Bandeau bikinis are one of the popular styles for two-piece bathing suits right now, but it isn’t the first time at all. Bandeaus, or stretchy, strapless fabric worn around a woman’s chest area are seen in murals that date all the way back to the time of the Romans. Those first garments were, of course, not designed for bathing or the beach. The bandeaus of today are similar only in that they cover the same area of the body. As a part of a swimsuit look, the forerunners to bandeau bikinis can be found back in the 1940s. There wasn’t mush shape or support, but all the revealed skin had an attraction beyond that of the suit itself. The stretchy fabrics like Spandex, that we use in so many products and designs today, was unavailable at that time.

By the 1950s the emphasis of the predecessor to the bandeau bikinis was to show as much midriff as possible, even though it would not be nearly as much skin as daring beach goers often display today. The quality of fabric had improved some in ten years, and the extra foundation offered better shaping and support. Being totally strapless was not quite as risky as it had previously been. Nevertheless, these early styles offered a daring, sexy look for those brave enough to wear them, and were probably received with great appreciation by the male population at the beach and poolside.

After a time of less interest, the bandeau bikinis were re-introduced in the 1980s and have been popular with beach bunnies and pool princesses ever since. Today’s improvements include Spandex stretch fabrics and side stays for better fitting and shaping. Some bandeaus have a V-wire in the front to lift and separate. Others have O-rings for the same purpose. The newest change appears to be the addition of the twisted top look. Regardless of the location today, sun, sand, and water bring out the bandeau bikinis in every color and print imaginable. The tops, with their better and more form-fitting supports, can be seen on flat-chested as well as well-endowed women. Of course, these tiny bathing suits are often purchased for little girls, and teenagers probably account for the bulk of sales purchases. The good news is that you don’t need to even wear them in the water. They are perfect for the sun-worshippers among us.

Plus size string bikinis and swimwear are available in so many colors, styles, and sizes these days, that shopping is simplified, especially when you shop online and take advantage of all the discounted prices. Whether you wear an extra large, 1x, 2x, or larger, you can easily purchase bikinis that flatter your voluptuous body. While Hollywood fashion designers might try to trick you into thinking that thin is in, when you talk to various groups of men, you will quickly learn that many men prefer women who are not just skin and bones.

One of the best choices for a plus size bikini wearer is the string bikini. It’s a derivative of the full brief bikini, but it rests high on the thighs and gives the plus size woman full coverage of her tummy. Even if a woman has large thighs, a string bikini complements the leg. In some circles, this type of bikini bottom in called a Tanga. Think of it as a bikini that gives you more back support. When shopping for string bikinis, the plus size woman should look for solid colors rather than prints, florals, or stripes. Although bright yellows, oranges, and reds tend to attract attention to the bikini wearer, if you walk tall, and hold your head back, you will have the same flare that skinny runway models have. It’s all in the perception and a reflection of how confident you feel while wearing your string bikini.

Of importance, is that as a plus size woman, you should choose a bikini bottom that is not a thong; rather, select a Lycra or stretch fabric that is ample for your body size, but that does not totally skimp on the coverage. The strings that tie high on your thighs will draw the eye upward. Definitely, after you’ve purchased your body-flattering bikini, try to resist covering your body with a pareo or a large swimsuit wrap. To enhance your body style, choose a spa-type beach robe in a very light color and fabric that doesn’t tie with a sash around your waist.

In addition, most Internet-based swimwear sites have a sizing chart with recommended bathing suit styles and colors to choose from. Look at the selections with the photos of women who have body styles similar to yours before making your buying decisions. Most online swimwear sites make it easy to see the colors, styles, and sizes that suit your body type. Further, many online bikini swimwear sites have a section especially for those women who wish to choose a figure shaper bikini-bust minimizer, tummy appearance reducer, slimmer looking hips, and so forth.