VAN: Bikinis For Your Bod

Summer in Vancouver is a really precious time. A few months out of the year we arise from a deep hibernation and flock to the local beaches in anticipation of some much needed vitamin D after countless rainy days. Beautiful people gather on the tides, basking on the beach like bronzed gods and goddesses.

A Vancouver staple this summer is a great swimsuit that can complement your body type. It makes all the difference when you find the right fit, and we’ve taken some time to check out bathing suits that are either locally designed or locally distributed to ensure you have the best options at your doorstep (that make your bod look damned good as you stroll down Kits beach, might we add).

The Full-Figured Lolitas
You are beautifully voluptuous and wouldn’t have it any other way. Either curvy up top, or baby got back, you love a good swimsuit that hugs your curves in a delicious way. We are absolutely thrilled to introduce you to Nettle’s Tale, a local Vancouver swimsuit company founded earlier this year by Julia Church, that produces swimwear inspired by the real woman. Many of Julia’s bathing suits offer special support in their fabric and styles, with bright, vibrant colours and clean, simple lines. (We love the Kimberly, with adjustable halter and high-rise bottoms that hug your behind in a flattering way.) The custom-made, personally inspired bathing suits are available (with a story) on the online boutique. Nettle’s Tale believes in building its community, with 10 per cent of the profits of every bathing suit sold being directed to a charitable cause hand-picked by the women who inspired Julia’s designs.

The Skinny Biatches
Genes have shined their light on you. With a generally petite frame, long legs, and lean stature, you are able to pull off the ‘mini’ bikini and other barely-there looks that are hot this summer. We would love to introduce you to West Coast bikini babes Robyn “Fenner” Rush and Cami “Tessa” Rush, who launched their local swimwear line, Fenntessa, with the goal of bringing sleek, minimal cuts to our fit, Vancouver ladies. Check out their online shop. We adore their “V Bandeau” in bubble gum pinks and blues, which accentuates the slender lady’s small waist. For skinny ladies will small busts, check out their “Ruffled Top” in peaches, pinks, and light blues (it looks great on our petite girls).

The Tomboys
You have a boyish figure and flaunt it well. With broad shoulders and an athletic build, you’re keen to find a bathing suit that accentuates the look of curves and an hour-glass figure. The Tom Boy figure looks stunning in this season’s sexy designs that create curvature with bold prints and cuts. An Australian brand that we just love, available at every Swimco retail outlet in Vancouver, is Seafolly – providing bright, vibrantly coloured swimsuits with extra help up top for the boyish figured mamas. These down-under friends of ours, god bless ‘em, believe in the ‘church of underwire’. The illusion of a bustier top, with some hot cleavage, will look amazing on your boyish figure this season. Check out their most recent 2014 Summer Collection on Swimco’s website, or head into any Swimco store (with locations across Vancouver).

What style of bikini is most flattering for your body type? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewtheVibe.