Hot Weather & Hotter Bathing Suits - by Ro Martinez

Warmer months mean spending more time outdoors enjoying longer days, and with warmer temperatures we naturally shed layers of clothing.  Here in Florida, we’remore fortunate than other parts of the country because conditions are comfortable most of the year.

When thinking of bathing suit season, we often conjure up images of warm summer months.  I wear bathing suits from May toSeptember, but most of the year, Florida beaches are filled with bathing suit clad tourists escaping from colder climates. 

Locals need bathing suits during non-summer months too for many occasions such as going to the gym or pool, and on a cruises or vacations in exotic destinations. 

Regardless of our body type, we all need a properly fitting swimsuit.  This does not have to be an impossible task if we know our body type.

Instead of giving the standard body types such as apple, pear or hourglass shape, I am providing a different breakdown; the young athletic fit or thin body, mature body, and plus-size body.

Young Fit Body or Thin Body –

Those fortunate few who have a very fit physique or are naturally thin can choose to wear almost any type of swimwear.  They don’t have to worry about camouflaging figure flaws so they can wear a suit that covers less and shows more of the body they may have worked hard to build.  Women can choose a two piece halter, strapless or string bikini and men can wear a Speedo or trunks of their choosing.

Mature Body –

As we age what happens to our body is something we want to keep under wraps.  Fuller hips and thighs, a fuller middle, cellulite or flabby skin makes us want to run from the fitting room and not look back.  A good fitting suit and cover-up will give you the confidence to spend the day on the beach.  A tankini is a more conservative two piece that covers the midsection.  For those with a long torso, it is more comfortable.  Choose a conservative bottom or boy shorts for the most coverage.  Skirted bottoms and sarongs are stylish options.   For men, loose fitting trunks with a cotton or linen button down shirt are good options. 

Plus-Size Body –

This body type is the most difficult to fit because the larger the size the more difficult it is to be in proportion, so we may get a suit that fits our upper part but not the lower half of your body.  This can lead to frustration when looking for a swimsuit.
The size clothing we wear can be a guide but we should adjust up or down as needed.  Too many people hold on to a number not recognizing that the size may vary by manufacturer or style.  A one-piece skirted suit is a good choice because it covers hip and thighs with a flirty skirt, allowing you to go from the grocery store to the beach.  The sun dress look comes in a variety of styles such as spaghetti straps, strapless or tank top.  Plus-size men can follow the same recommendation as for the mature body.

Care –

Because it can be so difficult to find a proper fitting swimsuit, you'll want to protect your investment once you find a favorite.  During the bathing suit season spent on the boat, at the beach, or in the pool, suits take a beating.  Make them last by hand washing after each use.  Stuffing your wet suit in a bag and leaving it for hours can cause it to mold, stain, or the molded cups (on some women’s suits) to become disfigured.  The chlorine or salt water when not properly rinsed out is not good for the life of the suit.  Use cold water and a gentle detergent (Woolite is safe on most fabrics), avoid wringing, and hang to dry.  The heat from a dryer may cause your suit to lose its shape or damage it so it only lasts one season.

Caring for your suit need not be difficult.  Here are some easy to follow care instructions from Kay Dean, eHow Contributing Writer (www.ehow.com):

Step 1: Check the care label of your bathing suit before laundering. Make sure to find out what type of material the bathing suit is made of; spandex and lycra hold their shape longer, polyester can last under heat a little longer and chlorine-resistant fabrics are safer, the only ones which can tolerate pool water better. Also check to see if your bathing suit has any special care instructions. Certain bathing suits have attached decorations that need to be removed before laundering.

Step 2: Hand-wash your bathing suit. Fill the sink with cold water and add a small amount of mild liquid fabric detergent. Never use any other liquid soap on your bathing suit--the chemicals can adversely affect the content or dyes of the fabric. Swish the water with your hand to mix in the detergent.

Step 3: Turn the bathing suit inside out. Submerse it in the soapy water allow it to sit for several minutes. Squeeze the material to make sure all of the bathing suit gets soapy water; don't rub the material together. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and gently squeeze to remove excess water. Do not place the bathing suit in a towel to wring out excess water.

Step 4: Dry the bathing suit flat unless the care label indicates it can be drip-dried. Lay it on a large towel or on a mesh drying screen. Replace the towel if it becomes wet. This will prevent mildew. Keep the bathing suit out of sunlight, as that will cause the bathing suit to fade. Allow it to dry for 24 hours in order for the suit to completely regain its shape.

Step 5: Fold and put your bathing suit away only when it is completely dry. Don’t wear your bathing suit when it’s still wet; wearing even a damp bathing suit can cause the material to loose its shape.

Following my advice will make finding a proper fitting suit a breeze and a day spent enjoying water related activities seem like a vacation.  Flaunt your body or your bathing suit but don’t allow an improper fitting suit or a lack of one to prevent you from enjoying all that Florida has to offer.

What some of my model's friends are saying about their favorite bathing suit:

"Make sure that after you swim you rinse your bathing suit off to help maintain it."
-Gianna Borst

“When vacationing at a resort I have a different style, but I like to play rough in the pool with the kids and need to make sure when they tug on me that my suit stays put.  Sporty styles that function well and provide coverage work for me.  Different suits cover different needs.”
-Kimberle Coy

“What do I look for in a bathing suit? Ideally a bathing suit must fit my lifestyle, which can pose quite a challenge. Running, biking and water sports are but a few things that require durable water wear. Equally important are its looks, because who wouldn't like to look their best while walking the beach with that special someone? Having such a versatile bathing suit allows me comfort and freedom during all of my seaside endeavors. “
-Derek Perryman

“It is difficult to find a cute bathing suit that is flattering and that offers the support I need it to. If I do find a suit that is attractive and hides my figure flaws, it is either cheaply made and doesn't hold up, or it is way too expensive!  I've also had the problem many times where I find a suit that claims to be my size and when I get it on it is cut way too small and uncomfortable in a few places, but the next size up is way too droopy.”
-Molly Stiglitz

‘’Check catalogues such as JC Penney, Sears and Spiegel.  Follow the ordering instructions on how to measure yourself for correct sizing.  These diagrams will show you where to place the measuring tape.  Have someone else measure you to get an accurate measure.”

Modeling At Any Age

Ro Martinez, (Seaside Publishing, Copyright 2008)