Common Swimwear Misconceptions and Myths Exposed

Buying a swimsuit can be a daunting process but it doesn't have to be. We hear a number of myths and misconceptions come up in the dressing room. We decided to expose a few of the biggest illusions and set the record straight.

Myth: "With a bra size D, I can never find a fashionable swimsuit that has the support I need."

There are beautiful swimsuits with proper coverage for all sizes. There are several companies that even make a triangle top that adjusts to fit up to a D cup, the Hermanny Satina Minkonos One Piece for example.

Myth: "I am in great shape but I need a full coverage bikini bottom to cover my derriere."

Covering your backside in fabric is only going to make it look bigger! If you have a well-toned bum opt for a moderate to skimpy coverage bikini. It may feel a little mischievous at first but you will soon get used to it. If you have nice shape a minimal coverage bikini bottom will look more fashionable and more appealing.

Luli Fama Sabrosura Berry Darling

Myth: "I love white bikinis but I am afraid it will turn sheer when wet."

Designer bikinis are made with the highest quality fabrics and are fully lined. So not to worry, they will not become transparent when wet.  White swimsuits come in a variety of styles from simple classic white swimsuits like the Vix Solid White Twisted Bandeau and Monaco Bottom to the very glam Beach Bunny Kourtney SS Calypso White Bikini. Everyone should have atleast 1 white swimsuit in thier swimwear wardrobe.

Myth: "Bandeau bikinis will flatten my small bust."

A well chosen bandeau can accentuate a small bust. Look for bandeau's with soft foam cups and with design details like texture, fringe and ruffles that add dimension and create the illusion of fullness.

Despi Marilyn Mare Bandeau Bikini

Myth: "Elaborate hardware will tarnish in the water."

Designers like Vix, Despi, Poko Pano and L*Space have been in business for years and even decades. They have build a faithful following by providing a level of high quality and craftsmanship. Their quality control practices ensure that the products that come to market are made to love and last.

Myth: "Now that I am older, I can't wear sexy swimwear like I used to."

There are sexy swimsuits for every age. A cut-out monokini in a chic solid color or a bikini with luxurious gold or silver detail will look fabulous and appropriate on women of all ages. 

L*Space Stardust Fringe One Piece Nude

Myth: "I've seen it all."

Designers are pushing the limits of swimwear design with strategic cut outs, hand-beading and embroidery, and sophisticated prints. All Wet Beachwear is constantly updating our stock of swimwear. Check our new arrivals page year-round for the latest designs.

Break All the Rules this Spring Break, Just Don't Forget to Pack these Essentials

Spring Break season is upon us. If you have not prepared your get-away wardrobe, NOW is the time.

Anything can happen during a Spring Break trip so pack accordingly. Here is our list of getaway must-takes:

Swimwear

Despi Lolita Kiss

Be a beach babe in an itsy-bitsy bikini or a sexy cut out one piece. Pack at least 3 swimsuits because you will be wearing them everyday, you don't want to get bored and switching swimsuits will give you better tan lines. It is also a great idea to bring a variety of styles: a classic swimsuit and a flirty, fun swimsuit so you can dress to suit your mood. You should also bring at least one glam, dramatic bikini so you are prepared for a beach or pool party.

Cute Cover-ups

Hale Bob Red Beaded V-Neck Tunic

The fabulous thing about Spring Break is that there are some days you don't even need to dress, you can go from poolside to dinner by simply slipping on a chic cover-up. Pack one or two cute cover-ups to wear while you are away from the water.

Sizzling Shades

RYGY Sunglasses

Bring your favorite pair of sunglasses. If you are coming from a cooler climate and in the midst of a gloomy winter you may have forgotten how bright the beautiful sun can be. Don't forget to pack those shades to protect your eyes.

Beach Ready Sandals

Mystique Silver Beaded Thong

A jeweled flat sandal can be rocked on the beach as well as the street and adds oomph to any outfit.

Sunblock

We all love a golden tan but NO ONE likes a sunburn and its just not healthy. Don't skimp on sunblock.  Even if you are dying to tan fast, it never turns out pretty.

Easy Daywear

LSpace Rucci Pant Jumper

If you must come out of that bikini make sure you have some comfortable outfits to wear about during the day. You are on vacation so take advantage and keep it casual.

Knockout dresses for the night

Sofia By Vix Ruffle Dress

No Spring Break is complete without ample partying!!! Pack your most fun mini-dresses, flowy maxi dresses and sexy heels. Don't be afraid to expose a little skin and show off that tan.

