Archives for April 2008

By: Tiffany DeLangie, a tall fashion writer for Tall Clothing MallOk my tall sisters… I know the moment you read “swimsuit dilemma” you knew just where I was going with this. No matter what your shape or size, unless your name is Gisele, there is a dilemma when it comes to swimsuits. For us it’s the quandary of not being able to run into Target or TJ Maxx and run out with a flattering suit that fits our long torsos in all the right places. No…we try on suit after suit only to find that we are ridin’ dirty. No, I’m not referring to a Chamillionaire state of being, or the political diatribe of Reverend Jeremiah Wright. I’m referring to the unsightly swimsuit cutting into areas we would rather avoid drawing attention to as they ride up our tall frames. So what are some ways to avoid this dilemma? And what are the latest trends that suit (no pun intended) tall women with long torsos?

Well first, the most obvious is the bikini. The ‘separates’ phenomenon has in fact been phenomenal! Not only does it mean you don’t have to enlist your husband or best friend to try to stretch that one piece out with you (as thrilling as that might be), it also means you can actually buy a top that fits your top and a bottom that fits your bottom…which are not always the same size [gasp!]. But there are only a handful of tall fashionistas who are blessed to be both tall and thin (and toned) enough to continue pulling off the bikini past their prime (this is another subject for another article, but to insert a style tip: muffin top looks no better in a bikini than it looks in a pair of extra low rise jeans).

The next option is a tankini. The tankini is more forgiving than the bikini, yet not as conservative as a one piece. It’s a great option for a tall woman with a long torso. I recently found an amazing “longer length” tankini from Alloy. Whether intentionally for tall women or not, it is a tall woman’s dream. It’s a bit more fun and flirty than a one piece, yet provides the same level of coverage without the ridin’ factor. In addition, the tankini separates the line of your body to make it appear more proportioned.

The most ideal option is a long torso swimsuit. The challenge is not only are they difficult to find, but they can also be extremely boring, conservative, and expensive. Well now there is a resource, Tall Clothing Mall, that brings tons of long torso swimsuits to one spot, saving you time in finding the unexpected, sexy, and inexpensive long torso suit (it does exist; I promise). When looking at long torso swimsuits, remember to pay attention to details such as the cut of the leg as well as the neckline. With this season’s trend of plunging necklines, it shouldn’t be as difficult to find variety. In addition to low necklines, high cut bottoms also will make your torso appear shorter. Now I am in no way intimating that we need to look shorter (that is simply blasphemous). I’m simply stating that shortening the torso will help us achieve balance.

Regardless of what trend you decide to embrace, make sure to do so with confidence. The fashion tips and tricks help, but nothing goes further in making you look your best than believing it yourself.

View the current swimwear choices for tall women.