Shape & Size Calculator

Sometimes referred to as a Pear shape. If the width of your shoulders is narrower than your hips, and you have a sloping waist and small to average bust, then you are a Triangle, or what is commonly referred to as a Pear - like our beautiful Maria and Tracey. Look for them when you're shopping with us and you'll get an idea of the styles that work well for you.

Often this will mean that your top size is smaller than your bottom size and when it comes to swimwear, that could mean that separates are best. If you're say a 16 top and 18 bottom, then it's possible to find a one piece that will fit well, but if you have more than one size difference eg: 16 top and 20 bottom, a two piece is often a better fit option.

A plus size or midlife shape that is like a Triangle (Pear) is the Diamond. Diamonds have a rounder (often high) tummy and bottom 'out the back' with wider thighs. For many of us in midlife, our tummy area gets bigger. That's why we have included Diamond shape in our shape descriptions. Jacqui and Alison are our shining Diamonds. You can see them here.

If you're a little wider in the hips and thighs and would like to draw attention elsewhere, then these swimwear and resortwear styles are great choices. Look for features and details that lengthen your body and lift attention towards your beautiful face!

If you're shopping for swimwear, consider a darker, plain bottom with a contrasting top that really pops. Avoid boyleg cuts and opt for a slightly higher leg will help to lengthen the body. If modesty is more your thing, then think styles that will skim not cling. A cute swim dress that falls from the bust to just below the top of the thigh could be the ticket for you.

• A-line styles will give you the extra room in the Hip you need.
• Balance out the Bust area with crossover ruching, frills and extra details to give them a helping hand. The triangle-shaped tops are perfect for you (like the one in the main photo), keeping the focus up at the bust. An empire line cut, even better.
• Consider a printed top and a darker, plain bottom with your separates.

These same suggestions apply for clothing choices as well. Add colour, print and detailing about the bust and neckline. Accessorise like there's no tomorrow and avoid wearing tops that finish at your widest point. Have them sit higher on your hip or to above the knee. You'll love dresses that skim the hips in A-line shapes with more detail up top. Lovely long maxis are a must and look great belted high on the waist.

Now all of the above sounds great but at the end of the day, they are suggestions. We want you to feel fabulous in what ever you choose to wear. No rules girls. But if you're confused or overwhelmed or perhaps after a freshen up with what you wear then these 'guidelines' are a place to start. Then as you gain in confidence, create your own.

Enjoy your summer hipsters! You are gorgeous.
Anita and The Girls xx

You are a gorgeous sparkly Diamond if you are a Triangle (Pear) shape with a rounder (often high) tummy and 'out the back' bottom and thicker upper thighs. For many of us in midlife, our tummy area gets bigger. That's why we have included Diamond shape in our shape descriptions. Jacqui and Alison are our sparkly Diamonds. Look for them when you are looking for swimmers and odds on, what works for them will work well for you too.

The styles that both Jacqui and Alison love are:

• The 3 Tier Tankini - both need a smaller top size to bottom so a Tankini is the best option as the one piece in this style doesn't have the length they need. The 3 tiers cover their tummy well and with its diagonal lines, visually elongates rather than add width. It's a brilliant style. The top tier some how sits across the bust area adding visual balance. It works!
• The Zip Up One Piece supports the tummy are really well and the side panels help to create a visual waist. The frilled sleeve also adds width across the shoulders which helps to balance out too.
• The Bandeau- particularly when worn strapless also creates the width across the bust and shoulders. The bust ruching helps to add visual oomph too.

Now, all of the above sounds great but at the end of the day, they are suggestions. We want you to feel fabulous in what ever you choose to wear. No hard and fast rules girls. But if you're confused or overwhelmed or perhaps after a freshen up with what you wear then these 'guidelines' are a place to start. Then as you gain in confidence, create your own.

Embrace your Diamond shape and shine this and every summer. You are beautiful.
Anita & The Girls.
xx

Were you a swimmer back in the day? Maybe you still are. Maybe you were born with beautifully wide shoulders.
If your top half is wider than your hips (your hips are narrower than your shoulders), your bust may be well-endowed (to give you width beyond your hip measurement) or not. Then you are a gorgeous Inverted Triangle shape. Yay!

