How to choose swimwear

Bikinis, one-piece suits, cut-out monokinis, tankinis, swim dresses, jumpsuits… There are so many choices of swimwear available today! Here are some tips on how to choose the most flattering piece.

Colour

Look for colours that suit your skin tone. For fair complexion choose warm colours: yellow, gold, orange, peach, warm pink and brown. They enhance the warm tones of your skin and make you appear more tanned.  Classic black is also a great choice. If you have darker skin, go for bright colours,  white or pastels. Monochrome prints look great on any skin tone.

As a rule, dark colours make your body look slimmer. However, you should avoid wearing solid black or dark coloured one-piece if you don’t want to draw attention to you uncovered legs and thighs. Instead, go for dark swimsuits with contrasting prints or embellishments.

Prints can help create optical illusions to influence perception of you figure. Vertical lines have slimming effect and visually elongate your body. Horizontal elements can enhance and widen certain body parts. Busy high contrast prints are a great way to camouflage imperfections.

Style

Bikini

Bikinis are always hot! They are sexy, comfortable and versatile. There are many different styles of bikini available these days.

The most popular style is a triangular cup bikini. It suits most women with A to D cup whose breasts don’t require much support.  If you want some extra volume and shape, choose bikini with padded cups. Rounder shape cups are also good for women with smaller bust.

Bandeau bikini is another option for women with smaller breast size. Bandeau is literally a band of cloth worn around the chest. Bandeau tops can be with or without straps. When choosing a bandeau bikini, look for tops with supportive boning at sides.

If you have large breasts requiring more support and coverage, halter top with underwired cups is ideal for you. Halter is also perfect for active women as it will stay in place when you move.

G-String bikinis (also known as thong bikinis) are designed for confident ladies who are not afraid to show off their bodies. They are a perfect option for those who love to tan.

There is a wide variety of other bikini bottom styles available on the market: briefs, shorts, hipster pants, Brazilian cut pants, etc. It is important to choose the style that suits your body shape. Bikini brief with thin side straps will make your hips look smaller. Boy shorts, on the other hand, will add some curves to the hip area.  High cut bottom will make your legs look longer, while low rise hipster pants will emphasise your waist.

One-piece swimsuit

One-piece swimsuit is not just for mature or plus-sized ladies – it is a must have item for every woman. It is very flattering and provides more sun protection than skimpy bikinis. One-piece suit is great for champagne pool-side parties as well as for the beach. Many one-piece swimsuits provide hidden breast support, like built-in moulded cups or underwires.

Monokini

Monokini – is a one-piece swimsuit with cut-out sides or a bikini where two pieces are connected together. The design accentuates your best parts by keeping some areas covered, leaving more to imagination. Cut out sides create an illusion of perfect hourglass figure by making the waist line appear thinner. Monokini is more than just a swimwear, it’s a fashion statement. You are sure to be the centre of attention at the beach if you wear one.

With so many styles and designs of swimsuits available these days, we hope it will be an easy task for you to find the perfect one. Enjoy your shopping!

WOMEN'S CLOTHING AND SWIMWEAR SIZE INFORMATION:

