Here in jolly old England, we are finally catching up with the rest of the civilized world in thinking that just because your pregnant, or have just had a baby that you shouldn’t lock yourself away in the house and that actually pregnancy swimming is the perfect way to keep mum and baby healthy. Allow me to guide you through the three most popular maternity swimwear and post swimming costumes.

Maternity swimming costumes – These comfortable costumes are made from stretchy fabric that will expand with your little bump and help cover up and stretch marks that may develop. You should look out for styles with built in bust support. A top tip is to look for those maternity swimming costumes with a plunging neck line which will draw attention away from your bump and onto your face and cleavage (hey might as well make it work for you).

Maternity bikinis – If you are feeling bold and want to get an all over tan (as well as showing off your bump) then a maternity bikini is for you. The tops provide extra support and comfort and the cut of the bikini bottom is perfect to sit under your bump.

Maternity tankinis – This is possibly the most item of maternity swimwear around. It allows you to hide your bump on those self conscious days and show it off when you want to tan. Maternity tankinis like maternity bikinis and swimming costumes allow for extra comfort and support but have the advantage over maternity bikinis that they can be rolled up or down depending on how you feel.

As more and more swimwear designers embrace pregnancy, the range grows and currently there are a huge number of styles, colours and designs on the market for both maternity swimwear and flattering post pregnancy swimming costumes.

We would love to hear your views on the new design, the new site or just the state of the bikini swimwear world in general.

The important thing to keep in mind when buying a swimwear is getting the right size for your body. With so many styles and sizes available on the market today, surely there’s one that suits your body type whether you’re skinny, with great curves or the athletic type.

First, know your size. A dress or pants can be a good reference when determining your size. This is very vital when ordering a swimwear online or going to a shop and fitting a piece.

Usually, a size chart is provided on the site of online stores so be sure to check it out. If you’re buying from shops, you can ask for the size chart from the sales people. If none is available, just ask the assistance of the sales ladies about the sizes of their swimwear.

Just a tip. Don’t be shy to tell the sales people about your size. It won’t benefit you at all if you’re not honest to yourself and to them because after all, you’ll still be the one to wear that swimwear, right? And don’t be ashamed to fit several pieces as well to compare them and determine what you really like best. You wouldn’t just ask for any old bra so why do this for your bikini swimwear?

A good swimsuit top should be one that supports your busts well. Choose one with a padded bra or with underwire if you have saggy breasts.

Overall, fashion experts suggest to get a swimwear that’s not too revealing and not too conservative that it covers most parts of your body. It’s never a shame to be sexy if you feel like it. In fact, if you don’t have the right curves, you can still go for the low cut necklines and high cut legs because they actually make your body appear slimmer.

A good thing to remember, too, is that if the swimsuit you loved to use last year fits you too tight now, then it’s time to let it go. Admit it that you’ve gained a few pounds and it’s not worth trying to fit in a suit that’s already smaller than your present size. If you lost a few pounds, a loose swimwear won’t look good as well.

As for designs, you have so many choices. If you go for the retro style, get a halter top or one with belts or if you like vintage prints, choose from the floral, polka dots or Hawaii designs. If you’re color friendly, the hot colors to opt for are the green, red, black, yellow, pink and turquoise.

So, invest in a perfectly fit swimwear each year. It won’t cost you a fortune and it will make heads turn for sure, just trust yourself. It’s all about self-esteem and boosting it up when wearing swimsuits at the beach or pool.

Fashion is ever evolving and each year, new swimwear styles come out on the market with great prints and colors. Although, it actually depends on the wearer, a man or woman may opt for the standard styles they have been used to. But then again, it’s always fun and exciting to try to go with the trend once in a while. After all, summer comes only once a year and it’s worth investing in one good swimwear that will make you look fabulous.

Popular materials
Obviously, apart from the styles, there have been new trends as well in the materials used for swimwear. The materials have become more advanced as well to help women show off a more contoured body while wearing their swimming costume. And so, we have materials that not only help tuck in your tummy and show your curves but help hide cellulites, too.

There are various ways to look in style in your swimwear. It all depends on your preference. For instance, if you’re a retro fan, the halter tops, those with belts and sweetheart necklines are great for you. If you want to go vintage, opt for the polka dots, floral and Hawaii prints. Mixed prints such as floral with stripes, big and small stripes or polka dots are also great.

2009 trends
For 2009, swimwear gurus foresee a comeback of the new version of monokinis, the hipster bikinis, skirtinis and the boy short one-piece suit. Nautical hues, classic checkered, hearts and stripe prints are also in.

The boy short one-piece became famous in the 1950s and is now back in style. A new type of monokini, meanwhile, combines a bikini and one-piece swimsuit with cut-outs notably on the sides to create a sexier look. As for the skirtini and the hipster bikini, they have become more daring.

Hot tips
Remember that bulging tummies are a no-no during summer so women with this problem should go for a one-piece swimsuit with body control. This type will make your waist appear smaller and your torso appear longer.

Women with small busts should choose a halter tankini or bandini top or one with a triangle shape. You can always add pads if you wish.

Halters are also best for those with wide shoulders or to take away the focus from your shoulders, you can get a swimwear bottom in bold shades and prints.

For those with flat bodies, the two-piece suit with patterned prints is ideal. In this way, the attention will be focused on the bust and hip areas.

Full breasted women should get a swimwear that supports their busts well such as those with underwire or pads. A bikini top in a darker shade than the bottom could also make your busts appear smaller. Halters are also great as well as one-piece suits that have a V neckline to show off your cleavage.

Brazilian bikinis are bikinis with bottoms that are seductively cut, sit low on the hips, and provide half the coverage of a regular bikini. Starting out as a sexy trend in the hot, tropical climates of South America, Brazilian bikinis immediately grew in popularity and are now worn around the globe. What’s great about Brazilian bikinis is that the bottom part can match with almost any kind of top.

Three main types of Brazilian bikini tops exist, and these are the triangle top, the tie top, and halter-top bikini. The Brazilian bikini triangle top consists of two triangle patches of fabric that are usually held in place with a set of string ties that reach around the back and neck. The tie top also called the Bandeau top is a sort of snug, minimal tube top, with or without centre strings to tie behind the neck. Meanwhile, the halter-top is similar to the triangle style but uses slightly more material.

There are also three very popular Brazilian bikini designs that Brazilians simply love wearing. The first one is the printed Brazilian bikini featuring vibrant colours and loud patterns. The second type of Brazilian bikini is the solid Brazilian bikini that is has one solid colour, be it dark, light, plain, or neon bright. Solid Brazilian bikinis are great to blend with louder fashion accessories. The last type of Brazilian bikini is the Authentic Brazilian bikini. What are these? Let’s just say wearing this type of bikini requires a Brazilian Wax. Need I say more?

As the say, the French may have invented bikini swimwear, but Brazilians keep reinventing it year by year with their flashy and fabulous designs. When one goes on a trip to any Brazilian beach, he or she is immediately fascinated with the tiny, colourful and magnificent beachwear that hang tight to golden bodies. There is such a variation of shapes, cuts, prints, and details that you wonder how it was possible to incorporate so much style and breaking fashion in such small pieces of fabric. The great thing about Brazil is that anyone can wear a bikini, whether you’re a hot babe, an expecting mom, an old lady, or a teen-ager; to each her own. The important thing is everyone looks good and feels good.

Over the years, the style of the Brazilian bikini has changed. Today, Brazilian bikinis generally measure from 2-3 inches smaller than their American counterparts, in any direction. Brazilian bikini tops are significantly smaller than the American counterparts, while Brazilian bikini bottoms are cut lower at the back. Can you spell sexy? Nevertheless, if you’re on the conservative side, don’t fret as you may still be able to wear a Brazilian bikini called the sunkini. The sunkini is a larger version of the Brazilian bikini perfect for those who want a teeny-weeny more coverage.

Remember that the size of Brazilian bikinis is generally smaller than in North America, because South American women tend to have a smaller build. Of course, as with any clothing, sizing also depends largely on the manufacturer. It’s best to try on first the Brazilian bikini of your fancy or measure it before purchasing.

