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Swimsuit Guide For Real Women

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The bikini bathing suit made its debut in the swimwear world on July 5, 1946. You don't need a smokin' hot body, OR a bikini, to look good on the beach this summer. And while LA has its share of high-end swimwear retailers who dress the "ideal" woman, finding an affordable swimsuit that fits the rest of us can be done here, too, if you know what you're looking for. With Everything but Water's fit expert, Audrey Jimenez, offering her tips, every woman can feel comfortable in the sun this summer.

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(credit: everythingbutwater.com)

Support: Becca

Looking for a little support in the bust? Try using a banded halter bikini top. It will support the bust without an underwire, because the band provides extra lift and support. Get a suit with adjustable straps to find that perfect fit. We found that the Becca bikini gave the most support, and would flatter any womanly figure. The Becca bikini has a banded hipster bottom to provide moderate cover in the back, and the waistband lies softly on the tummy preventing that dreaded bulge.

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Tummy Tuck: La Blanca

Find comfort and ease by the pool in a tummy control tankini. The LA Blanca separates offer the convenience of a two piece, with the look of a one piece. Mix and match to find the bottoms that will be most flattering and disguises tummy flaws. The LA Blanca flatters overall and provides the perfect amount of support.

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Flattery: Skirted one-piece

Disguise wider thighs with a skirted one piece suit. A skirted bottom should fall just below the largest part of the upper leg, to be the most flattering. Look for a suit with a plunging neckline or eye-catching top to draw eyes upward, minimizing the bottom. Our favorite skirted suits were the Juicy Couture Dragon Fruit suit, and the Jantzen polka dot suit. Both of these suits have removable straps, tummy control, and flirty skirts.

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Miraclesuit

Look 10 pounds lighter in 10 seconds with the Miraclesuit. We found this suit to be perfect for women with broader shoulders, and helped to minimize the middle. The asymmetrical, one shoulder, silhouette draws the focus away from the middle. It also highlights the long lines of your neck, creating a visual effect of narrowing broader shoulders. Audrey Jimenez recommends avoiding strapless and bra style tops when trying to hide broad shoulders.

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Seafolly For More Curves

A triangle style top with a tie side bottom is best for women without a lot of curves. The tie side bottoms, thicker ties at the hips, and triangle tops create the illusion of curves. The Seafolly suit created the most dynamic effect of curves. The triangle top with the flirty ruffle is going to be a must-have for the beach this summer.

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(credit: everythingbutwater.com)


Everything But Water offers complimentary one-on-one fittings to find the best suit for your body figure. They also have a VIP concierge service, Bride to Beach, to help find the perfect swimsuit before heading off on your honeymoon.

Additional locations:

The Shops at Mission Viejo
555 The Shops at Mission Viejo
Mission Viejo,CA 92691
(949) 347-7056

Brea Mall
2058 Brea Mall
Brea,CA 92821
(714) 529-2485

South Coast Plaza
3333 Bear Street
Costa Mesa,CA 92626
(714) 540-8523

Shelby Barone is a local freelance writer in Orange County. She writes for various Orange County publications! You can keep up with her adventures around Orange County on Twitter @Glitterfulfelt.

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