How to Measure: Measure your waist and hips and compare to the size chart below. If you are between two sizes, we suggest selecting the larger size. XS-XL sizes correspond to the numerical sizing on this chart, unless specified in the description of the garment. To get the most accurate measurements, have someone else measure you. Be sure to hold the measuring tape straight and snug, not tight, to your body. Bust: Measure over the fullest part of your bust, with the tape measure parallel to the floor. This measurement will assist you in determining your swimwear or clothing size for tops and dresses. Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your natural waistline. Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hip, before the thigh begins to narrow. This measurement will help you determine your size for skirts, pants, and form-fitting dresses. BIKINI TOP SIZING CHART: Find your bra size in the chart. For example: If your bra size is 36B, then you should order a cup size C. If your bikini top is sized S, M, L, or XL, use the one-piece size chart below to determine your best fit. SWIM CUP SIZE A B C D DD DDD YOUR BRA SIZE 32B 32C 32D 32DD 32DDD 34A 34B 34C 34D 34DD 34DDD 36AA 36A 36B 36C 36D 36DD 38A 38B 38C 38D 38DD CLOTHING & SWIM BOTTOM SIZING CHART: Perfect fit contemporary sizing It's precisely the even-numbered size you prefer. We choose to call our sizing "contemporary", a word that's as progressive and modern as our customers. Bikini bottom and one-piece suit sizing:Measure your waist and hips and compare to the size chart above. If you are between two sizes, we suggest selecting the larger size. True-to-Form™ Contemporary Sizing gets you the best fit. Clothing Size     XS S M L XL Clothing Size Or Swim     2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 Bust     33 34 35 36 37 38½ 40 42 Waist     25 26 27 28 29 30½ 32 34 Hip     36 37 38 39 40 41½ 43 45 Torso     58½ 60 61½ 63 64½ 66 67½ 69 SWIM BOTTOM STYLES: Mix & match sizes, styles, and colors!Venus prides itself with quality products ranging in style, coverage and size to complement your figure. With our mix and match swimwear, you can create your own custom fitting bikini. For your convenience, you may view front and back images of your favorite styles by clicking the alternate view image link found on each product page. TIE SIDE Hip baring with adjustable ties. Low to mid rise depending on how you wear it. Sexy, moderate coverage. LOW RISE Worn straight across the hip, moderate front & rear coverage. May have ring accents on hips. RUCHED WAIST Wide waistband is gathered to create a soft and feminine shape that also slenderizes. Moderate rear coverage. GODDESS Gathered front adjusts with sliding accessory. Moderate rear coverage. SCOOP Scoop front and higher cut legs to accentuate your curves. Moderate rear coverage. RUCHED LOW RISEModerate rear coverage with sexy gathered side panels. FOLD WAIST Mid to low rise bottom depending on how it is worn. Moderate rear coverage. HIGH WAIST MODERATERise is high, sits at bellybutton. Moderate rear coverage. HIGH WAIST FULL Rise is high, sits at bellybutton and slightly lower leg than high waist moderate. Fuller rear coverage. SWIM SHORT Mid to low rise shorts. Full rear coverage. SWIM SKIRT Comfortable fabric waistband means no elastic to bind. Skirted bottom has moderate panty hidden beneath. Full coverage.

China, EU hold high-level strategic dialogue

BRUSSELS, June 10 -- China and the European Union (EU) held their sixth high-level strategic dialogue here Friday, with both sides pledging to further cooperation in various areas.

The event was co-chaired by visiting Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.

China sees the EU as a comprehensive strategic partner for mutual benefit, Yang said, adding that deepening China-EU relations was not only in line with both demands on economic and social development, but also conductive to global peace, stability and economic recovery.

The two sides agreed to implement the consensus reached by both leaders at the 17th China-EU Summit held in June last year that enhances synergy between their development strategies, and deepens cooperation on trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, digitization, legal affairs, and facilitation of people-to-people exchanges, Yang said.

They also agreed to accelerate negotiations on bilateral investment agreements and to inject more vigor into cooperation on political security, technology innovation, maritime economy, ocean technology, and cultural tourism, he added.

The EU and China will enhance coordination and ensure the success of the 18th China-EU Summit scheduled in Beijing next month, Yang said. As well, they agreed to join efforts with relevant parties to make the upcoming G20 Summit produce positive outcome, he noted.

Mogherini said China is a key cooperative partner of the EU and the two sides conducted fruitful cooperation on a wide range of fields, bringing pragmatic benefit to both sides.

She praised China's constructive role in coping with global and regional challenges, saying strengthened EU-China dialogues and policy coordination would help generate more cooperative outcomes and solve international and regional hot issues.

Yang also met with Deputy Belgian Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders on Friday. During the meeting, Yang said China would like to advance cooperation with Belgium in such areas as micro-electronics, aerospace, nuclear energy, biological medicine and environment protection.

Earlier on Thursday, Yang also met with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. He expressed the will to work with the EU to cement cooperation in politics, trade and the people-to-people exchanges.