Tammie, Mel and Jo from the Cossie Confidence Crew are our Inverted Triangle shape girls.
Tammie and Jo both have an E cup bust. Tammie is a size 12/10 and Jo is a 22/20. Mel is a B cup with her shape and a 14/12. Note the sizing. Top size different to bottom.

From a theory point of view, to 'balance' out your shape add volume to your lower half. The challenge with swimwear is however, finding pieces that frilled, and fuller about the bottom. And let's face it, it's not always practical.

A print at the bottom and plain at the top is easier to find and also a great option. Like this one. And that's easily done with a 2 piece option.

To support your bigger bust if that is what you have with your Inverted Triangle shape is #1. Wear necklines that work with your fuller up top shape like V's and scoops...nothing too high and solid to add volume.

And contrary to the 'theory' a strapless which will widen shoulders visually can look fabulous. It's up to you.

Other styles Tammie and Jo love are:

• The Underwire Ruched One Piece & Tankini - Jo loves the support the one piece in particular gives her. That style of cossie comes in quite a few colours and prints and is a staple in the Capriosca stable. Black, navy, navy is always available.

Look out for seasonal new prints too! Each season there is a new print in this style so look out for that. We will have Underwire Ruched in the title of the item. Use it in your Search!

To add visual boost to your bust and accentuate your narrower waist, then this style is 100% perfect!

• The Criss Cross is a wow swimming costume that will emphasise the bust area and create a visual waist. Tammie looks incredible in this style as does Mel (in the main image above). The rust was a seasonal colour but black is always available.
• Boyleg One Piece and Boyleg bottoms. Yep, not many can, but you can rock these styles with your narrower hips and fab pins!

These styles technically will add visual width to your shoulders but the girls love them just the same which is why we've included them :)

• The Zip Up (Frill Sleeve) One Piece supports is another winner for Jo offering a firmer fit about the bust. Now the frill will add to width up top so the choice is yours. If you unzip it to create the V neckline that will help. Jo loves it.
• The Bandeau - when worn strapless will visually widen shoulders. It's everyone's favourite style. Comes in many prints and plains. Here it is in Navy on Tammie.

Fit Tip: Having a bigger 'up top' than 'bottom' can mean you're better off with a 2 piece option. If you are more than 2 sizes difference, eg 16 top and 12 bottom then a one piece that will fit both parts well will not be an easy find.

That's why we offer an Alterations Service where we can have the legs 're-rubbered' and brought in for you. It's easy to do and worth every cent. Isn't it time you had a cossie that fitted perfectly?

Now all of the above sounds great but at the end of the day, they are suggestions. We want you to feel fabulous in what ever you choose to wear. No rules girls. But if you're confused or overwhelmed or perhaps after a freshen up with what you wear then these 'guidelines' are a place to start. Then as you gain in confidence, create your own.

Embrace your gorgeous shape and shine this and every summer. You are beautiful.
Anita & The Girls.
xx

Finding swimsuit for a Round or Apple shape is the #1 request we have here at Sequins and Sand and we're thrilled to say, there are many options!

The typical features of a Round or Apple shape are: wide, rounded shoulders, fuller/rounder tummy and a larger bust too. Look for Jane, Flick and Tatia in our Cossie Confidence Crew. Liz, whilst a plus size Rectangle shape is very similar to an Apple. The bathers they love to wear will work for you too. Let them be your guide.

We love helping you find a swimsuit that flatters your figure and makes you feel confident. A Round shape needs summer clothing and swimwear that will help to create the illusion of a waist, skim not cling and detract with prints and cleverly crafted features. Swimwear with tummy controlling power netting is handy too!

Look for swimwear with Ruching, Tiers, Flounces and Diagonal lines. Tiers, I hear you say? Let me explain.

Ruching about the belly is your best friend, as are prints.

• If you like a plain colour then go for a textured fabric. Anything flat or 'mono-toned' will show the lumps and bumps more. * Styles that feature details that cinch a little and meet at the natural waist are a winner.

When it comes to Tiers, the other round tummy wonder is the 3 tiered one piece or tankini. The diagonal lines they create visually lengthen rather than widen.

Panels, particularly side panels, will help to create a curve and visually restore a waist. A contrasting 'waist band' can also help to break up your mid section too.

The Crossover style with its diagonal lines works like a wrap dress does. It visually elongates as it helps to reclaim a waist. If you have a fuller bust as well, this is definitely a hot contender.

