How beach ready are you? I’m not talking about bikini bodies (everyone who wears a bikini has one of those!) but your beachwear look.
How do you like to dress to go to the beach? Are you a shorts and T-shirt style – minimum fuss and maximum sun worship? Or do you prefer a more elegant style? Perhaps you’d love to wear a sarong but you’re not sure if they flatter your body shape.
Much as I have aspirations of being a style icon when we get to the beach, my beachwear is more practical. We’ve often been out walking before we get to the beach. So I’m often in denim shorts and a vest top. As both are likely to be hot and sweaty (sorry too much info!) they’re purely for getting to the beach! In the beach bag I pack a long cotton over-shirt. Essential beachwear for the post swim bar visit!
In this post I’m going to give you some tips on choosing beachwear for your body shape and some ideas on where to buy sustainable beachwear.
BEACHWEAR FOR YOUR BODY SHAPE
Apple Body Shape
If you have a full tummy but great arms and legs then look for beachwear that will skim your figure and avoid voluminous styles. I’d also recommend that you avoid skirts and sarongs that will draw attention to your tummy area.
Instead look for maxi dresses with an empire line. An empire line has a fitted bodice ending just below the bust. This will define your bust and skim your curves (providing the fabric is not too floaty).
Recommended brands: Aspiga and Thought
Pear Shaped Body
You have a small bust and defined waist, with larger hips and thighs. So look for styles that show off your top half and don’t draw attention to your lower half. Avoid sarongs, harem pants and wide legged trousers. Instead look for kaftans or dresses with detail on the top half or around the neckline and sleeves.
Recommended brands: Aspiga, Chandni Chowk, La Mandarine
Hourglass Body Shape
You can choose what beachwear you like to show off your lovely curves! But if you’re a petite hourglass shape then beware any styles with copious amounts of fabric as this will just overwhelm you.
Recommended brands: Aspiga, La Mandarine
Athletic Body Shape
Add volume and roundness to your shoulders and hips with your beachwear to create the illusion of curves. A belt may be too much in the heat, but it will give you a defined waist. Alternatively look for a pair of loose fitting shorts or trousers and a top. Another option is a playsuit which will be naturally waisted.
Recommended brands: Mamoq, Thought
Inverted Triangle Body Shape
You want to balance your broad shoulders with beachwear that adds detail to the bottom half. So sarongs, wide legged trousers or cut offs will look amazing on you. Patterns on your bottom half, keeping things plainer on top.
Recommended brands: Ethical Superstore, Aspiga, La Mandarine
Other Beachwear Items To Consider
If you’re looking to replenish your beachwear collection why not select more sustainable and ethical brands to do this? But remember it’s not obligatory to simply buy new every year! This is just a quick check list to help if you do need to replace or replenish your beach kit!
Beach Towels
Look for Organic Cotton such as the new beach towels by Rapanui.
Beach Bags
Check out the fabulous selection of bags woven from palm leaf and sisel at Edinburgh based brand Bohemia.
Footwear
Recycled tyres from brands such as Gumbies, or beautiful sandals (while crafted from leather) that support local artisans from Aspiga. These are just a couple of the choices for summer footwear.
How can I help you?
I offer online and in-person consultations in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas. My mission is to help you understand your unique style and make the most of your wardrobe, so you can dress with confidence and feel awesome. Book a free discovery call with me to find out more.
JUST IN CASE
You missed my last post about how to choose the most flattering swimwear for you, please check it out.