How to shop for swimwear online

There is one item of clothing that strikes fear into the hearts of women: the swimsuit. Pinching Lycra, unflattering styles, the propensity for wedgies and wardrobe malfunctions, it is a never-ending struggle to find the right one. But thanks to the Internet we have more choices than ever. You can find high quality swimwear in numerous styles and cuts from all over the world with just the click of a mouse. 

 

     Luli Fama Bikini                        L*Space Sunkissed Bandeau

Online we all have access to beautiful swimsuits at the best price yet some shoppers have yet to buy for swimwear from the web.  Despite the convenience and options the Internet brings they continue to shop for beachwear at the mall, they say the need to try the products in person. What they don’t realize is that the best place to try on swimwear is in the comfort of your own home. 

Avoiding the dressing room

There is nothing more unflattering and unnatural than the harsh florescent lights of a department store dressing room. Bad lighting can send even women with the slimmest figures home with a serious case of the blahs. You will have better results at home, trying your swimwear on under more natural lighting and in front of the mirrors you trust. 

Time to decide

Rather than cramming your bikini buying into one short visit to the mall, keep the piece for a day. If you try on your swimwear in the AM before breakfast vs. PM after dinner, you might see a different result.

Year-round Availability

Online stores can bring you the most up-to-date styles year round. Swimwear has a limited shelf life in retail stores and is typically on the racks from just before Spring Break until mid-summer. So if you have booked a winter cruise your best bet is to find your cruise and resort wear online.

Feedback 

You can always try several different styles and return the ones you don’t want. You can ask your hubby which is his favorite. It will be a lot easier to walk in front of the TV in your bikini to get his feedback than it is to drag him to the mall for an opinion (and as an added bonus it could set off some fireworks :-).

Sizing

On websites like All Wet Beachwear you can see multiple views of the products and access sizing charts to get measurements of the pieces.  In designer brands such as Vix, L*Space and Beach Bunny, swimwear tops typically coordinate with bra size, 32A - 34A is a small, 34 - 36B is usually a medium and 32D - 34C large. Smaller busts can benefit from ruffles and other details that add dimension. Fuller busts require more support, underwire tops or those with adjustable cups work best. Likewise bottoms match with pant size, sizes 0 - 2 take an XS, sizes 2 - 4 take a medium and 6 - 8 take a large. String bottoms are genius because you can adjust the waist using the tie sides. Especially curvy bottoms look great in hipster cuts and boy shorts.

Shopping for swimwear online can be summed up in an easy 3 step process. Step 1, get an idea of fit and narrow down your favorites. Two, once you find one you love, order it and try in the comfort of your own home, avoiding the panic-inducing department store dressing room. 

And three, enlist family and friends for feedback and find the swimsuit you feel your best in.  If you need an expert’s help in your selection, contact AWB customer service for assistance from a personal shopper. 

Write your own color story

There really are endless options when shopping for swimwear. Narrow your search by starting with a color. What color do you always look great in? Do you get compliments when you wear orange-red or maybe deep blue? What shade is lacking in your swimwear wardrobe? Here are a few color palettes to consider.

  

Dark Hues are deeply feminine. Swimwear in saturated jewel tones is a rich and romantic option.

                              

Despi Casablanca Malibu

Cia Maritima One Shoulder 1 Piece

Pale Shades of gray, pink, mushroom, and cream are very fashionable for 2011. The overall look is clean and polished.

L*Space Aqua Relli Bandeau

Vix Nice Ripple Light Pink Tri and Tie Side

Bold Brights add punch to your beachwear wardrobe. Bikinis in vivid turquoise, lemon, cobalt, fuchsia and electric green solids and prints are both edgy and extremely sexy.
 

Luli Fama Copa Cabana Halter Top and Scrunch Side Bottom

Agua Bendita Realeza

Swimwear accented with glitzy metallics is over-the-top glamourous. Gold and silver hardware adds an element of style and luxury to any swimsuit.

Lady Lux Head Over Heels in Black

Beach Bunny Kourtney SS Calypso White Bikini

Visit All Wet Beachwear and browse our range of designer swimwear in a wide selection of colors. 

Beach fashion for Jamaica's Jazz and Blues Fest

Jamaica's Jazz and Blues Fest in Montego Bay is coming up this January 23rd – 29th. 
 

Jazz Fest is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year and it has the makings to be an incredible event. Performances by Ronald Isley, Maroon 5, Natalie Cole and other big name international acts are sure to draw a record crowd. 

All Wet Beachwear has resort wear and accessories perfect for the festivities. We have stylish sun hats and embellished sandals. New breezy dresses and casual tunics in rich prints are in stock. And of course we have swimwear!! We have recently added loads of new styles from L*Space, Cia Maritima, Despi and more onto the website. In addition, we have discounted more merchandise so if you had your eye on a bikini, check back it might now be on sale. 

Flora Bella Nina Hat in Grey

L*Space GeoMetro Sexy Back & Taboo Bottom

Flora Bella Aptos Bag in Pebble

Shop now on http://www.allwetbeachwear.com or if you are in Jamaica call 371-1649 for an appointment.

Travelling to the Caribbean this winter? We can help you pack

You know the expression “When in Rome…” If you are planning a winter getaway, it helps to know a bit about the fashion trends at your destination so you can pack accordingly. All Wet Beachwear has spent ample time in the Caribbean. We know exactly what you need to look like an island girl or stand out from the crowd.

Destination: Jamaica 

Jamaica is a fabulous destination for the woman who takes her fashion seriously. There are ample opportunities for going out in a great outfit and Jamaican fashion places a strong emphasis on personal style. On a casual day at the beach, you will see a wide range of swimwear from more moderate styles to very fashionable suits as well as extremely skimpy, sexy bikinis. If you are going to a beach party, expect to see women in carefully chosen outfits with coordinating tunics, swimwear, sandals and possibly even hats. If you love to dress, bring your most daring ensembles and make a splash in them.  

Picks for Jamaica:

Beach Bunny Kourtney Kardashian Nina Zig Zag Bikini - A sexy and fashion forward swimsuit with leather hardware punched with gold studs.

L*Space Dolly Bandeau and Super Fly Tie Side - This cobalt blue fringe top is edgy and a surprisingly flattering style. 

Mystique Sandals Silver Beaded Thong – The crystals on this leather sandal catch the light and draw attention with every step.

Destination: Trinidad and Tobago 

The women in Trinidad and Tobago love fashion as well. According to Solange Shaw-Gopaul the AWB representative there, animal prints and ruched bottoms are big trends right now. On the beach in Port of Spain, you will see brighter colours including purples, reds and corals. Classic white suits are still very popular and Trini women also love embellishments like gold hardware.

Picks for Trinidad and Tobago:

Luli Fama Baila Luli Baila Crystal Triangle Top and Wavy Tie Side – The sexiest (and tiniest) ruched back bikini bottom, in a very feminine coral, fuchsia and purple print fabric, paired with a sting top. 

Despi Lovely White – A gorgeous white swimsuit with gold details. The top also adjusts to fit the size of your bust.

Vix Solid Gold White Tunic – A chic cover up with embellished gold detail around the deep V neckline.

Destination: Grand Cayman

In Grand Cayman, fuller cuts and sporty styles are most popular says Stephanie Graham the AWB sales rep on the island. If you are heading to Rum Point on a Sunday or any of the islands other beautiful beaches, rock a Vitamin A monokini and have blast snorkeling, jet skiing, and kayaking in the crystal clear blue ocean waters.

Picks for Grand Cayman:

RYGY Sport Happy Cherry Top and Rio Bottom with Grommets - Classic stripes in a flirty cherry pink.  

Vitamin A Silver Rio Ruffle Hot Pant and Halter in Mermaid - Turquoise always looks hot on the beach. Ruffles draw the eye to this solid swimsuit. 

Flora Bella Marlo Off White Beach Hat - A glamorous way to protect your face from the sun's rays. 

If you are traveling to another destination and need help packing contact us at info@allwetbeachwear.com. We are the #1 beach fashion resource in the Caribbean. 

AWB's New York Voice

Since October, I have been helping out with the Social Media at All Wet Beachwear. Do you see the –M on the twitter posts? That’s me. I have also been updating Facebook and this Blog. My name is Morgan I am a New Yorker and I love fashion, beauty and of course beachwear! I got my start in fashion in 2005 working as the executive assistant for Pat McGrath the world’s top makeup artist. I worked tirelessly at her side helping to produce the backstage beauty looks for celebrated fashion houses including Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton and Prada. Recently, I became very excited about the fabulous experiences fashion brands were creating on the web so I moved from the world of backstage fashion to the world of online fashion. I jumped at the opportunity to work with All Wet Beachwear. I have admired the website for sometime. I am an avid traveler and as a friend put it a “bikini collector.” The AWB collection is really sexy and sophisticated. The owner Racquel Black also has a knack for finding exciting new international brands and bringing them to her clients.

