Summer is in full swing here in the Northern Hemisphere, so you know what that means…

Time to rock a bikini or swimsuit!

Even if you aren’t ready to hit the beach en femme, I think every crossdresser and transgender women should own a bathing suit. Wear one for sunbathing, lounging by the pool, or posing in a beach babe photoshoot.

But how can you look your best when so little is left to the imagination?

Read on for my top 5 tips for looking hot in swimwear!

1. Enhance your hips and bust

To maximize your feminine curves, try these tips:

• Go for ruffles and ruching. These style details are great for adding volume where you might lack curves.

• Wear a padded bikini top. Fortunately, many bikinis and swimsuits come with built-in padding for added oomph.

• Try a skirted bikini bottom. A skirt that flares out at the hips is an easy way to add inches. It’s also great for covering areas you may not feel comfortable displaying.

Ruffles and ruching	Padded bikini tip	Skirted bikini bottom

2. Downplay your shoulders

The secret to a sexy body is balanced proportions. Downplaying your shoulders will create a more feminine balance between your upper and lower body.

Here are some tricks for making broad shoulders appear more delicate:

• Avoid string bikinis unless you are truly tiny. Instead, select a bikini top with wide straps to balance the proportion of your shoulders.

• Try a halter top. Halter tops draw the eye in, creating a slimming effect. They’re also great for showing off cleavage.

• Avoid bandeau tops. Bandeau tops create a strong horizontal line across the chest, making your upper body look even wider.

DON’T: String bikini	DO: Halter top	DON’T: Bandeau top

3. Slim your middle

Here are 3 strategies to help create the illusion of an hourglass shape:

• Wear a shaping swimsuit. There are a lot of swimsuits with built-in control panels to hold in and slenderize your torso. Check out the MiracleSuit and Spanx swimwear.

• Look for suits with side panels in a contrasting color. A color blocked swimsuit is a great trick for slimming your torso. The eye is drawn towards the middle of your body and the sides are minimized, creating the look of a slimmer torso.

• Wear a monokini. A monokini is a sexy swimwear style that has cutout sides. It’s less revealing than a bikini and the cutout side panels create the visual illusion of an hourglass figure.

Shaping swimsuit	Contrasting side panels	Monokini

4. Smooth your silhouette

It’s not just about shape and size, but about creating a sleek and smooth silhouette, too. Keep these tips in mind:

• Make sure your swimsuit fits well. A suit that is too small will dig in and create unattractive bulges and belly rolls. A suit that is too big will droop.

• Master the art of the “tuck.” Bikini bottoms leave nothing to the imagination, so you’ll want to ensure a smooth look. There are lots of forums and websites that can give pointers on how to do this comfortably. (Or take my first tip and wear a skirted bikini bottom.)

5. Pose pretty

Posture is always important, but it’s especially crucial when your entire body is on full display.

You should always be aware of the way you hold your body when you’re in a bikini. Think about your posture whether you’re sitting around a pool chatting with friends or posing for the camera.

Keep your tummy in and avoid slouching at all times. The more long and lifted your posture, the slimmer you will appear.

Ready for your own beach babe moment?

Follow these tips and I promise you’ll look sizzling on the beach or poolside.

For inspiration, I’ve compiled a gallery of 8 stunning transgender bikini models below.

Who is your favorite? Vote below and – if you’re feeling brave – share your own bikini babe photo in the comments!

Love,
Lucille

8 Stunning Transgender Bikini Models

Lea T	Jenna Talackova
Isis King	Caroline Cossey
Ines-Loan Rau	Geena Rocero
Carmen Carrera	Miss saHHara

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post’s poll.

Of all the topics I cover on this blog, lingerie is definitely the most popular. And why not? There’s nothing like indulging your feminine self in a lacy bra or silk nightie.

While half the fun of lingerie is expressing your own personal style, there are certain “rules” worth keeping in mind.

Are you following “the rules?”

Find out by reviewing my top 7 lingerie rules – specifically for crossdressers and transgender women.

Rule #1: Know thy bra size

Most women wear the wrong bra size, so there’s a good chance that you might be too. A bra that doesn’t fit right is uncomfortable and creates unattractive bumps and bulges. No girl needs that!

Your best option is to be professionally fitted for your bra size. (Don’t be afraid to go in for a fitting. Many lingerie shops are transgender-friendly, especially if you call ahead.) I also wrote an entire post on finding your bra size here.

Rule #2: Avoid visible panty lines

A bra strap peeking out of your top can be sexy. Visible panty lines? Not so much. Here are 5 ways to avoid VPL (visible panty lines):

• Make sure your panties fit right. If they’re too tight, they’ll dig in and create bulges. Too loose and they’ll wrinkle and bunch up.

• Try seamless underwear for a smoother look. Seamless panties are made without seams or trimmings that can show through clothes.

• Wear a thong. No visible panty lines there!

• Go for boyshorts. Boyshorts might not sound girly, but they’re actually really cute and don’t create panty lines.

• Avoid cotton panties. Cotton undies have a tendency to bunch up.

Rule #3: Coordinate your bra and panties

While the rule about matching your shoes and bag is outdated, your bra and panties should look like a set. Mismatched lingerie looks sloppy and even if nobody sees it but you, why not look your best? The colors don’t have to be an exact match, but they should at least coordinate.

Rule #4: Choose high quality fabrics

Since lingerie is worn next to your body, fabric makes all the difference in the world. High quality fabrics feel great, lay more smoothly, and last longer. Cheap fabrics wear out quickly and can even trap odors. (Eww!) Look for lingerie constructed with quality fabrics like jersey, silk, rayon, and cotton.

Rule #5: Know when to say goodbye

Do you own any ratty panties or stretched out bras? If so, toss them immediately. It’s hard to feel sexy and feminine in worn out lingerie, so get rid of anything that’s lost its luster. Most lingerie items need to be replaced every 18 months or so.

Rule #6: Own more than one bra

To extend your bra’s life span, let your bra rest a day between wearings to keep the elastic from stretching out. If you only own one bra, that means it’s time to shop for another one (or 10!).

Rule #7: Buy lingerie that fits your lifestyle

Do you have a bunch of sexy underthings, yet nothing practical to wear under your clothes? Or maybe you lack certain feminizing shapewear pieces. Lingerie should fit your lifestyle, so take stock. Are you missing anything from these categories?

• Basics – T-shirt bra, seamless panties, pantyhose, etc.

• Shapewear – Control cami, girdle, padded panties, pocketed bra for breast forms, etc.

• Sleepwear – Nightgown, robe, sleep bra, etc.

• Sexy – Lace bra and panties, body suit, garter, etc.

• Activewear – Sports bra, moisture wicking panties, etc.

Let’s talk lingerie!

What do you think of these lingerie rules? Do you agree with them? Do you have any lingerie rules of your own?

Please share in the comments below! And for bonus points, don’t forget to upload a photo of your favorite lingerie look.

Love,
Lucille