How to Choose a Swimsuit for a Pear-Shaped Figure

Unless you're blessed with the perfect body, you probably place shopping for a swimsuit at the bottom of your "fun things to do" list. The woman with a pear-shaped figure has big hips and thighs, but there's no reason to completely hide those womanly curves. Choose the right swimsuit for your pear shape, and you'll feel just as sexy and stylish as anybody else partying around the pool.

Instructions

1. Draw attention away from your large hips. Choose a two-piece swimsuit with a light color for the top and a dark one for the bottom. This will help balance your pear-shaped figure. Detailing on the top, such as ruffles or patterns, will also bring the eye upward.

2. Buy a one-piece if you are self-conscious about showing too much skin. Choose a swimsuit with a plunging neckline to bring attention to your top half.

3. Look feminine in a tankini that has an attached swim skirt. The skirt will help camouflage problems you want to hide.

4. Show off your legs if you feel good about them, but stay away from suits that sport boy cut shorts. They're far from flattering to the pear-shaped figure. High-cut legs also call too much attention to your hips.

5. Downsize the look of your backside by choosing a suit where the back is cut like an inverted triangle.

6. Accentuate your narrow shoulders with a strapless or one-shoulder style asymmetrical swimsuit. Pear-shaped figures often have great shoulders.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have big hips and a flabby tummy, choose swimsuits that have inside control panels for both these areas.

• Plan to give yourself plenty of shopping time. You may need to try on dozens of suits before finding the perfect fit.

• A stylish cover up in a flattering color can help give you poolside confidence.