We hope your Spring Break is full of major memories. We have 250+ sexy swimsuits on All Wet Beachwear. Browse our website and we know you will find a knockout swimsuit for Spring Break 2011.

Want swimwear from the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue 2011? AWB carries the designers

Sports Illustrated is a men's magazine no doubt but that doesn't keep fashionistas from collecting the Swimsuit Issue each year. The Swimsuit Issue attracts a dream team of the industry's top editors, stylists and models. They have access to the very best swimwear and cover-ups from all over the world so every Swimsuit Issue is the ultimate collection of the best in international swimwear.

We were very happy to see that the pages of this year's SI Swimsuit Issue are filled with AWB designers. The editors at SI Swim love our brands including Beach Bunny, L*Space, Agua Bendita, Despi, Poko Pano and Cia Maritima. We counted 5 supermodels in the magazine sporting Luli Fama alone: Jessica White, Genevieve Morton, Cintia Dicker, Isabel Goulart and actress Brooklyn Decker.

It was a beautiful issue full of very feminine, flirty pieces like the L*Space Cleopatra Bikini pictured above, a style that we are proud to carry, find it here. It wouldn't be an SI Swimsuit Issue without ultra-sexy, barely-there bikinis. Statement swimsuits with skimpy coverage and luxurious details like the Beach Bunny Kourtney Calypso Bikini, made this issue one of the hottest yet. Check out our Facebook album of all our favorite shots from the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue here.

Shop All Wet Beachwear for the sexiest swimwear year-round!

Big News! AWB Opens a Showroom in Kingston, Jamaica

Cia Maritima Special Collection     Lady Lux Head Over Heels Black

We would like to welcome you to our new showroom in Kingston, Jamaica. We think you will love it! We have created a little swimwear heaven at 84 Lady Musgrave Road. Our showroom has 2 spacious changing rooms, great light, plenty of mirrors and the best part... new merchandise! We have stocked our sparking new drawers and shelves with new swimwear and cover-ups for you to see and try. Call us now, 876-371-1649, and book an appointment. Also take a moment and sign up for our All Wet Beachwear Swim Rewards program by clicking here. Now with every AWB purchase, you can earn points towards free merchandise.

Happy Shopping!
XOXO
AWB

PS. Our showroom is on Foursquare so don't forget to check in when you arrive.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy Designer Swimwear

If you are on our mailing list then you got a sneak peak of this blog yesterday. If you are not on our mailing list yet, visit our homepage and enter your email address in the form at the bottom of the page. We offer special discounts and previews of new products to our mailing list members, so it is a good idea to join.

When we talk to friends and loved ones about our designer swimwear obsession they seem puzzled by our loyalty to certain brands. They wonder, "Is it really worth it?" We answer with an emphatic YES. There are many reasons why it makes good sense to splurge on a fabulous designer swimsuit. Here are 10 biggies.  

1. Designer swimwear is made from quality materials. Each brand achieved a level or notoriety thanks to in-house quality control practices to create the best possible product. They use chlorine resistant fabrics that will not sag or become transparent when wet.   
2. Designer swimwear has celebrity worthy designs. Kim Kardashian rocks Beach Bunny. Halle Berry chooses Cia Maritima. Megan Fox and Selma Hayek wear Vix. 
3. These swimsuits don't bulge or pucker, they are expertly crafted for the best fit possible. 
4. Designer swimwear is created by designers who have been perfecting the art of swimwear for years and sometimes decades. They have learned the tips and tricks for creating a suit that holds and lifts in all the right places, instantly adding cleavage, oomph and sex appeal to any figure. 
5. Designers come out with new collections every season, made for the runway. They apply the same creative process as the RTW designers. They are pushing the limits of creative swim fashion. 
6. The hardware and embellishments on designer swimwear is durable and doesn't tarnish. 
7. It is exclusive. You will not see designer pieces up and down the beach. They are for discerning women and educated shoppers.  
8. Putting on a designer swimsuit makes you feel like a beach goddess. It is better to splurge on 1 beautiful swimsuit that you adore rather than buy a few that are just OK.
9. Because you know and love your designers! Whether you're a Luli girl or a Vix vixen sometimes a designer just speaks to you or fits your body and personality just right. 
10. Designer swimwear is made to last. If you follow care instructions your swimsuit can be a part of your beachwear wardrobe for years to come.

Check out all the beautiful new arrivals pictured above in our new arrivals section here. Do not hesitate to contact us at info@allwetbeachwear.com for the assistance of a personal shopper.

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.