. "Any longer and you start to shrink."

Our model Kelly M is wearing a pair of European swim trunks from 2eros. I know there are some men who will want to hold to the speedo idea so I offer this as an acceptable alternative.

Model Kelly M wearing Icon Swim Shorts by 2eros.

 

DON'T: Wear Them BaggyA slim guy in oversized clothing, whether it's a suit or a swimsuit, looks emaciated. If you can fit more than a bottle of sunscreen between your shorts and your leg, they're too wide.. Plus, you risk giving your junk an unfortunate cameo when you sit.

Below our model Cedric Q. is wearing a pair of J. Crew navy and white swim trunks with a pair of blue Toms. As you can see this is a great option for you guys to wear that provide style and comfort with a great fit. These are perfect for the beach, the pool and a quick meal afterwards when worn with a white tee.

Model Cedric Q wearing blue and white navy J. Crew swim trunks.

 

WOMEN

Women come in all shapes and sizes.
We have long legs. We have short legs.
Some are apart of the itsy bitsy teeny weeny bikini crew.
Some have curves for days in all the right places causing massive waves.



Everyday women modeling swimsuits

 

Nikki is modeling Kenneth Cole

Regardless of your body type and assets you are working with, there is a swimsuit out there just waiting to be added to your wardrobe collection. The key to finding the perfect swimsuit is knowing the parts of your body that need enhancing, minimizing or support. Colors, patterns and design play a key role in being the right fit for you.

For this segment I enlisted the help of my fashion blogger sister Alea of Get Style Daily.  We headed over to Belk South Park Mall to find swimsuits for four completely different body types.

Watch the segment here

Quick Tips:
For support women should look for tops that have underwire, molded cups or halter ties.  For larger busted women, look for tops that are sold in cup size instead of general sizing.

Jennifer modeling Trina Turk

For coverage women have more options than ever.  Tankinis and monokinis are perfect for women who want the illusion of a two piece with the comfort and coverage of a one piece.  Bottoms are also available with ties on the waist to allow for more or less coverage.


All cover ups are not created equal.  Be bold.  Be creative and have fun.  Find something that provides the coverage you want.  Mesh is in and available in skirt, pants and hoodie styles. Toss that towel on the beach and use these stylish options for walking around after a quick dip.

Of course this didn't cover every body type so I am leaving you with a couple of additional sites to help you out. 

Pop Sugar's article Swimsuits for your body

Real Simple article Best Swimsuits for All Bodies

Fitness Magazine article Swimsuit Intervention