Swimwear Trends 2016

Every year, Miami, the home of white sand beaches, crystal clear tropical waters, and some of the hottest swimwear designers in the world showcase their predictions for the up and coming swimwear trends. This year’s show did not disappoint. The designers have their fingers on the pulse of what the ladies of today want in swimwear: sexy, affordable styles, with just the right amount of coverage without compromising fabric choice for the best fit and feel.

Animal print was a big winner this year, and our Cheetah Bandeau Top paired with a cute tie side bottom with black and gold tassel detailing fits the bill perfectly. The sleek elegance of the print paired with your rich tan is the perfect compliment for any beachgoer.

Another popular option is for the sophisticated woman who prefers mature yet playful colors and prints. The one-piece Floral Rose Contemporary suit is gorgeous on! The black, white and rose pattern, complete with crisscross detailing across the abdomen and an elegant yet fun low-scooped back will surely turn heads.

Swim week featured other fun and modern options, especially around ruffles and boho style suits. Check out this adorable suit! The white and pink bohemian style pattern and ruffled bottom with sky-blue piping is a flirty choice. Match it with a halter style top, complete with a dangling light blue tassel sure to compliment any figure.

What else was at the top of Miami’s “must have list” for the 2016 summer season? Macrame and mesh style suits in both one and two-piece options. We have plenty of color choices and styles for you to choose from. Our Heather suit comes in many bold, vibrant colors and fashions. Select a knotted halter style top with racy cut outs along the medial aspect of the bust line. This suit is a perfect choice! Colors include lilac, hot and pastel pink, mint, yellow, ocean blue and others.

When you just can’t make a choice, a black swimsuit is always classic and elegant. Browse our large selection of black suits, including laser cut tops, bandeau, and tribal fringe tops. Bottoms include as much or as little coverage as desired. Mix and match styles to suit your personal style and taste.

The 2016 summer season will soon arrive! With one of our elegant, classic and luxuriousswimsuits, you’ll be on the cutting edge of panache around the pool deck.

Why you need to try neoprene swimwear this season?

Want to know about neoprene swimwear? Read this!

Although swimsuits were not much in fashion earlier, there’s a complete new demand for the same in the market. People are now finding new brands to look gorgeous and sexy when they are on beaches. No matter what age you belong to, you always want to appear attractive to the people belonging to the opposite gender (unless you’re preference is the same gender!) Therefore, a lot of brands have divided their attention to swimwear so that they can get more number of customers for themselves.

There are different fabrics used to manufacture swimming costumes; but the one that has come in demand the most is neoprene. This fabric was earlier used only for gloves and other extra accessories that you need to swim; but now the designers use it for the sake of making swimsuits.

What is neoprene material or fabric?

Before I go ahead and tell you the benefits of wearing swimsuits made from this fabric, I would like to tell you what exactly this material is – it belongs to the synthetic rubber family, which is produced by process of polymerization of chloroprene. Don’t be confused – let me tell you what this material feels like. It is a very smooth textured material, which hugs your body in the most appropriate and beautiful manner. Since swimsuits are supposed to be body-hugging, this fabric is high in demand for the same.

What are the different benefits of neoprene swimwear?

• This material is said to be THE BEST for all the new swimmers out there. If you want to learn swimming in the quickest way, always prefer neoprene swimsuits. Why? Because this material pushes you up the water. In simple words, it makes you float easily on the water.
• If you swim regularly, neoprene swimsuits are excellent for you. You don’t have to push yourself hard against the water if you wear this fabric.
• The material stretches according to your body. Therefore, you don’t feel suffocated, no matter for how long you swim. This fabric sticks to your body and even if you gain or lose a little bit of weight, the suit fits you perfectly!
• For all those who love surfing in and against the tides – neoprene swimsuits are amazing! You don’t have to feel uncomfortable when you are wearing this material because the wetter it gets, the better it fits!
• Some of the swimming costumes are extremely heavy. Besides, when you get wet, they make your body feel heavier. On the other hand, neoprene swimsuits are extremely light in nature and make you feel lighter when you are wet.
• There are several swimsuits that make you feel clenched and breathless. While swimming, you have to wear such a costumer that allows you to breath and actually breathes with you (you would understand what I mean if you are a swimmer!) Neoprene material breathes along with you and never suffocates you at all. Therefore, most of the swimmers now prefer swimsuits made of this fabric.

