Swimsuit Tips

The Beach Beckons

Finding a new swimsuit isn't easy, but "Sunday Source" deputy editor and former Vogue fashion writer Suzanne D'Amato has tips to help you shop smart and hit the beach with confidence and style.

Read and Take a Look: Suit Yourself

She was online Wednesday, May 3, at 1 p.m. ET to answer your questions and offer advice.

____________________

Alexandria, Va.:

Hi, my problem is I have a big butt, and I'm having a hard time finding a cute little bikini that provides full coverage in that area. It's frustrating because I feel like I can't totally relax at the pool. Even with bottoms that provide some coverage I'm constantly trying to pull down the back so it won't ride up and expose too much. Darnit. Do you have any recommendations?

Suzanne D'Amato: I'd suggest a boy-short style, which is comfortable and stays where you want it -- perfect for swimming. Also, many manufacturers make boy-short suits that sit low on the hip and look quite stylish -- you won't feel like you're wearing a frumpy "big bottomed" suit.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: A bikini top is essentially the same as a bra. So, why do bikini tops generally come in S/M/L and not 34B?

Suzanne D'Amato: I can only assume that some swimsuit designers think their fabrics are stretchy enough to accomodate any number of sizes. For many shoppers, the S/M/L spectrum is good enough, but for women who want a really precise fit, it can be frustrating.

Happily, a number of companies do sell suit tops by bra size -- Malia Mills is one of my favorites for this.

_______________________

Reston, Va.:

I am a redhead with very fair skin, and always vaguely dread swimsuit season due to my paleness. That said, I love the beach and swimming and wouldn't pass that up for anything, so, what is your best recommendation for swimsuit colors that flatter those of us who do NOT have a future as a Hawaiian Tropic model?

Suzanne D'Amato: There's nothing wrong with being pale -- I think you'd look great in an olive green, burgundy, navy or chocolate brown suit. Just don't forget the SPF 30!

_______________________

Washington, D.C.:

What style suggestions can you offer for those who are small chested but don't want to go the padded bra route?

Suzanne D'Amato: Despite what you may have seen on "Baywatch," string bikini styles are actually tailor-made for smaller women, for a very simple reason: When a well-endowed woman wears a tiny top with no support, it ain't pretty.

_______________________

Potomac, Md.:

What about men's swim suits? Any advice? My husband insists on wearing Speedos and believe me, honey, it isn't flattering. He doesn't fill it out and the hang-over (you know what I mean) is, well, mean.

Suzanne D'Amato: If your husband "insists" on Speedos, you may have a tough time getting him to wear anything else! Still, if you want to try, I'd suggest a square-cut bottom. It's sort of like a brief, but the leg holes are cut straight across -- still pretty revealing, but a decent halfway point between a Speedo and a board short.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: I have a small chest, good legs but an ample bum and flabby mid- section. What do you recommend? I currently have a tankini which I like because its comfortable but should I be doing something different to highlight/play down parts?

Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: If you like the comfort of your tankini, stick with that style. Maybe look for a top that has a halter cut (to play up shoulders) and some ruching or pleating around the bust, to give you a bit more shape there.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.:

Do you encourage people to always stick with current style trends or go with whatever style is most figure-flattering and expressive, current or retro? Incidentally, G Street Fabrics offers classes on swimsuit making, usually in May and June.

Suzanne D'Amato: I think people should wear what they feel best in -- which can mean different things for different folks. For some, wearing the latest trend is what makes them happy, so they'll probably want a more "current" style of suit. For others, expressing their style, independent of what's trendy, is most important. (As it happens, I fall in this latter camp.)

Either way, it's important to be realistic about what suits you: I think the biggest mistake is to try to copy what you see on some starlet in the pages of US Weekly, without thinking about your frame and your lifestyle.

Regarding G Street, thanks for the tip!

_______________________

Falls Church, Va.:

Suzanne,I want to be a little risque (or maybe just fit in -- we'll see!) on an upcoming trip to South Beach. Are there any thong bikinis you can recommend?

Suzanne D'Amato: Um, no. I think this style is tired -- these days, it's a lot more chic to leave something to the imagination.

_______________________

Slips?:

I have a strange question. Where have all of the slips gone? I am 26 so I didn't grow up wearing slips but now I have a dress that needs one and I can't seem to find one. Even places like Lord and Taylor look at me strangely when I ask for one. Victoria's Secret hasn't helped. Any ideas?

Suzanne D'Amato: Funny that you should ask -- I've noticed the same thing! Vintage shops are a good place to start. I've seen some really cute slips at Millennium Decorative Arts on U Street -- it's a furniture store by design, but they have a small (and very cool) selection of vintage clothing for men and women. You might also try a Web site like Barenecessities.com. Good luck!