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Black. I traveled to Kingston for my very first Christmas in Jamaica. In the days leading up to the holiday, I helped with an AWB Trunk Show at Shakti, an excellent yoga center and one of my favorite places in Kingston. I also attended a private Trunk Show at a gorgeous home in Stony Hill. At these events, the guests were all big fans of AWB and their brands. They knew exactly what they liked, skimpy or not skimpy, halter or bandeau, classic or embellished etc. and the clients oozed style. I admired their adventurous choices; they were true fashionistas.

Private Trunk Show in Stony Hill

The AWB showroom got soooo busy leading up to the holidays with women finding swimwear for holiday travel and gifts for friends and family. I thought of how much I would like to receive a bikini for Christmas even all the way in chilly New York. One young woman got 5 bikinis as gifts, I was so jealous! The rush was also due to the upcoming beach party, Maiden Cay. Women were coming 2 and 3 times to shop for the perfect party swimsuit to make a bold statement out there on the sand. The day before Maiden Cay, I think we were helping 10+ customers at a time! Then the big day came… I have honestly never attended a party like Maiden Cay. The yachts lined up along a tiny stretch of sand. Party goers swam from boat to boat and from boat to beach.  A huge sound system was set up on the sand and everyone danced and socialized until the sun went down. I spotted Olympian Usain Bolt, Miss Universe Runner Up Yendi Phillips, model Nell Robinson and many talented singers. I also noticed many gorgeous women sporting All Wet Beachwear. On my yacht, a young woman was wearing the Cia Maritima Peacock bikini. Flora Bella beach hats were on the yacht next to me. Racquel was a wearing a very, very cool Agua Bendita number with beaded fringe on the cups. I also saw the Despi Copacabana in Malibu and a very sexy Luli Fama Timbales Bikini. I was wearing a Beach Bunny piece with lots of details that turned out stunning in all my photos. It was an incredible event that I won’t soon forget.

Maiden Cay Beach Party

The nightlife in Kingston is unmatched. In addition to Maiden Cay there were parties like Utopia and Soiree, outdoor fetes with more food, drinks and beautiful patrons than you could ever imagine. The champagne was flowing at Fiction nightclub and the selector (DJ) got it just right. I am now back in NYC now still reveling in the time I had, I cannot imagine a better holiday.

To my American girls, if you a looking for wicked vacation I beg you to consider Kingston during the holidays. It is non-stop fun with ample opportunities for beach lounging and relaxation. Do it like the girls at AWB.

AWB Bikinis make great stocking stuffers!

It is the last week before Christmas! If you are as organized as we are then you have found the majority of your big gifts. Now you are just in a mad dash to tick off all the last minute items on your to do list: buy groceries, finalize plans, pick up a few extra gifts and stocking stuffers.

You know what makes an exciting stocking stuffer? A bikini! Bikinis are perfect because they are a big gift that can be tucked discretely into a Christmas stocking. Imagine the surprise when she realizes there is a Vix Bia Bikini in her stocking! Sandals, sunglasses and even a tunic are all great last minute gift additions. We also have a large selection of sale and clearance bikinis and cover-ups that are perfect for younger fashionistas.

If there is a discerning woman in your gift list that you are struggling to buy for consider an All Wet Beachwear Gift Certificate. We have a huge selection of fashionable items, they are sure to find something they love.

AWB Heats up the holidays

This holiday hit the beach! The Caribbean is a great place to spend the holidays. In the islands, we are blessed with warm sun and crystal blue coasts so our holiday season isn't complete without festive events on the beach. In Jamaica in particular, two exciting beach parties will take place very soon.

First, the Beach Bums party is coming up next Saturday, December 18. Find your outfit i.e. swimsuit for the event at All Wet Beachwear and receive 15% off! Call us and make an appointment to stop by our showroom and bring your ticket for the discount or shop on our website and enter Coupon Code: BeachBums15 to receive 15% off your purchase.

Maiden Cay is another gorgeous beach party in Jamaica this December. Don't wait until the last minute to find your look for the event. Call us now or shop our collection of designer swimwear online. We can help you make a statement on the sand! We have a carefully selected exclusive stock of bikinis, monokinis and one pieces so you will be sure to find something to suit your personal style and preferences.

If you are an L*Space Fan then consider an L*Space swimsuit for the upcoming events. Right now when you purchase an L*Space swimsuit you receive a special Beach Package as a gift!

