How to Choose the Best Swimsuit for Your Body Type

You don't have to be a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model in order to look fabulous on the beach. The key to the sexy swimsuit look is finding a swimsuit that best compliments your body type. Read on for some helpful tips.

Instructions

1. KNOW your body type. There are generally four body types: straight-figure, pear shape, apple shape and the hourglass shape.

2. 

   STRAIGHT-figure. Okay, you don't have curves. No problem. Choose a bathing suit that adds emphasis to your hip and bust area. A bathing suit with ruffles, ties or other embellishments will do the trick.

3. 

   PEAR-shape. In this instance, you carry more weight in the hips, thighs and legs. What you want to do is draw attention above the waist. Buy a swimsuit with a lower neckline. Also look for bright colors on the top of the swimsuit.

4. 

   APPLE-shape. If you have this body, you have a larger upper-body and fuller breasts. Buy a bathing suit with straps and patterns. Also consider a halter-top style swimsuit. Make sure the swimsuit provides added breast support.

5. 

   HOURGLASS-shape. You have a curvy upper and lower body. Look for swimsuits with adjustable straps and halters. Wear bathing suits with a matching top and bottom or solid colors. One-piece bathing suits work well also.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't want to show figure at all, cover it up in style with a Tunic.

• Swimsuits typically run smaller than clothing. So purchase a swimsuit that is 1 or 2 sizes larger.

• Black is not the only slimming color. Blue, purple and brown also give you a slimmer look.