In essence, the bikini has two main “aspects”: the top and the bottom. However, most women often focus on the bikini top when buying a bikini and seldom first on the bikini bottom. This is probably because there are fewer women who can actually strut in public wearing the bikini bottom. Most of them wear bikini tops with shorts, beach wraps, or other clothing that hides the sexy bikini bottom. This is also because most women would rather expose more flesh in the breast area than the bottom part, as exposing the flesh around the rear and the pubic area is considered more daring and scandalous.

If you’re one of the more blessed or confident ones who have no qualms walking around in a tight bikini bottom, good for you. These days, there are so many variants of bikini bottoms to choose from, from the “mommy” bikinis that offer ample coverage to the thong and string bikinis that basically hide nothing. Whether you like boy-cut bikini bottoms, French cut bikini bottoms, nylon bikini bottoms, or where-did-it-go bikini bottoms, there’s something in the market for you.

Like bikini tops, not every bikini bottom suits your body. You should remember to choose the bikini bottom that best accentuates the good features of your lower torso, whether it’s your legs, your rear, or your waist. It should also stray focus away from the less flattering parts. Dark colored bikini bottoms work best for those a bit heavy at the bottom and want to hide the extra fat. If you have beautiful curves and flat rock abs and simply want to command attention, low-slung, light colored bikini bottoms do the trick. If you want to be more fashionable, you can also wear ties and belts with your bikini bottom.

If you have short legs and want to make it look longer, choose a bikini bottom style with high-cut legs and a tight but comfortable enough fabric. Aside from making your legs look longer, this also slims chubby legs. Remember that too wide or too low bikini bottom straps will make your hips look wider, so do not wear such unless you want to maximize your thin hips. More importantly, bikini bottoms should make you feel good and not cut into your skin because of very tight straps. If you have a bigger belly, be sure they are not emphasized with too tight bikini bottoms.

If you plan to join a bikini competition or simply want to strut your bikini-clad booty in front of many people, don’t wear a bikini that rides up when you move and shows your butt cheeks, unless of course, that is your purpose. If it’s not and you fear of accidentally exposing more than you wanted, you may want to do this trick that girls in bikini contests do, which is to use Firm Grip, an aerosol spray adhesive, to keep the bikini bottom in place. It’s basically like glue that you place on your skin so that your bikini sticks to it. A bit of a hassle maybe but it will save you from surprise embarrassment.

The bikini tops used to be a simple piece of clothing that serves as coverage for the bust. Since then, bikini tops have evolved into so many variants and styles, from the plainest ones to the most scandalous to the downright weird.

These days, any type of fabric can be used to create the bikini top. From the most common ones like nylon, cotton and spandex to the more out there material like metal and crochet, name it, there’s a bikini top like it. Cuts of bikini tops have also evolved, and today you can choose from halter styles, tube cuts, or the string types that allow everything to be seen.

Furthermore, bikini tops have become very flexible; as they are now matched with all types of bottom wear like pants, shorts, beach wraps, or skirts. Bikini tops can also serve as a bra underneath regular day-to-day clothing or worn under see through tops on the beach. While the bikini’s formal launch in the early 1900’s shocked the world, women in bikini tops are a common sight today.

Bikini tops showcase a woman’s cleavage or breast area and definitely raise the sex appeal level to new heights. However, any woman must know which type of bikini top best suits her body, as choosing the wrong one can only un-flatter, or worse, risk one’s health.

Let’s start with looks enhancement. Bikini tops should highlight flattering features of the woman’s upper torso, including the breasts itself, the shoulders, or the collarbone.

Bright coloured bikini tops with extra details definitely draws attention, but women who are fuller figured may look even fuller with light or loud colours. Usually, what works best in this case is a dark coloured bikini top as these induce a slimming effect. Women who have less on top will benefit from a tie-front bikini top.

This draws attention to the upper torso and creates more cleavage and support. Light coloured bikini tops also work great for thin women. Bikini tops with push up padding also help to enhance the minimal cleavage and instantly transforms any thin girl into a hot babe.

More than enhancing one’s looks, the proper bikini top is also essential for health reasons. For one, large-breasted women cannot just wear any light and frail bikini top, as heavy breasts need maximum support. Remember that if your bikini top has a string, it should rest comfortably on your shoulders and not cut into it. It is also much better to refrain from wearing bikini tops made of rough fabric, even if the overall effect is gorgeous, as the rough clothing may damage your nipples or breasts in general.