Beach Party Ideas

Bring the surf and sun to your home with a beach party. Have guests come in bathing suits or luau apparel to get in the mood to soak up the fun. With themed party gear, games and treats, your beach-inspired party will make a splash with your little one’s friends and their parents.

Beach Party Theme Ideas

source images: pinterest

Hula Party

Take out the tiki torch and palm trees (even if they’re fake), play Beach Boys tunes and get the kids ready to shimmy in grass skirts. Use floral, surfer and tropical décor and tableware to tie the look together. A hula party is a blast for adults and kids alike with ideas like:

• Serving fruit kabobs.
• Setting up a tiki bar.
• Providing a lei-making station.
• Holding a limbo competition.
• Make a seashell tealight party favor.

source images: pinterest

Under the Sea Party

Make a splash without getting wet with an underwater world—perfect for an animal lover or an aspiring marine biologist. With patterned tableware and decorations, your child and guests will feel as if they’re in an octopus’ garden.

• Twist 3-foot lengths of crepe paper and stick them to the wall so they look like seaweed.
• Use a disco ball to create the illusion of shimmering water on the walls.
• Instead of potato sack races, have mermaid or merman races.
• Use croissants for sandwich bread and affix googly eyes to the tops to make them look like crabs.
• Line the center of tables with shells and starfish, which you can make from salt dough.
• Make seashell wind chimes.

source images: pinterest

Fun in the Sun

Think flip-flops, sunglasses and beach balls. Even if the festivities are inside, a summer-inspired party will chase away any winter blues.

• Decorate flip-flops.
• Play balloon volleyball.
• Include a pair of neon-colored sunglasses in beach buckets that double as goodie bags.
• Play “musical beach towels” instead of musical chairs.
• Decorate cakepops so they look like beach balls.

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source images: pinterest

Beach Party Planning and Invitation Ideas

After you and your child pick out the perfect theme, it’s time to send invitations and get busy with party planning. Give your guests enough notice by sending invitations three to four weeks in advance. Use your creativity to make your invites stand out and get guests excited for the big day. Ideas include:

• Hand-delivering messages in a bottle.
• Hand-writing or pasting the party’s details on an inexpensive flip-flops or sandal-shaped paper.
• Tying raffia around the top of simple invitations and hanging a starfish or shell charm from it.
• Printing the party’s details onto a beach ball that invitees must inflate to read.
• Ordering beach-themed personalized invitations and address labels from Birthday in a Box.

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source images: pinterest

Beach Party Decoration Ideas

Decorations for a beach party are only limited by the imagination. Birthday in a Box makes decorating for parties simple with themed tableware, centerpieces, party favors and activities that help you effortlessly add the perfect festive touches. Here are some decoration ideas that are great for any type of beach party:

• Piñatas: A piñata exists for any beach party theme that you can imagine, including those shaped like seahorses, tiki statues, sandals, beach balls, sharks and hula girls. Don’t forget the matching balloons.
• Decorative tablecloths: Use disposable tablecloths that match the main party colors. If you’re hosting an under-the-sea party, look for a table cover with a water print on it. For a luau party, use grass table-skirts.
• Backdrops: If you can’t have a party on the beach, bring the beach to you with decorative backdrops, including those that have a beachscape or an underwater scene.
• Centerpieces: The perfect centerpieces add to a party’s atmosphere. Fill a small plastic bucket with sand, for example, and adorn it with shells or a bouquet of lollipops, small balloons or fruit kabobs.