For clothing, look for a classic, mostly up and down, shift cut. Tunics do this well. They skim and won't cling. Kaftans do this too as their seams are sewn typically straight up and down. Empire lines that fall from under the bust will work well too. Just make sure they aren't too full as they fall as that will create extra unwelcome bulk.

Now all of the above sounds great but at the end of the day, they are suggestions. We want you to feel fabulous in what ever you choose to wear. No rules girls. But if you're confused or overwhelmed or perhaps after a freshen up with what you wear then these 'guidelines' are a place to start. Then as you gain in confidence, create your own.

Go get 'em! Summer is calling. You are beautiful.
Anita & The Girls xx

An hourglass shape means you have a wonderfully defined waist with shoulders and hips of equal width. Relax, you can wear just about anything. The most important thing is not to lose that shape in what you wear with overly full and baggy styles unless that's your love and vibe of course!

Maz, Suzie and Anita from The Cossie Confidence Crew are an Hourglass shape. Look for them and what they wear for your shape clues.

• Swimwear should get your bust out and up and define that gorgeous waist.
• Crossover styles are perfect for that.
• A straight across the bust bandeau style will also accentuate your shoulders and keep your hips in balance. A one shoulder style will do the same.
• With a fuller bust, a 'V' or Sweetheart neckline or low scoop is your best friend.
• A little ruching across the torso is fine, but not too much, we want to show off that waist remember?!

The same for summer kaftans, dresses and tops. Look for styles cut on the bias or that you can belt in to define your waist. A simple shift will do the trick particularly if it has darts in the back to bring you in a little. Wear figure flattering slips under those floaty fine kaftans so that there is a sense of what lies beneath. The trick is to find a slip that will keep you cool, in a 'go with anything' neutral shade. Haven't got one? We do:)

Now all of the above sounds great but at the end of the day, they are suggestions. We want you to feel fabulous in what ever you choose to wear. No rules girls. But if you're confused or overwhelmed or perhaps after a freshen up with what you wear then these 'guidelines' are a place to start. Then as you gain in confidence, create your own.

Such choice. Enjoy!

Anita & The Girls
xx

You're a Rectangle Shape if your body shape is pretty much 'straight through', with little waist definition. Your shoulders, waist and hips are about the same width with an average or smaller bust. From a midlife or plus size shape perspective, maybe your tummy has gotten bigger but your straight through shape remains. Many Rectangles will remain true to their straight through shape as they gain weight evenly. Maybe that's you.

Look for Evie and Liz in the Cossie Confidence Crew for your clues. They are our Rectangles.

Plus Size or Midlife Rectangle: Liz has a more pronounced rounder tummy shape than Evie and tends towards an 'Round (Apple) shape' which can happen to many gorgeous women as they put on weight about their tummies as a Rectangle shape. With this shape you may feel more comfortable wearing styles that are for the Rounder (Apple) body shape.

When looking for bathers it would be nice to create a bit of visual curve for you...visually create a waist.

• Panels, particularly side panels, will help to create a curve and visually restore a waist.
• A contrasting 'waist band' can also help to break up your mid section too. Many swimsuits how have curved shaped printed or plain side panels which are fabulous for creating a visual waist. Like this one Evie wears.

If you are tummy conscious then look for styles with ruching across the tummy or 'tiers'.
Prints are also the master of disguise. If you like a plain colour then go for a textured fabric.

The 3 Tier style will work well for you too. Evie loves this style. Liz's favourite, is the Bandeau with ruching along the tummy area and bust. Both girls love the Zip Up style for the side panelling it has. And the Underwire One Piece style because of the 'empire line' it has, that defines a high waist and the ruching it has along the torso.

Here are a few examples with Evie and Liz in them.
: 3 Tier One Piece - in Bahama Bloom
: Zip Up One Piece
: Bandeau One Piece in Navy
: Underwire One Piece in Corsica.

Now all of the above sounds great but at the end of the day, they are suggestions. We want you to feel fabulous in what ever you choose to wear. No rules girls. But if you're confused or overwhelmed or perhaps after a freshen up with what you wear then these 'guidelines' are a place to start. Then as you gain in confidence, create your own.

Go get 'em! Summer is calling. You are beautiful.
Anita & The Girls xx