Because life is all based on balance, I am catching the pendulum in the opposite direction, away from psychological heft.
So…let’s discuss swimwear for this summer.
Forever and always, I approach prints with caution. There’s nothing wrong with bold, but prints can visually overload, and clash with skin tones. Solid colors are safer. Black is the classic, but it really does depend on your coloring.
For example: bright red shouldn’t be worn by anyone but lifeguards or swim instructors. Otherwise, it brings out the sunburn much too easily.
I bought these Rufskin briefs on sale years ago—printed with grapes and fruit. Reminded me of an Italian fresco.
If you do go with solid, stick to no more than two or three key colors. Contrast and variation gets tiring quickly.
I’ve only recently become more comfortable wearing speedos, but now that I am, there is an abundance of choice. I particularly like Speedo® brand, as they are affordable, simple, and seem to fit well, even for us girls with big trunks.
The nice thing about speedos is they really do feel weightless, unlike baggy swim trunks, and they let your legs tan evenly with your upper body.
However, beware of how they fit: too high/swoopy and it looks like a bikini. Too low and you’re really asking for the stink eye from your fellow beachgoers. I like a tight horizontal line across the abdomen, just above the pubic line.
A handful of new brands have popped up, offering a range of tasteful options. Dan Ward makes all of his streamlined retro offerings in Italy; they seem at home on MR PORTER.
Robinson les Bains is also a newcomer, creating modern, short-cut swim trunks. I have no clue how they fit, but the prints are some of my favorites.
Emporio Armani is not new, but has a fresh crop of SS14 offerings—including my favorite—a pair of turquoise trunks that look more like dry-fit active shorts than swimwear. They’re on sale now at Zappos Couture.
For a total steal, check out Topman. Despite its accessible price, the brand always shows a bit of edge in its pieces. They’re not always of the highest quality construction, but for $40, you can chuck them when it gets cold.
Of course, if these are all too conservative, too vanilla, for you, you might try the Rufskin Ashton brief. “For the man who’s ready to show what he’s got.”
Don’t forget your beach accouterments, Â like shorts, towels, hats, etc.
I also recently tried the Sunday Riley Cashmere 30 SPF Sun Defense, which despite its high cost, is quite pleasant and unobtrusive as far as sunscreens go. If you can afford it, I recommend.