Know Your Bikinis  

Bikini and bathing suit trends are swinging in favor of the masses. While Hollywood has inspired a renewed interest in the bikini, real everyday women are demanding more realistic options. Are you larger on the bottom that the top? More designers than ever are offering separates to fit your body perfectly. The choices improve every year and specialty sizes are becoming more common.

While it may be a moment of dread to try on your first bathing suit of the summer, there are options for softening the blow.

Pair your bathing suit or bikini with a sarong. Not only are sarongs beautiful, but they also inspire the wearer to feel more confident and feminine. Sarongs, in sheer fabrics and pretty prints, continue to be the most flattering and best way to cover up. Tie on the side, in front or around your chest for full coverage. And by all means, keep shopping until you get that perfect fit.

Bikini Savvy Terms:

· Tankini -- A variation of the bikini, this sporty style has a longer top that leaves only a small portion of the tummy exposed. Don't want to expose your tummy at all? Go for the mock tankini.

· Bandini -- A bikini with a bandeau top; IE, a straight, wide horizontal band of cloth worn covering the breasts.

· Camikini -- Same as the tankini except the top looks like a camisole.

· Maillot -- One-piece suit (some creative types have even labeled a cut-out style the "monokini"). This year maillots are cut out, one-shouldered and halter-necked.

· Boy shorts -- These resemble tradional men's swimmiing trunks. Careful here, these tend to make the leg look shorter-- but still a favorite style.

· Brazilian -- A general term describing a skimpy bikini. It features a low rise bottom and a revealing top. Not a micro or mini but smaller than a typical American style.

· Halter top -- A halter features over the shoulder straps that tie behind the neck. Wider straps than other sytles.

· Triangle top -- Triangle shaped cups that can be adjusted on its string.

For variety, select two or three bikinis in different colors like bold primary colors tropical hues and designs. Let variety be your spice.

About the Author

Gene Brenner is the webmaster of http://www.Brazilian-Bikinis.org which is an on-line infomation and mall store with all things bikini.