As an official member of the itty bitty titty committee, I learned over time how to wear swimsuits that not only look good, but are complementary to my body and shape. As a woman with a smaller bust, there's been a lot of trial and error when it comes to finding the perfect swimsuits. I remember how uncomfortable I felt being self-conscious of my body at the pool. Now that I work within the fashion industry, I've learned that dressing for my body type is most important when shopping. Being comfortable and confident is key.
There's a common misconception that women with smaller breasts can wear anything we want but we have needs just like every other cup size. When on the lookout for swimwear there are important factors to keep in mind as a suit needs to ensure maximum comfort and style.
There are two body types commonly known to have smaller busts, the pear shape and rectangle. The pear shaped woman usually has a smaller bust, waist and overall top half of the body with wider hips; a woman with a rectangle shape also has a smaller bust with a vertical silhouette hip and shoulders.
Knowing your body type is extremely important when shopping, especially when it comes to enhancing areas we are self-consciously aware of.
Image Courtesy of Goddessbra.com
No matter the bust, all women need support and comfort when it comes to swimwear. Styles complimentary to a smaller bust offer fuller coverage, creating less space by minimizing overly exposed skin while accentuating a woman's natural shape, enhancing the neck, chest and waist. Material also matters when it comes to providing support and a natural lift.
Keep scrolling to find the on-trend swim styles for small breasts that are heating up your hot girl summer.
1. The Criss Cross Halter Bikini Top
The criss cross halter is one of the chicest styles this season. This design feature allows for extra coverage, gracing the neck, stopping just above the collar bones. My favorite aspect of this particular style is the alternative ways one can adjust the straps for a variety of styles depending on the widths and cup size.
Shop Halter Swim Tops:
2. The Triangle Bikini Top
A notable classic, the triangle top is one of the most popular swimsuit styles. For women with a smaller bust, the objective is to minimize the amount of exposed skin, accentuating the bust area. As cute as they are, a normal triangle bra doesn't provide the overall coverage we need. Luckily, this summer we've seen the rise of two creatively chic triangle style alternatives. Both a wrap around strappy style, as well as upside down/inverted triangle, are perfect for those with the body types named as such.
Shop Triangle Tops:
3. The Asymmetrical Bikini Top
One of my favorite trends of the season, the modernly sleek asymmetrical design is here to stay. From swim to ready-to-wear, there are plenty of ways to experiment this summer. No matter how it's done, a graceful pop of skin is always a look.
Shop Asymmetrical:
4. The One Piece Cut Out
An electric remix to the classic one piece suit, cut outs instantly elevate this style making it risque yet stylish while remaining flattering. The all-inclusive style not only works for women with smaller busts, but any body size or breast type can rock this look. Classy yet chic, this is a must have look for summer.
Shop One Pieces:
Phoenix One Piece in Canary by Riot Swim
Corrine One Piece by Joues de Sable Swim
To get your fashion fix and to stay up to date with the latest trends, check out the xoNecole Style section here.
Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
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To help you better understand why this was such a mental awakening for me, I first need to give a bit of my backstory. I’m in my late thirties. I’m an attorneyand a journalist. I own a home and have traveled the world extensively. Essentially, I’ve done everything in life I set out to do. However, when it comes to dating, I struggle. Not because there is anything wrong with me per se, but because my career and “lifestyle” often create problems in my romantic relationships.
View from my hotel room
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I’ve been told everything from, ‘I can’t continue to date you because you seem to choose your career over wanting to settle down and have kids’ by a man after only the second date to ‘Maybe if you just sat down somewhere for a while, I’d actually wife you’ by someone who has honestly never proven themselves to be the settle down type. And these are only a handful of the things I’ve been told over the years.
It’s been frustrating, to say the least, and there have even been seasons where I purposely dimmed my light in hopes that my career wouldn’t push away potential suitors. I know what you’re thinking, “Girl, why would you even consider that? If they’re for you, it won’t matter what you do.” Hey, don’t judge me, but also, I one hundred percent agree.
My hotel bathroom
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That’s why this recent moment in Switzerland was right on time. When I first walked into the hotel to check in, I was blown away by the surrounding beauty. It was a five-star property with one of the world’s most famous thermal bathhouses. Yet, it was something about seeing that 90% of the hotel’s guests were couples, that forced me to sit back for a bit of introspection—while soaking in the thermal spa, of course.
As I went through the mental conversation, there was a battle of sorts. On one hand, I knew that being able to partake in experiences like the one I was having at that moment was important to me. I knew that, at times I actually love being able to dabble in the finer things—after all, I’ve worked hard to be able to afford them. On the other hand, and sadly, I knew that sometimes being a single Black woman that publicly showcases her “luxurious” habits can intimidate men and even scare them off from pursuing you under the guise of them feeling like they “can’t do anything for you, because you have everything.”
My hotel room
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So, what is a girl to do?
Do I minimize/hide the life and experiences that I have? Do I play down the hard work I’ve put in to get where I am professionally? Or, do I risk being single in exchange for being able to have said life, without backlash?
Luckily, the joy that I felt while being at this property won. There was something about taking a full day to simply pamper myself at the bathhouse and in my in-room steam shower and soaker tub, indulging in cuisine from a 2-star Michelin restaurant and doing all of this while surrounded by an amazing group of Black women that reminded me—this is certainly the life I was meant to live and that I deserve. Even if it means that right now, I’ll just have to provide it for myself until the right partner comes along. And honestly, I’m okay with that.
Restaurant at 7132 hotel
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