How to Look Confident and Comfortable in a Swimsuit (Even if You’re Not a Size Zero)
The truth is, rocking a swimsuit when you’re not a size zero can feel like a daunting task. And it is, as you have more to worry about than a regular person.
But before you write off poolside fun or beach vacations, remember this: confidence is the ultimate virtue, and feeling good in your skin is the chicest look you can wear.
It does not matter what other people think about you. What matters most is what you think about yourself. Therefore, adopt a great mindset about your body.
If you feel good about it, everyone else will notice your confidence first before they notice your body.
Having said that, there are some smart swimsuit choices and styling tips that can help you feel even more amazing!
Also, remember to check out my past articles on best swimsuits for sagging breasts, best tankinis for large bust and tummy, and best tankini with built-in underwire bra to name but a few.
One Piece vs. Two Piece swimsuit: What’s best for a large person?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but both styles can be flattering depending on your body type and personal preferences.
Here are some outstanding differences between the two swimsuit designs:
One-piece swimsuits
Offers more coverage and can smooth out your silhouette. Look for ruching, draping, or strategically placed panels to accentuate your curves.
If you have a large belly, and it is causing confidence issues, get a swimsuit designed with gathers in the belly area. Those will hide the large belly very well.
Do not make the mistake of wearing a large swimsuit. Always wear a fitting but comfortable one.
Two-piece swimsuit
A two-piece swimsuit allows you to mix and match the tops and bottoms to flatter different areas. High-waisted bottoms and adjustable tops can provide extra tummy control.
You can wear bikini bottoms and match them with flowing tops. This type of swimsuit offers more flexibility than the one-piece swimsuit.
Unitard swimsuit: bonus!
A unitard swimsuit is a good choice for people who want to cover more skin. Some come in jumpsuit designs, so they look like wetsuits for swimming from a distance.
Others will reach to the knees or slightly above the knees. Generally, they give you a more defined look, and they hide a bulging stomach.
If you are adventurous, try to get the three styles of swimming attire and see what makes you feel most comfortable and confident.
10 Tips to help you look slimmer in a swimsuit
Besides choosing to buy a one-piece, two-piece, or a unitard swimsuit, there are other things you can do to help your body look thinner in a swimming suit. These are:
1. Go for dark colors
Black, navy, and other dark shades create a slimming effect. Don’t shy away from bold prints in these colors either!
Luckily, different types of swimsuits comes in all manner of colors. You will find more than enough dark colors for your swimwear.
Dark colors are also great for not showing stains, so you can be free on the beach without worrying too much. They are also easier to clean.
2. Get vertical stripes
Your new best friend! Vertical stripes elongate your figure and create a leaner look.
Assuming you do not always want to wear dark-colored swimsuits, you could always go for vertical stripes, but in dark colors too. Such stripes make you look taller and thinner.
Do not, in any case, make the mistake of wearing a swimsuit with horizontal stripes. Such stripes are going to make you appear more rounded than you really are.
3. Ruched design is best
This fabric detail gently skims your curves and camouflages any lumps or bumps. The material also looks very alluring, and people notice it more than they notice the person wearing a ruched tankini. You will look awesome on the beach.
4. Try to create an illusion of height
When you wear high-waisted bottoms and plunging necklines, they can elongate your torso and make you appear taller than you really are. Creating an illusion of height makes you appear thinner than you really are, especially from a distance.
Needless to say, wearing vertical stripes will make you look taller. If you do not want to do stripes, you can simply wear dark colors.
5. Shapewear under your suit
Most people ask whether they can wear shapewear under their swimsuit. Well, the best answer is not to wear anything under your swimsuit.
But in the rare times when you must, opt for light, breathable shapewear for a smooth, tucked-in feeling.
6. Accessorize with other beachwear
When you are not in the water, cover up some more. Using cover-ups like sarongs and kimonos adds a touch of sophistication.
It is going to draw attention away from the areas of your body that you feel self-conscious about.
7. Wear confidence like a suit
Stand tall, smile, and hold your head high. Own your body and radiate confidence – it’s the most attractive quality you can wear!
If you think about yourself negatively, other people will read the same energy, and they will think negatively of you.
8. Get a proper fit
A well-fitting swimsuit is essential for comfort and a flattering silhouette. Avoid anything too tight or loose. The temptation to wear loose or ill-fitting clothing will be too much, but you need to resist it.
Today, you can find awesome swimsuits. For instance, there are bikinis to wear with pubic hair, and swimsuits without padding, to name but a few. You will be spoiled for choice.
9. Try a bold, unpopular swimsuit
You can get the unitard-designed swimsuits. Not many people use them today, but that does not mean they are not good enough, because they are.
10. Relax and enjoy yourself
Have fun! The pool or beach is a place to relax and enjoy yourself. Don’t let swimsuit anxieties steal your sunshine.
Wrapping it up
Knowing how to look thin in a swimsuit is not just about looking “slim.” It’s about feeling amazing in your skin.
Therefore, choose a swimsuit that makes you feel confident and beautiful, and rock it with your head held high. You deserve to enjoy the beach, pool, and all the summer fun, regardless of your size!
So, go forth, embrace the sunshine, and let your inner mermaid shine!