Tips to help you fit that suit

mercurylife Thursday, May 28, 2009 Gaels qualify: Guelph CVI topples Paris to earn berth in OFSAA — B5 section B LANDS’ END A black ruffle TrimLine tank swimsuit (left) offers tummy control, UPF 50 sun protection and a soft cup bra. A red Minimizer SwimShape swimsuit has a built-in minimizing bra and square neckline. And this Little Black Suit also comes with prosthesis pockets for women who have had a mastectomy. Samantha Critchell NEW YORK — It’s no longer a stretch to say certain bathing suits have a slimming effect. Tackling women’s body-image insecurities head-on instead of burying them under a lot of extra fabric, the swimwear industry now has its MiracleSuit, SlimSuit and SlenderSuit, among others. “I firmly believe the explosion is a combination of women wanting coverage and control,’’ says Michele Casper, swim spokesperson at Lands’ End, which this year differentiates between three levels of slimming suits from moderate shaping to power control. Lessons learned in Lycra, linings and lingerie construction are also key factors. The MiracleSuit boasts a high-elasticity fabric with a high Lycra content that constantly wants to pull the swimsuit back into shape — and it takes the body inside with it, explains design director Ed Tucker. “A woman puts the suit on and it starts to compress to a point where a woman feels very supportive,’’ he says. “She feels more confident as she’s walking — feeling like things aren’t moving that she doesn’t want to move.’’ However, he adds, it’s not so tight that skin oozes out elsewhere. “It’s not like wearing a girdle. It compresses you, but it’s not uncomfortable. It makes you feel firmer.’’ Lands’ End treats its fabric with silicon, very much with the stomach, rear and side love-handles in mind, Casper says. “You feel control built right in without extra weight or a cumbersome feel. Fabric technology has come so far.’’ Suits that slim Lessons learned in Lycra, lining and lingerie help reshape swimwear industry She thinks it’s market-driven: Each year, her company has seen more interest in slimming suits and it complements the movement back toward one-piece silhouettes. “The ability to look one size smaller is appealing to a lot of women — no matter what size you are,’’ she says. Starting out with the proper size, much like a bra, often sets you off on the most flattering path, designers say . There shouldn’t be any part of the swimsuit cutting into the body at all — don’t kid yourself that you can hide it, says Daniela Manfredi, Victoria’s Secret swimwear designer. She’s fond of working with a heat-sealed adhesive at the edges of the suit that work more like a tape than the old elastic arm and leg holes that pose a greater risk of “popping out.’’ Using the brand’s insight into bra construction, Manfredi says there’s almost no with your posture. To do a plank, balance on the floor on your forearms and toes, forming a straight line from head to heels and hold for 30 seconds. ACCESSORIZE: Try a great pair of earrings, an anklet or belly ring, cool sunglasses, lovely flip-flops. If you need colour, use a selftanner, which will make you feel more confident. Get a mani and pedi. EAT FRUITS AND VEGGIES: High water, high potassium fruits and vegetables help reg- reason not to have an underwire in the bust of a swimsuit, even a bandeau top. “We have really good ways of hiding them.’’ Carol Wior, creator of the patented SlimSuit, got into the swimwear business after life as a dress designer when she was on vacation after the birth of her daughter — and didn’t like the sagging she saw, especially around her bustline. Her secret weapon now, she says, is a fullsuit lining that attaches to an underwire bra inset. “If your bust gets lifted up, it slims the waistline,’’ she explains. The interior fabric was calculated with two stretch factors in mind: the width of the body needed to expand and then contract to provide control, and the height needed more give so it would be comfortable as a woman moved around. “It’s like buying a jacket. A well-lined jacket hangs better,’’ Wior observes. Don’t underestimate the comfort factor, either, says Pamella Protezel, designer of Ella Moss, a label now working with a soft nylon Spandex that she describes as feeling like a “second skin.’’ “You have to keep in mind stretch and comfort as well as sheerness and sustainability she says. ,’’ And, adds Manfredi, check for flat seams, little bulk in the body and matte finishes. “Shine can be dangerous in a fabric. You’ll be in bright sunlight and shine is less flattering. A solid or small pattern works best.’’ The Associated Press Tips to help you fit that suit Don’t worry if you forgot about bikini season. With so much going on, who had time to think about counting calories and working out to fit into a two-piece? But it’s not too late to get ready for the big reveal. Here are some tips to help you out: DO THE PLANK: Trade in crunches for plank holds. Crunches work the rectus abdominus but planks target the internal obliques, external obliques and transverse abdominus to give you a leaner look by helping ulate the body’s water balance to reduce bloating and prevent dehydration. ACCEPT YOURSELF: Stand in front of the mirror with your bathing suit on. Focus on the features you like. Then focus on what you will do in the suit — swim, lie on the beach. The more you focus on what you will do, rather than how you look, the more you’ll enjoy yourself and the better your body image will be. The Associated Press BIGGEST SAVINGS EVER! 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