The Monokini Swimsuit Trend
Cut-out and Cut-Away Swimwear – the Hottest Look for Summer 2008
It’s that time of year again when Western women groan at their reflections in the mirror and wonder how many hours in the gym it will take to work off the excesses of winter, to get themselves back into swimsuit shape again.
If you have been working out, dieting, or both, then the chances are you’ll be able to reward yourself with this year’s hottest look in women's swimsuits – the monokini. This cut-out or cut-away swimwear will highlight your best bits, and is more flattering than a bikini. A cross between a one-piece swimsuit and a two-piece, if you choose the style of the cut-out wisely, you can minimize that bit of flab around your middle and give yourself an hourglass shape.
The History of the Monokini
Whilst the monokini is the swimwear look of the season, it is far from new. It was invented by Rudi Gernreich in 1964 – based on a bikini bottom that had straps which ran up and over the shoulder to keep it in place. However, due to its somewhat risqué nature, whilst popular in some quarters, it was never a hit with the housewives of the day!
Choose the Right Swimsuit for your Shape
The lines of a monokini are based on a proportionate body shape. If you have a disproportionate figure (big breasts, small butt or visa-versa) then you’ll end up with more material in one area and possibly not enough in another. This means finding the right cut is crucial and may take you a few hours in a fitting room, in order to find one with the best fit. Here are a few pointers:
- Cut-outs vary from deep cut-away sides, leaving a single piece at the navel, to a more plunging narrow cut-out down the center of the torso, (often to the navel), leaving a covering of fabric at the sides.
- Large cut-outs work well on slim girls as they accentuate the waist. If you want to play it safe, Look magazine (May 2008) advises to opt for “a flattering black number with vest-type straps and small cut- outs.”
- If you are trying to create the illusion of a few less pounds, remember that plain-block colors are more slimming (especially dark colors like black) and metallic and shiny fabrics tend to reveal every lump. As for white, although this color looks gorgeous against a tan, it can be unforgiving!
- Pattern choice is also important. Unless you have the figure of Paris Hilton, beware of the horizontal stripe (especially narrow), which has a widening effect on your body shape. Both overly large and small prints can draw attention to those extra pounds so opt for a medium-size. Diagonal stripes are slimming, and make butts look smaller. Opt for a single-color block if in any doubt!
- Deep V-neck cuts will elongate the figure and flatter bigger busts. Although be warned, unless you want to appear as if you have just stepped off the pages of Playboy magazine, monokinis are better left to those who are not so well-endowed, as they are not best suited to a DD cup. According to Yourswimsuiteguide.com, they are more suitable for those women with long torsos, with a defined waist and bust.
The Monokini - Pros and Cons
There are pros and cons with the monokini. They can leave very funny tanning marks, and really require a toned body to do them justice. However, the monokini is a good compromise between a covered one-piece and a more exposed bikini, allowing you to tan your back and some of your front. Its sex appeal outweighs the humble bikini as the monokini's coverage is elegant, yet sexy at the same time. Given its revealing nature, many of today’s monokinis are more for showing off on the beach or by the pool rather than for actual swimming .
Cut-Out Swimsuits for 2008
Some of the most flattering and affordable designs around can be found at Figleaves.com. River Island also has a flattering rhinestone embellished cut-away (£32.99) and Benetton has a black demure and classy keyhole cut-out at the chest (£29.90). Online retailer Asos has a Leopard-print cut-out swimsuit in the style of Paris Hilton (£22) and a Diesel Nautical Plunge Suit (£72), which both give a nod to two trends at once.
Going more upmarket, Net-A-Porter has a glamorous cut-out Milly Marabella Maillot (£150) and a chic strapless, studded Jessica Bandeau cut-away swimsuit from Melisa Odabassh (£135).
The monokini is a very feminine but revealing swimsuit – wear it if you dare!
