Styles, key phrases and definitions Listed below you will find descriptions of swimwear styles along with added information on applications and cup sizes. We hope you will find this useful when deciding on the best style for you. If you have any questions or tips, please visit customer service and send us an e-mail.
BANDEAU TOP
Usually found in a band, tube or twist style, bandeau's are best suited to smaller bust sizes while offering extra coverage. Twist styles can come with hidden or removable pads and most will come with fully removable straps which add "stay on" security while swimming and can be worn as halter, crossover or regular styles. Suited to A, B and C cups.
BIKINI BRAS
Or over the shoulder styles, offer maximum support for larger bust sizes and are usually made with the same construction and built in support as lingerie bra's. Some styles may come with hidden or floating under-wires which add uplifting support with a softer look. Styles may also come with adjustable or optional (cross over) straps. Suited for D to F cups.
HALTER TOPS
Halter tops not only give you a sexy bare back look, but also add extra support for larger cup sizes. Most halter tops have tie back necks giving you an instant lift and allowing you to adjust to your preferred comfort level. Suited for C to DD cups.
TRIANGLES
Brief and sexy, triangle styles are best suited to smaller cup sizes. Sliding triangles allow you to adjust fabric for more coverage over bust area. Suited for B to C cups though there are a few offerings in D cups as well.
TANKINIS
Otherwise known as singlets or Cami's, are a wonderfully versatile top giving you the confidence and coverage of a one piece with the comfort of a two piece. Tankinis usually come down to the hips giving full coverage while allowing you to roll them up when sunning yourself. After swimming you can put on a pair of shorts or beach pants and feel comfortably dressed for the whole day. Tankinis come in all shapes and sizes and are available in all the same styles as bikini tops. From bandeau to bikini bra style's you can find tankinis in all cup sizes from A to F cups.
BASIC OR REGULAR PANTS
Basic or regular pants offer good coverage and bottom support. Popular with tankini tops.
HIPSTER PANTS
A sexy top line style that lengthens the torso. Hipsters come in many styles from skimpy tie sides to boyleg styles.
BANDED PANTS
Banded pants are usually basic or regular shapes with a band around the top to give extra tummy support.
ROLL DOWN
Roll down, or turn up, turn down pants are a very versatile style allowing you to roll them right down while sunning yourself (right), or roll them up to hide your tummy when swimming or walking (left). When matched with a tankini and rolled completely up, they give the appearance of a one piece.
TIE SIDE AND DOUBLE TIE SIDE PANTS
Tie side and double tie side pants are sexy, skimpy pants which allow you to adjust to your most comfortable fit.
BOYLEG PANTS
Boyleg pants give maximum coverage to thighs and buttocks while still looking sexy. Another very popular style with tankinis
ROUCHED
Rouching is used in bottoms, tankinis and one pieces giving you the option of greater coverage when you need it and also adding a minimizing effect with a soft gathering of fabric. Rouched tankinis offer a looser fit to cover problem areas.
BELTED
A belted feature adds a sporty feel and can minimize the look of maximum coverage pants.
ONE PIECE MONOKINI OR CUTAWAY STYLES - are very sexy and ooze confidence. They give the look and freedom of a bikini while offering an amount of tummy control and coverage. These styles give the illusion of a curvier figure. Suited to A, B and C cup sizes
PLUNGE STYLE ONE PIECES - look daring and sexy, enhancing the bust while offering comfort and coverage to the tummy and bottom. A plunge style lengthens the torso and depending on how deep the plunge is, can accommodate A to D cup sizes.
A RACER OR TRAINER STYLE - one piece is most popular for exercising and usually comes in a high front, crossover or scoop back style. These styles come in many levels of construction, catering to most cup sizes.
TIE BACK'S - Allows your top to be fully adjustable to suit all bust sizes, especially when featured with a tie neck.
MOULDED CUPS - Usually found in triangle tops, these cups are fixed shapes moulded to each size giving a crisp line and shape with firm support.
OPTIONAL STRAPS - These straps can be adjusted allowing you to wear as a halter, crossover or regular over the shoulder style.
HIDDEN AND REMOVABLE PADS - Pads add extra support and enhance the bust shape.
UNDERWIRES - Hidden and floating (removable) under-wires add extra support for larger cup sizes.
SHELF BRAS - A shelf bra offers hidden light coverage and support. It?s constructed of a soft liner with an elasticized bottom band to help the bra stay in place.
TUMMY CONTROL - or a tummy control panel usually consists of a close-knit mesh fabric that lines the inside of a swimsuit top and/or bottom to tighten up and shape loose body weight.
PRINCESS OR CENTRE SEAM - Many one piece tank swimsuits and swimdresses are made with this type of seam which slims your torso and vertically shapes and streamlines the curves of your body to make your features look more attractive.
EMPIRE WAIST - Larger sized one pieces and tankinis are sewn with a waist line above the normal waist line usually right below the bust to create the illusion of length and camouflage a bottom-heavy figure or thick waist adding to your comfort and confidence.
CROSS BACK - The cross back allows for easy shoulder movement and straps that open wide for easy on and off. Both regular swimmers and water aerobics lovers feel most comfortable in a cross back swimsuit because straps won't slip.
CHLORINE RESISTENT - Chlorine proof or resistant swimsuits are usually made from heavy Polyester fabric injected with tested chemicals to last 3 times longer than the normal swimsuit in terms of exposure to chlorine. Spending the extra few dollars here can really save you in the long run if you are a regular pool swimmer. Look for suits that are 100% Polyester. Remember to always rinse after use to prolong the life of your swimsuit.
SHEATH - A classic one piece swimsuit with a tight drape over the front upper thighs. Great for a little extra thigh coverage.
WRAP FRONT- A wrap front one piece has a fabric drape across the torso area that blends into the midsection of the swimsuit. It helps minimize and hide the stomach while taking a classic look and making it more sophisticated.
KEYHOLE BACK - With straps that extend around the back to clasp at the top of the neck, the keyhole back provides extra support for the upper back and neck and really benefits those regular swimmers.
Every one's body is different, but we?ve put together some general classes of body types to help you decide what kind of swimsuit would give your body the best look.
HOURGLASS FIGURE - If you are curvy overall, have hips and shoulders with similar widths, a full rear and thigh, and slim and shapely lower legs, you should look for swimsuits that will keep the eye busy or accentuate the waist. Look for allover prints, halters, & V-necks. Side details can highlight your curves.
SQUARE FIGURE - Square figure. If you have more prominent hips, thighs, and rear, and less prominent shoulders and bust with average to large legs, look for swimsuits with a print or light color top and solid, dark bottom. Tankinis with full coverage pants work really well with this body type.
OVAL FIGURE - If your bust, waist, and hips are of a similar size and you can consider your hips as square shaped, your bust as small, and your arms and legs as slim, stick to swimsuits with halters and detailed necklines to draw the eye upwards and look for tummy control lining. One pieces or swimdresses with princess seams and empire waistlines can help slim you down.
ATHLETIC FIGURE - If you have a full bust, waist, wide shoulders with less full hips and slim arms and legs, swimsuits with an under-wire bra and fuller bottoms will really help keep you balanced. A wide, square neck can narrow your shoulders.