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source images: pinterest

Beach Party Food

The beauty of beach parties is that the food looks wonderful with the addition of items like little umbrellas, sandal-shaped straws and themed tableware. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Cupcakes: Use cracker crumbs to create the illusion of sand on frosting. Place a small umbrella on top. Alternatively, create a water scene with blue frosting and place gummy fish or other underwater creatures on top.
• Grilled foods: Have a surfside cookout with grilled foods like hot dogs, kabobs, burgers or Hawaiian pizza.
• Ice cream: Cool treats are always a hit. Have an ice cream sundae bar or a Hawaiian ice bar. Make ice cream sandwiches using shell-shaped cookies.
• Mocktails: Make non-alcoholic versions of tropical drinks. For example, blend pineapple juice, coconut milk, ice, honey and yogurt to create a mock piña colada.

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source images: pinterest

Beach Party Activities

Classic games never get old. Use beach or underwater themes to give them added interest. Simple favorites include:

• Starfish ring toss
• Water balloon volleyball
• Ocean-themed scavenger hunt
• Squirt gun tag
• Crafts with beach or tropical themes
• Sand castle or sandman competition
• Decorate seashells
• Beach-themed photo booth with props like snorkels, goggles, flippers, big sunglasses and fishing poles

How to Find the Right Size Swimwear for Your Kids

When shopping for swimsuits for your children, it’s important to get the right fit. Armed with a tape measure and a little research, you can find the perfect swimsuit for your kids — no matter their size. Keep these tips and suggestions in mind when shopping for kids’ swimsuits.

THE RIGHT FIT

Though swimsuits need to fit more snug than other clothing, you don’t want them to be too tight. A swimsuit that is too tight can cause irritation and chafing. Swimwear should not be too loose either. Baggy suits may fall down and also can interfere with swimming. The fabric should lay flat and smooth against the body. Waistbands and leg holes shouldn’t bind. The child’s rear end should be completely covered. And for girls who are already developing, the breasts shouldn’t be spilling out of the top.

When trying on swimwear, have your child reach high above his/her head, twist to the side, bend over and sit down. Look at the swimsuit from all angles. It shouldn’t ride up, slip down or bind, no matter what position your child is in.

BUY ONE SIZE UP

Kids’ swimsuits generally run small. You’ll find that for most swimwear brands, you should buy a size up from your child’s normal clothing size for the best fit.

SIZES BY HEIGHT

Sometimes it’s easier to find the right swimsuit size for your child by height. Below are a list of sizes, beginning with toddlers, and the corresponding height range. Of course, this is just a general guideline as sizes vary by brand and style.

• 2T – 33-35″
• 3T – 35-37″
• 4T – 38-40″
• 5 – 42″
• 6 – 45″
• 7 – 49″
• 8 – 52″
• 10 – 55″
• 12 – 58″
• 14 – 60″

ONLINE SIZE CHARTS

SwimOutlet.com offers a list of links to swimsuit brand size charts for both adults and kids. Knabe’s features a competitive swimwear size chart as well. You may find both of these lists very helpful, particularly if buying swimsuits online.

SWIMSUITS FOR BOYS

When it comes to swimwear, it’s often easier to find the right size for boys than it is for girls since boys usually just wear trunks. When shopping for swim trunks, pick a pair with a drawstring to avoid any embarrassment with the suit falling down. For young boys who actually want to swim, the inseam should be just a few inches long. Though long, baggy board shorts are trendy, they aren’t conducive to swimming.

YOUR CHILD’S PROPORTIONS

Of course, height or weight isn’t the end all when it comes to sizing. You must take your child’s proportions into account. Two girls of the same height can have torso lengths that varies by several inches. If you can’t find a one-piece suit that fits properly but still want plenty of coverage, consider a tankini. This two-piece swimsuit style features a tank top partnered with a bikini or boy shorts bottom.

ADJUSTABLE STRAPS FOR GIRLS

Swimsuit straps shouldn’t fall off the shoulders nor should they be so tight that they dig into the skin. Ideally, straps should be just tight enough that you can slip your thumb between the strap and the shoulder. Fortunately, you can find a wide assortment of kids’ swimsuits that have adjustable straps, or straps that tie at the shoulder or behind the neck halter style.

Kids grow like weeds. If your child needs a new swimsuit this season, keep these tips in mind to help find the perfect fit.