I'm 5'3" and This Swimsuit Trend Makes Me Feel So Tall

last updated 14 August 2019

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I am a fairly small human being. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with being short, but I am saying I wish I was taller. Don't get me wrong—ringing in at a solid 5'3" (and 1/4") definitely doesn't stop me from wearing "tall people" trends (whatever that means), but when it comes to swimwear, I would be lying if I said I didn't think about my short little legs while rocking a bikini. If there is any way to make my legs look longer, I personally am willing to give it a try.

There is one swimwear trend bubbling up this summer that not only looks great on a variety of body types but that makes me feel tall. You heard me—tall! The trend is the '80s high-cut leg. We've touched on it a few times so far as we gear up for the summer season ahead, but I really want to take time to celebrate the suit that convinces people my legs are longer than they actually are (because if you ask me, that's a miracle). Thanks to the cut on the leg hitting right above the hip bone, the natural line of your leg appears to extend higher and reach longer. Instead of cutting me off right where my hip and thigh meet, I get a few extra inches of leg, and for that, I am forever grateful.

While this high-cut swimsuit trend objectively does make your legs look longer, I am in no way saying you need to have longer-looking legs to look skinnier, feel prettier, and so on and so forth. I am actually bringing it up to remind you that everyone's body is different, and what is important is how what you put on it makes you feel. Wearing this swimsuit trend makes me feel taller, which in turn makes me feel more confident, and I don't think that's a bad thing. In case you can relate, I shopped out the '80s high-cut swimsuits I'm coveting ahead. Whether it be a stringy bikini or more modest one-piece, this swimwear trend is hands down my favorite for summer 2018, and I think it could be yours too.

Sidway Swim

Janet Halter in Stomp the Divots

These polka dots were made for Instagram.Top and Vivian Tie Side Bottom in Stomp the Divots ($95) available in sizes XS to XL.

Gnash Swim

Frilla One-Piece Swimsuit

Straight from your childhood into your adulthood.Available in sizes 2 to 8.

Solid & Striped

The Morgan Top

This color is all I can think about right now.Top and The Morgan Bottom ($78) available in sizes XS to L.

Same Los Angeles

The Cindy Cropped

Smocked and ready for a day at the beach.Top and The Cindy High Rise ($110) available in sizes XS to L.

H&M

Bikini Top

Between the rings and the ruching, we don't know what we love more.Top and Bikini Bottoms ($20) available in sizes 12 to 22.

Bamba

Alpha Top

If I could wear this swimwear brand for the rest of my life, I would be happy.Top and Alpha Bottoms ($69) available in sizes S to L.

Forever 21

Kulani Kinis Striped One-Piece Swimsuit

The striped one-piece that can also double as a bodysuit.Available in sizes 1X to 3X.

Sian Swimwear

Paloma Bikini

This is giving us Clueless vibes. Available in sizes S to L.

Juillet Swimwear

Sari Top - Scarlet

Mood.Top and Isla Bottom ($99) available in sizes XS to L.

The Bikini Lab

Rib-Thym One-Piece Swimsuit

Another perfect one-piece to add to your collection.Available in sizes 1X to 3X.

Out From Under

Peek-a-Boo Ring One-Piece Swimsuit

Is it a bikini? Is it a one-piece? Available in sizes XS to XL.

Triangl

Selena

I'm sorry, but this print is adorable.Available in sizes XXS to XL.

Topshop

Bikini Top and Bottoms Set

Sporty and chic all at once.Available in sizes 0 to 14.

Ookioh

Oslo Top

The swimsuit that will make your natural glow stand out.Top and Monaco Bottom ($49) available in sizes XS to XL.

Hunza G

Solitaire Embellished Seersucker Swimsuit

Another insanely amazing swimwear brand to keep on your radar. Available in one size.

Tropic of C

Pool Top

This combination of the texture and color of this suit is giving us life.And Pool Bottoms ($80) available in sizes XS to L.

Peony

Fleur Twist Bandeau Top

I actually own this one, and I have never loved anything more.Top and Fleur Bikini Bottoms ($78) available in sizes 8 to 14.

Tavik

Sawyer Top

Extremely '80s in the best way.Available in sizes XS to L.

Onia x We Wore What

Lydia Bikini Top

This suit is basically every cool summer swimwear trend in one.Top and Emily High Waisted Bottom ($95) available in sizes S to L.

Sommer Swim

Crawford Top in Leopard Luxe

Kitty kitty, baby.Top and Behati Bottoms ($69) available in sizes XS to L.

Ashley Graham x Swimsuits for All

Hotshot Swimsuit

You can't go wrong with a classic.Available in sizes 4 to 24.

Urban Outfitters x Billabong

Surf Check One-Piece Swimsuit

Talk about stunning…Available in sizes S to L.

Chromat

Skim Bikini Top

Nude swimwear is definitely on the rise.Top and Cusp Bikini Bottom ($112) available in sizes XS to L.

H&M

Cut-Out Swimsuit

Too cute to pass up.Available in sizes 0 to 12.

Next up, check out the 2018 swimwear starter pack to learn all about the other cool trends surfacing this season.

Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.

She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.