thePULSEFrom bikinis to surfer shorts, there’s something for every body type
By Elizabeth Schuyler
Photos by Dan Vaillancourt, Patrick O’Connor Photography
The first day of summer has come and gone and it’s time to take advantage of warmer weather and hit the beach as often as possible, especially since we’ve all just lived through one of the coldest, wettest springs in history. When the hot sun finally shows up, everyone and their mama will pack up the car and head to the beach! Before swarming to department stores to look for a new bathing suit, read on to find out about the hottest styles that are making the biggest splash this summer.
What’s hot for women? How about ordering a sexy swimsuit from a Victoria’s Secret catalog to turn heads while you’re walking down the beach. What’s not? Trying to fit into that two-sizes-too-small suit from last year, or worse, the suit you’ve had since you graduated from high school. What’s hot for men? Hawaiian surfer-print shorts or side stripes with floral accents. What’s not? Gym shorts, bikinis, and anything fluorescent. 
If there is at least one good reason to buy a new suit this year, whether you’ve been hitting the gym or not, it’s because the styles are designed to complement any figure.
This summer, be comfortable in the skin you’re in. Don’t think that if your shape doesn’t fit the description of the ideal prototype, figuratively speaking, you won’t look good on the beach. Treat yourself to a fun new look! We all come in different shapes and sizes so there are bathing suits for all of us. Finding the style of bathing suit perfect for you will take time, but it’s worth the effort!.
In the past, it’s been hip to think that the more you reveal in a bikini, the better. In 2003, less is definitely more. The proof is in the abundance of halter tops, tankinis, and camikinis being produced for the season, as well as the sustained popularity of the one-piece suit. The major difference between the two-piece tops is that you have to decide how much you want to show or cover up while staying fashionable. 
If you’re more self-conscious about your bottom half, a pair of cabana pants or a sheer floral sarong can give you the coverage you want, and the comfort to flaunt what you got.
Another reason to hit up department and specialty stores is to get your hands on some of the most innovative designs ever offered in a swimsuit. Geometric designs and the bright montages of paisley and floral prints will blanket beaches from sea to shining sea in colors similar to summer’s vibrantly alive colors. Animal and tribal prints are also heavy hitters along with textured and even crocheted tops. With all the new prints to choose from, you can’t go wrong with stripes, plaids, or solids. Make your swimsuit search all about you and your unique style!
Guys, take time out to pick up something special for this summer’s suit. The variety of swimming trunks allows you to choose from solid styles to Hawaiian-inspired designs in a single side stripe, the front stripe, or just all over. Most of the styles are colored in shades of green and blue. The main emphasis is on comfort. For instance, the “Jamaican Boxer” shorts by Polo Sport, are wide enough to give you enough leg room whether you’re just chilling by the water, hanging out at the snack stand, or kicking back on a boat ride.
Bathing suits are very personal items for just about everyone, so it’s good news that this summer’s styles are as diverse as body types. No matter what your shape, there’s bound to be a bathing suit that will highlight your best assets and dress you up (or down!) for hot fun in the summertime.
