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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at HWS chapter.

They are back and better than ever! Be sure to get this summer’s staple piece. One piece, that is. 

In the mid 1940’s a radical designer, Louis Reard, created the first publically launched bikini in hopes of liberating women from the patriarchal expectations of men. Ever since, one piece bathing suits have been primarily viewed as the alternative for many women who do not feel comfortable with their bodies. However, this is notion is being invalidated through the wide array of styles that designers have put back out into the market. See in the past all of the garments were the same shape and selections consisted of very solid boring colors. However, recently collections range in cuts, pattern, fabric, and overall radiate more of a person’s personality. All of these factors are extremely significant in enhancing a woman’s self confidence and will ultimately impact her experience at the beach or pool. A place where she should be relaxing rather than scampering to cover herself the second she gets out of the water. Certain trends have helped women all around present their charisma despite the parts of their bodies that they may not feel comfortable with. It is this same progression that allowed one pieces to be understood as an article that highlights our personal comfort rather than solely hinder our flaws.

For those who are most comfortable with their arms but not their torso, a square halter piece would cover just enough to focus attention on those triceps, biceps, and deltoids. If someone is particularly comfortable with their collar bones and chest, a deep plunge suit can be even more alluring than a skimpy excuse for a bikini. Even a low plunge back is a readily available style in stores for those who have been blessed with back dimples. Lastly, if you have been squatting and doing leg lifts all throughout the winter season and want to show off those glutes, get a high hipped cheeky one piece. Not only will this look show off your progress, it will also make your legs look longer mimicking closely the model illusion. (Yes, it’s an illusion thanks to photoshop.)

 

On to the fun part. There are a bunch of different approaches a person can take in expressing their character. A lot of this comes from fabrics, patterns, and trims of the suit. For instance, one pieces that are snipped in a manner that create ruffles on certain areas of the body help attract focus to that one desired spot. Velvet textures help a person maintain a retro look while crochet material allows women to fully pervade in a bohemian experience given their yearning for the tropics. There are also bunch of fun patterns that can overall attract attention just by standing out. Whatever your preference may be there is a one piece bathing suit out there for you. 

Here are some online stores that I find have a great collection of one pieces:

  1. http://www.pacsun.com
  2. https://shoplovestreet.com
  3. https://www.urbanoutfitters.com
  4. https://www.cupshe.com
  5. https://www.whitefoxboutique.com

http://blog.lulus.com/fashion/fashion-era-the-evolution-of-swimsuits-over-the-years/ (First bikini)

Media and Society Major