The Dictator | Why belted swimsuits are the best bet for summer, and where to find them
Swimwear with a belt can create the illusion of an hourglass figure, although make sure to try before you buy
I’m not fat but I basically have no waist, which I find hard to dress for. Do you think I can wear one of those trendy swimsuits that come with a belt? I read they suit everyone, but I’m not convinced!
What A Waist, Sai Kung
The Dictator rules: What? Swimwear not as advertised? Sorry, but a single style will never suit all. Conventional styling wisdom prescribes belting everything you wear to create a waist from that trunk. We like to reserve judgment until we see it on the individual. By all means, try on one or all of the following belted swimsuits but, for heaven’s sake, don’t buy anything that makes your waist look thicker or is so tight it creates bulges.
Luxury swimwear designer Lisa Marie Fernandez has taken the belted swimsuit up a notch. Slip on one of her Triple Poppy Maillots, which has three adjustable bows up and down the torso with skin-baring spaces in between (HK$3,890 and up; Net-a-Porter). We are also crushing on her Arden ruffled one-shoulder swimsuit (HK$3,180), which comes with a detachable sash around the waist, and Dree Louise one-piece (HK$3,975), which ties around the waist like a wrap dress.
Flagpole Swim creates the illusion of a belt minus the hassle of an extra bit of fabric you might lose in your suitcase. We like the look of its Joellen colour-blocked swimsuit in blue and white with a band of navy across the waist (HK$3,450; Lane Crawford); You didn’t ask for a bikini, but I’ll give you some anyway. Solid & Striped has numerous belted bikinis (HK$960), in addition to some fabulous one-pieces with belts (HK$918
and up).
