Swimsuit Styles for a Pear Shape With a Long Torso

A perfect-fitting bikini will flatter your curves.

If you have a pear-shaped lower body, you probably also have a long waist, a smaller upper body and short legs, explains "What Not to Wear" co-host Trinny Woodall, whose own shape meets this description. This body type also usually has a flat stomach, well-shaped arms and an elegant long neck. The most flattering swimsuit styles will fit well, highlight your sleek upper body, and make the most of your curves.

Bikini

If you have full hips and thighs, you may fear that a bikini will overexpose you, but bikinis are terrific for anyone with a long torso and a larger lower body. One-piece suits will likely be too short and fit poorly, and they make the torso appear longer. Two-piece suits break up the torso visually and minimize a long waist. Bikinis allow for a perfect fit, because you can buy a larger-sized bottom and a smaller top. A well-fitting bottom is smooth and streamlined, while too-small bottoms cut into your flesh and draw attention to the area. Choose a V-shaped bikini bottom that dips down just below the belly button for an extra-slimming look. Stay away from boy shorts, which cut straight across your thighs at their widest part and make you look bigger.

Tankini

If a bikini feels too bare, a tankini provides similar advantages and more coverage. Tankinis are two-piece suits with tops that hit somewhere between the belly button and the middle rib cage. They flatter long torsos as bikinis do, and they stay in place while swimming and surfing. Tankinis also provide more support if you have a large chest. Choose tankinis for sports and occasions where you don't want to show much skin.

Embellished Top

To draw attention upward and away from your lower body, choose a suit with an embellished top. Ruffles, brooches, and metallic or plastic clasps will focus attention on toned arms and a trim upper body. Suits with colorful or printed tops and plain dark bottoms accomplish the same thing.

Skirted Bottom

If you're more comfortable with a full-coverage bottom, go for a skirt rather than boy shorts or bike shorts. Stay away from matronly skirts that are overly roomy or long; these will make you look as if you're hiding something. Instead, look for close-fitting skirted bottoms with ruffles, ruching, slits and attractive prints. Skirts with vintage details are a stylish and distinctive option.

References

• What You Wear Can Change Your Life; Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine
• The Lucky Shopping Manual; Kim France and Andrea Linnett
• Real Simple: Swimsuits: If You Have Full Hips and Thighs . . .
• Real Simple: Find the Best Bathing Suit for Your Shape