How to Buy a Bathing Suit to Complement a Figure Type

Women's bodies are complicated works of art. Part of the beauty of these feminine forms is their diversity. This very diversity can make finding a good-looking bathing suit an arduous task. There are ways, however, to find the perfect suit to complement each figure type.

Instructions

1. Buy the correct-sized bathing suit, no matter what your figure type may be. Don't make the mistake of buying one size up to try to camouflage your body, as the added bulk of the extra material will sag and make you look heavier than you are.

2. Choose swimsuits with skirts or swim shorts if you have large legs. These will provide your legs with the coverage that regular garments do, but you can still swim in them. If you do not like the look of a full skirt, buy one that is really a half skirt that ties on one side. This will still provide good coverage.

3. Draw attention to your best assets. For example, if you have a nice bust, you should choose a two-piece suit with a full bra top with underwire to accentuate this feature. Draw attention upward by buying a suit with a print top and solid bottom.

4. Slim the line of your body with solid, dark-colored swimsuits if you are full figured. You can always choose classic black suits, but consider maroon, hunter green or navy suits for the same effect. Be aware that prints and pastels can make you look larger.

5. Purchase bathing suits with low-cut legs to de-emphasize large hips. You can choose either a two-piece or a one-piece suit of this style that will complement your figure type.

6. Pick a string bikini if you are just a little overweight. The strings will not cut into your sides like regular banded suits, which can cause bulging. Be sure to tie it snug, but not tight. Remember though while these may complement your type of figure, they are not very serviceable for active lap swimming or beach sports.

7. Buy streamlined skirt bathing suits if your figure type is that of a pear. You will want to stay away from any suits that reveal the thighs if you have this body type.

8. Try a bathing suit with cut-out sides if you are thick waisted. These suits serve to make the waist appear smaller and are trendy and sexy as well.

9. Stick to regular brief-cut bottoms on suits rather than boy cuts if you want to make your legs look smaller. Though boy cuts cover the legs, they draw attention to them, and they tend to overemphasize and outline large thighs.

10. Add to your bust area with a padded bikini top if you want to appear larger breasted. The padding will add about a cup size. If you want to appear even bustier, find a padded top with underwire.

11. Wear horizontal-striped bathing suits and tankinis if you have a long torso. Conversely, vertical-striped, solid, one-piece suits will help you disguise a short torso.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a straight body type and want to create the illusion of a cinched waist, try a suit with front panels or crossover material at the mid-section.