Sometimes, looking sexy is not worth it. In general though, the best bikini top is the one that is as comfortable as your bra but highlights all your sexy upper features.

Small Boobs
Having small boobs may have brought you jeers in high school, but designers today glorify the small breast on the runway. They make bikinis for you to show them off and be proud.
To enhance small boobs, buy bikini swimsuits that have ruffles, sequins, or other decorations that add an extra layer to the fabric. This will make your breast look just a little fuller.
Triangular string bikinis are also great to add the illusion of a little more fullness. Remember, the smaller the fabric triangle the bigger your boobs will look. Don’t swamp them in fabric.

Large Boobs
Women with small boobs may hate to hear you complain, but there are some special problems that arise for the well endowed as well, when shopping for a bikini swimsuit. The number one problem is support. Unless you have unnaturally pert boobs, you should always buy bikini tops with under wire. If you have a bra that you love then mimic a bikini style that is like your best bra. Full coverage is probably your best bet for comfort.

To draw attention away from your boobs, make sure that your bottoms have an eye-catching pattern or detail and that your top is somewhat plain. Tying a coordinating scarf to the hip of your suit bottoms is a great way to look stylish and draw attention.

Small Bums
Most people don’t see small bums as a problem when it comes to bikinis or swimsuits in general, but if you are still concerned, here are some tips:

• Thongs or more triangular bottoms will flatter better than brief type bottoms.
• Any decorations on the bottom will enhance its shape.
• Ruffles will fill out a lacking rump.

Large Bums
If you have a little more junk-in-the-trunk than you would like, it is important to draw attention away to your top. Try mixing and matching your bikini swimsuits so that the bottom is black or another dark colour, and the top is bright and eye-catching. Stay away from bottoms that have patterns, flashy hardware, and/or bold colours.

No matter what body type you have, mixing and matching your suit top with your suit bottom is the best way to enhance your look. However, don’t settle for the wrong fit. If you have a larger top than bottom, buy a larger top. If you have a larger bottom, buy a larger bottom.

Be comfortable, be hot, and rock that bikini this summer!

Take a look here and try to tell us that Salina Bikinis aren’t stunning and you don’t want to get your credit card out and go to town.

A little about Salina

The Salina bikinis are simply stunning (as we might have already said once or twice). Salina as a brand captures the passion of Brazil like no one else. It was not until 1997 when Tyra Banks graced the cover of Sport’s Illustrated coveted swimsuit issue that Salinas was on its way to becoming a global brand influencing the market in it’s style and setting the standard for highest lycra quality. Salinas is dedicated to bringing their creative style, exotic flair and high quality fabrics to tropical islands, jetset destinations, deserted beaches, and pool parties.

Well the basic difference is in the cut. Maternity swimwear tends to support and cover your body in the areas affected by pregnancy where as plus size swimwear has been designed to flatter, tighten and shape curvy bodies.

One of the best examples we can give of how maternity swimwear differs from regular plus size swimwear is that maternity swimwear has been designed to support the bust of an expectant mother. Another example is how pregnancy swimwear is designed to accentuate the pregnancy rather than hide lines while just like a Sleeping Nursing Bra support the bust.

The best pregnant swimwear can seem rather pricey when compared to other styles, so it may seem tempting to try to make due with your pre-pregnancy swimsuit or simply buy a larger size. This usually isn’t your best option. According to Matthias, “A woman’s body will change throughout her pregnancy. Some women try to squeeze into pre-pregnancy swimwear, but this certainly will not flatter their new silhouette.”

The greatest advantage to pregnancy swimwear is that, unlike outer swimsuit styles, it’s meant to grow with your changing proportions. This means that investing in a high quality maternity bathing suit can actually save you money over the course of the pregnancy. Just imagine how many suits you could outgrow in the course of nine months.

So just how do you find post-pregnancy swimwear?

Well the best tip we can offer is stop searching. As it takes time to get rid of pregnancy weight and tone back up, it’s often best just to keep wearing your maternity swimwear.