How to Buy a Two Piece Bathing Suit

Most women dread picking out a new swimsuit, much less a two piece suit. However, manufacturers offer much more versatility in two piece suits than in one piece suits. Buy a two piece suit that highlights your assets and conceals your flaws, and stop hiding under that tunic.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Choose a swimsuit with a low-riding bottom to elongate the torso. Short women can appear stocky in high-waist bottoms.

2. Buy a two-piece with under wires if you have a bust greater than a B cup. Unless you've had a breast augmentation, larger breasts require more support than a string or band can provide.

3. Select a two piece with a neckline that flatters your figure. A U-shaped top can diminish the appearance of broad shoulders. A V-shaped neckline draws the eye upward, away from heavy hips.

4. Use nonmatching tops and bottoms to draw attention to your most attractive features. If you want to highlight an attractive bust line, chose a top with a bold stripe or pattern. If you want to draw attention to slender legs, choose bottoms with a bright color or metal hardware.

5. Pick a top with a tube or bandeau style to diminish a large bust. Conversely, women with a small bust should choose a top with embellishments, such as ruffles or smocking.

6. Look for skirted bottoms or boy shorts if you want to conceal stubborn cellulite. Far from looking matronly, these swimsuits come in sporty and contemporary styles and colors.

7. Consider a tankini swimsuit if you don't like the idea of revealing your entire midriff. A tankini swimsuit features a top that skims the navel and bottoms in varying degrees of coverage.