Whether you’ll be chilling by the pool with a drink in your hand, laying on the beach, or getting out there in the surf, you’ve got to have the perfect swimwear. While your main goal should be having a great time, you also want to look and feel great in your bathing suit. The key to looking and feeling good – finding the right suit for your body type. Work with the body you have, find something that highlights your best assets, and you’ll have the Holy Grail of swimsuits. If you need a little help along the way, we’ve put together a few tips that can help you find a suit that accentuates all your best assets, so you feel confident and sexy.
Tip #1 – If You’re Petite Go with a Two-Piece
For petite girls, a two-piece swimsuit is often the perfect choice because it breaks up your body and allows you to add length. Glamour shows off two-pieces that add length to your torso, giving the illusion of a longer torso. If you don’t have a short torso, but you have shorter legs, look for styles that have high-cut legs. They’ll give the illusion of longer legs, lengthening your petite frame.
Tip #2 – Play Up Curves if You Have an Athletic Body
Do you have an athletic body? Even if you don’t have Beyonce’s hips or JLo’s behind, choosing the right swimsuit can play up your curves. The trick is to look for bathing suits that have embellishments that add curves and shape in all the right places. The addition of belts, beads, ruffles, and sarongs can turn an athletic body into a shapely one. A ruffled bottom can give the illusion of larger hips. A belted design can define your waist.
Tip #3 – Look for Support for a Bigger Bust
If you have a bigger bust, coverage is key when you’re choosing swimsuits. While you want to show off what you’ve got, stretchy styles will help avoid any unsightly bulges. Sexy bustier styles are a great option that offers plenty of support. To make sure the suit works for your bust, look for suits that come in bra sizes, so you’re sure to get enough coverage and support. Suits with thicker straps also make great options, since they offer additional support.
Tip #4 – Disguise a Tummy for an Apple Shape
For women who have an apple shape, the trick can be disguising the tummy with the right suit choice. According to Cosmo, it’s easy to do, especially if you go with a suit that has a built-in tummy shaper. Look for suits that highlight lean legs as well, such as high cut bikini bottoms. They’ll pull the eye down and away from your middle. Tankinis are perfect for artfully hiding an untoned tummy or muffin top for you, and solid, dark colors can give you a lean, sleek silhouette.
Tip #5 – Draw the Eye Up if You’re Pear Shaped
If you’re pear-shaped, you have wider hips and you’re smaller on top, so the best suits for this body type will help balance out your bottom half. It’s easy to do when you go with a mix and match bikini (separate bikini tops and bikini bottoms). Going with a plain, dark-colored bottom will make your bottom half look leaner, and you can choose tops with patterns and details that will draw the eye up. Patterns and ruffles on top also show off a toned upper body. You can also try a halter-neck bikini that makes your shoulders look wider, balancing out wider hips.
Tip #6 – Support and Highlight Curves if You’re a Curvy Girl
Curvy girls usually have a full butt, hips, bust, and thighs – think Ashley Graham and Christina Hendricks. According to PopSugar, the key to rocking a swimsuit is to choose one that will highlight your curves while also giving you enough coverage and support. Color-blocking suits are perfect for highlighting your beautiful shape, as do retro suits with boxy halter tops and high waisted bottoms.