_______________________

Fairfax, Va.:

I am tall (5'10") and I wear a size 10 in a suit but have broad shoulders. I have trouble minimizing that area or at least not making it more pronounced. Any suggestions?

Suzanne D'Amato: Broad shoulders are nothing to be ashamed of, but if you want to minimize yours, look for a top with moderately wide-set straps and a curved, rather than square, neckline.

Avoid halter or T-back styles.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.:

Hi Suzanne. I need a beach cover-up for my honeymoon in Tahiti. Something to go from day to night easily. Any tips on where to find one that I can try on in person (rather than visiting a Web site)?

Suzanne D'Amato: Look for a gauzy linen tunic at a place like Anthropologie or Free People. It might feel a little hippie-dippy for city wear, but it's perfect for the beach. And if you find one that's about knee-length, you can easily wear it to dinner -- just dress it up with metallic sandals and a little jewelry.

_______________________

Los Angeles, Ca.:

I finally lost 30 pounds of baby weight and would like to celebrate with my first new swimsuit in EIGHT years. Don't have tons to spend, still have more weight to lose ... here are my specs - I'd love as many suggestions as you can toss my way:5'4", 155 lbs., hefty thighs, ample chest (38 DD, I think, and always wear minimizer bras). Would like something I can swim laps in but want to try to feel sexy in it too.Thanks! p.s. There's something wrong with the "Suit Yourself" chart - whenever I click on a suit/body shape, it sends me to the discussion.

Suzanne D'Amato: One of my favorite looks is the retro one-piece (as seen on the "Desperate Housewives" cover of Vanity Fair last year). It's very '50s glamour girl: low-cut legs, pleating through the body and a sweetheart neckline -- think Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable and the like. It'll look great with your curves, and it's covered up enough that you can swim without worrying about having a wardrobe malfunction.

Regarding your P.S.: the problem seems to have been solved, but thanks for letting us know!

_______________________

Gaithersburg, Md.:

I am a fairly large breasted young woman (34 DD) and have a really hard time finding a suit that gives me the support of a bra with out the coverage of a T-shirt. Do you have any suggestions? I would prefer a tankini, but a bikini is ok too if the bottoms are not super small.

Suzanne D'Amato: This is a case in which Web sites often beat brick-and-mortar stores -- the selection of sizes they can keep on hand is virtually unbeatable. In doing research for this story, I was really impressed by Figleaves.com. They have a great selection of stylish suits for larger-busted women, plus they allow you to shop by bra size -- and offer free return shipping, too.

Also, a reader emailed me recently to recommend Sylene in Chevy Chase as a good resource for larger-busted women. I haven't been there personally, but if you check it out, let me know!

_______________________

Virginia:

What about you, Suzanne? What do you wear?

Suzanne D'Amato: A black bikini by Eres -- I bought it in Paris seven years ago and have worn it ever since! The company is French -- their suits are quite pricey, but the styles are classic and the quality, just unbelievable.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.:

Non swimsuit question: I'm a stay-home mom, 38, with a two-year-old. I'm having trouble finding the right balance shifting from the work to home wardrobe. I don't want to be yoga pants-and-T-shirt mom, but not fancy dry-clean mom either. I favor preppy, would like to think I am stylishly off-beat a little, and want an upgrade from my Gap/Old Navy that will do until I lose the baby weight. Where do I start?

Suzanne D'Amato: Start with some new accessories -- with the right extras, jeans and a T-shirt can look like the height of fashion. Since you said you're preppy, maybe some Jack Rogers sandals, a Longchamp bag, or a ribbon belt? If you want something with a bit more attitude, run to Target and see if there's still any of the collection Luella Bartley did for them. She's a British designer who's got that preppy-with-a-twist look down to a science.

_______________________

Don't diss the thong!:

Venus Swimwear (on the Web) makes nice ones that show just enough.

Suzanne D'Amato: To each their own! Thanks for the tip.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.:

What's in fashion for us males who are no longer at our peak physical condition (think a few too many donuts)?

Suzanne D'Amato: Board shorts look good on just about everyone -- the surfer-inspired prints tend to skew a little young, but other than that they're almost universally wearable.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.:

How come Vogue never featured plus-sized models? My daughters have to be thin due to your magazine and Cosmo.

Suzanne D'Amato: I can't speak for Cosmo, but Vogue does try to address the fashion concerns of plus-size women in its annual Shape Issue, which I believe comes out in April. That said, is there a general bias against fat in the fashion industry? No doubt about it -- it's changing, slowly, but it's a problem.

_______________________

Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for all of your great questions! If you have more, email me at styleq@washpost.com.

_______________________

Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.