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If you're like me, meaning that you are not a model and your body shape differs from the classic standards, finding swimwear that fits can be incredibly frustrating. You can't even imagine the number of times I got excited about cute bikinis, only to realize that they came bundled with the top and bottom in identical sizes. Great for women who need the same size for both, but in my case, it means choosing between wearing a ridiculously small bottom (muffin effect guaranteed) or using a beach towel to fill the giant bra...
I have a pear-shaped figure (that I mostly describe as "bottle of Perrier" shape), so I generally need a bikini top in small and bottom in medium to large. Some of my friends with athletic figures or the ones that are more gifted than me in the breast department have the reverse problem.
Luckily, more and more brands seem to have realized that not all women are built the same way, and swimsuit separates are increasingly easier to find, with cute and trendy options for all budgets. With the August heat just starting and the beach or pool being more appealing than ever, I wanted to share my favorite places to shop for swimsuit separates with you!
Bugdet options
Old Navy
If you only have spare change to spend on a new swimsuit, Old Navy is your best bet, especially if you wait for a sale. The quality is mediocre to good depending on models, and the price usually tells you a lot about what to expect: you get what you pay for! I bought a few very basic swimsuit pieces from them for those days when I boogie board, and comfort and safety (read: not losing my bra when the waves hit) were more important than style in this case.
JC Penney
Here again, although prices are low to start with, sales are your friends! JC Penney carries a few different brands of swimsuit separates, so there are more styles to choose from. They also have a "shop by fit" tool that pre-select models based on your body shape (curvy, small bust, straight...).
GAP
A bit higher in quality than Old Navy, sister retailer GAP is also more expensive. They do have a better choice of styles though, and the prices remain affordable.
H&M
Another great place to find little gems for less than $20. Inventories by store vary a lot, so you're better off heading to your local H&M and checking out what they have in stock. The nicest pieces tend to sell out fast, but they seem to constantly receive new styles.
High end options
If you can afford to shop for your swimsuit separates at the department store, you will have access to a great variety of styles and brands. Here are a few bikinis that caught my eye - you may notice that the prices are not so high for many pieces, that's because swimsuits are currently on sale almost everywhere. Now is a great time to grab a fancy bikini for a fraction of its original price!
I received no compensation to write this post, which only reflects my personal opinion. This post contains affiliate links.
H&M often has very cute pieces, and so affordable! I have a couple of bikinis on rotation right now, some are sets, others are mix 'n match pieces.
ReplyDeleteThat's one of my favorite places to shop for affordable clothes in general! Unfortunately my local store sells out everything that looks good VERY fast, so if I see something I like I have to buy it immediately. Otherwise it'll most likely be gone by the next day!
DeleteBottle of Perrier is a great way to describe that kind of figure. I, too, enjoy mixing top and bottom to find the perfect fit. For now I am set, as I bought two options back in my holiday in France last September.
ReplyDeleteLinda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
I'm fighting the Perrier shape through running, but beyond the extra weight I put on when I moved to the States, that's how I'm built, I have tiny shoulders and large hip bones! Mix and match are a must for me.
DeleteI'd love to be a Perrier shape! I think I've given up on finding the perfect bikini.. I much prefer a cute 1950s style swimsuit!
ReplyDeleteBecca | theBeautyInbox
The Perrier shape makes finding dresses quite challenging. There are cuts I just can't wear, like the straight sheath style.
DeleteTotally agree with you! Old Navy has beautiful and affordable swim suit pieces!
ReplyDeleteSending you much love & I hope your Wednesday is as marvelous as you are!!!
xoxo, Vanessa
www.WhatWouldVWear.net
I buy a lot of basics from Old Navy. They're clearly not trendsetters, but they have good simple stuff, like their active wear.
DeleteSuch a great post - it's so nice to see people sharing things like this as it can be hard for people to shop for swimwear especially separates! Sometimes it's overwhelming in stores and sometimes things are a little awkward with the sizing too...
ReplyDeleteLayla xx
http://www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk
Thanks! I struggled a lot with bikini sizing until I found good places to buy separates.
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