How to Choose the Just-Right Swimsuit

Pick out a bathing suit that's just right for your body shape.

The just-right swimsuit is one that flatters your body shape and accentuates your positive features. Knowing your body type and what part of your body to accentuate will help you choose the style of suit that will make you look just right at the beach or pool.

Things You'll Need

• Confidence that you will find the best swimsuit for your body shape
• Time to go swimsuit shopping
• Money to buy your swimsuit

Instructions

1. Opt for a structured bikini top with pretty details if you have a small bust. Such top-of-the-suit features as flirty ruffles, beading or colorful patterns are visually appealing, give more shape to small busts and create the illusion of fullness. Avoid bandeaux tops -- the wrong one can flatten you and make it look as if you're wearing a band-aid across your chest.

2. Look for a swimsuit top with the appropriate cup size if you have a full bust. Support is important. Try halter tops, preferably with a band under the bra area. If you don't like the weight of halter straps around your neck, try a swimsuit with built-in shoulder straps. A swimsuit top with an underwire or hidden bra is a good option as well. If your cup size is DD or larger, avoid triangle tops; they usually don't offer large busts enough support.

3. Take care when choosing a tankini top if you're concerned about your tummy. A tankini is a two-piece swimsuit with a longer top that usually draws eyes right to the stomach area. Look for a loose-fitting tankini top; one that's too tight may rise up and expose your belly pooch. A one-piece swimsuit with a high-cut leg or low-cut top will draw eyes away from your stomach area. Another way to disguise a thicker middle is with a suit with ruching, pronounced "rooshing" -- a French term that means pleating or gathering of fabric.

4. Choose a swimsuit bottom with high-cut sides if you have large hips and thighs. The high cut will create the illusion of longer legs and slimmer thighs. If you are larger on the bottom than the top, pair a solid color bottom with a top in a lighter color; or create a focal point at the top with playful suit details or patterns. You also should opt for a swimsuit bottom that covers your entire buttock area. Avoid boy shorts, a longer swimsuit bottom that resembles very short shorts. Boy shorts are popular, but often they shorten the appearance of your legs and can make them seem wider than they really are.

5. Embrace your curves if you have a plus-size figure. Look for swimsuits with spaghetti straps and high-cut legs. Try a wrap style swimsuit with diagonal stripes. A tunic swimsuit is another slenderizing option.

Tips & Warnings

• When trying to de-emphasize a particular area of your body, draw attention to another area you want to accentuate.

• Try on a swimsuit before you buy so you know how it feels and looks on you.

References

• "Glamour"; How to Find Your Body's Sexiest Swimsuit
• "Real Simple"; Find the Best Bathing Suit for Your Shape; Yolanda Wikiel