Check out our interview with celebrity makeup artist LONZ to learn trips and tricks for perfecting your beauty look for your next beach party. 

Cia Maritima 2011 Collection Now In Stock

Cia Maritima Crocodile One Shoulder 1 Piece

The 2011 collection from Cia Maritima is now in stock on All Wet Beachwear.

Cia Maritima is synonymous with style and sophistication. Their swimsuits are always on trend and this season is no exception. The collection is inspired "by Morocco and its rich earthy tones, eye-catching jewels and bohemian luxuries," according to the show's notes. Cia Maritima debuted the collection at Mercedes Benz Swim Fashion Week in Miami and presented the swim fashion world with a new way to wear bohemian for 2011.

Cia Maritima Peacock Sliding Tri Top and  String Bottom

Mixing earthy imagery and bold colors is a very modern way to wear bohemian look. These graphic prints grace a variety of cuts in the collection like the Peacock Sliding Tri Top and  String Bottom and the Padded Peacock Bandeau and Solid Bottom both done in an abstracted peacock print. The Mandala Sliding Tri and Tie Side Bottom echos the collections eastern influence with a mandala print in splashes of pink, orange and purple. The Geometric Stripes Halter and Tube Bottom combines graphic white and black with jewel tones of rich purple, blue and green.

No 2011 swimwear collection would be complete without animal print. Animal print is on everyone's radar right now so it is exciting to see it used exquisitely in a one piece. The Cia Maritima Crocodile One Shoulder 1 Piece is one of the sexiest one pieces that we have laid our eyes on this season. For bikini lovers, Cia has the Tiger Sliding Halter and Chain Bottom which is also extremely sexy. The tiger print accented with gold links at the hips making this one swimsuit that everyone will be dying to have. 

Cia Maritima Tiger Sliding Halter and Chain Bottom

Some of the world's most beautiful women have been spotted in in Cia Maritima, including Gisele Bundchen, Karolina Kurokova and Blake Lively. It is no wonder that these beauties choose the brand, Cia Maritima creates extremely high quality swimwear in sexy and stylish designs.

Browse the entire Cia Maritima collection on All Wet Beachwear here.

Packing Your Beach Wardrobe…Made Easy

Ah, if only everything was as easy as life on the beach – whether you’re in Jamaica, the Bahamas, or even far-away Hawaii, dressing for the beach is ecstatically easy: a bathing suit, cover-up and sandals can take you from sun up to sundown and crisp white pants and a sparkling tunic are perfect for an elegant evening by the water. And don’t let a last minute invitation take the wind out of your sails, pack an easy breezy cocktail dress to sail off into the sunset. When traveling, we suggest packing in a color scheme to simplify your accessories. 

Here are some of our beachy favorite color combos: 

Shimmering  Oceans:  Blues, greens with white and sparkling silver accessories.

Lady Lux Day Dreaming Jade Bikini
Hale Bob Cabana Ivory Silk Chiffon Tunic Top
Vix Tides Emb Triangle & Tie Side Bottom
Mystique Silver Beaded Thong 


Pink Sand:  Peach, oranges, pinks and creams with golden accessories.

LSpace Coral Posh Bandeau & Scanty Bikini 

Mystique Iridescent Flat Sandals

Luli Fama Baila Luli Baila Sunset Short Tunic

Agua Bendita Bendita Pinto

Eastern Seaboard: Red, white and blue with gold accents.

LSpace Sun Kissed Bandeau & Forget Me Knot Bikini

Vix Ipanema Solid Gold Flip Flop

Vix Solid Gold White Tunic

Beach Bunny Kourtney Sailor Chic Bikini

To ease all of your packing woes, consult our extensive collection of packing lists on the All Wet Beachwear Blog and feel the ocean breeze beckon.

Mystique Sandals an exquisite and easy gift

Mystique Gold w/Turquoise Sandal

Want to give a fashionable gift this holiday season without all the guesswork? Give a pair (or two) of Mystique Sandals.  

Hand-made from natural leathers in Indonesia and beset with turquoise, shells and beads, Mystique creates laid-back footwear with a chic jeweled touch that will upgrade any look. 

The sandals come in a range of colors and designs to complement any personal style. They are comfortable enough for everyday wear but striking enough to take into the evening. Mystique Sandals have been spotted on stars such as Kim Kardashian, Denise Richards and Ashley Tisdale. 

Browse the entire collection of Mystique Sandals on All Wet Beachwear. They are a gift sure to delight.

Don’t forget our gift to you, for the remainder of November, you will receive an AWB journal with every online order.