How To Buy The Perfect Bathing Suit ....

Every summer brings the bathing suit dilemma. After a winter of heavy clothing, dry skin and a decided lack of a tan, summer bursts forth, bringing the expectation of appearing poolside in the perfectly fitted bathing suit. You could bring out last year’s suit, but you worry that it may appear dated or simply worn out. Yet you dread the process of facing the dressing room mirror, trying on endless combinations in the quest for the perfect bathing suit. Fortunately, while nothing can replace the dressing room for ensuring a great fit, a few simple tips can help you narrow down a bathing suit style that is right for you. Try to find a bathing suit that works, rather than against, your natural body type.

Small Bust

You may feel uncomfortable displaying your chest in a triangle bikini top. Choose from a wide range of padded or push-up styles. Patterns, texture and detail elements such as fringe help to give the illusion of a fuller bust. Light and bright colors add fullness while darker colors tend to minimize your chest.

If the rest of your body is long and lean, consider a bikini that will show off your small midsection and long legs, drawing the eye away from your chest. If the rest of your body is not as perfect as you would like, consider a great one-piece. Strategic cutouts draw the eye to areas of your body that you consider assets, keeping the attention away from the areas that you do not like as well.

Smaller busted women have an advantage in not needing a bathing suit that provides particular support.

Those with a smaller bust can wear almost any style of suit. Try on several styles to find one that suits you, remembering to use pattern and texture to enhance the bust line.

Round Tummy

Many bathing suits have control panels through the waist. This is the simplest way to minimize a bulging belly. However, you may feel uncomfortable wearing a restrictive bathing suit all day. If you do not find control panels comfortable, you can camouflage your waist in other ways. If you are proud of your cleavage, try a plunging V-neck bathing suit in a dark color. The color will minimize your size while the neckline draws the eye up, away from the tummy area. A tankini that has an empire waist will achieve a similar effect, again drawing the eye upward. The empire waist falls just below the bust, allowing the rest of the suit to skim the tummy. Likewise, if your legs are terrific, consider a one-piece bathing suit with high cut legs. This will draw the eye downward, again away from your tummy area.

A halterkini is a fun new style for those who want to draw the eye away from the tummy. Pair a halter-style tank top with hip hugging bottoms. The top will skim your tummy, ending at the top of the hips. The bottom will just reach the hips, leaving a slight gap between the top and bottom of the hipline. This draws the eye past the waist and to the hips.

 

Large Bust

If you have a large bust, you will need a bathing suit that provides support. A triangle top may not be the best option, as you may have trouble keeping the top in place. Instead, look for a bikini top with shoulder straps that anchor the top. The top should be somewhat constructed rather than flimsy. Halter styles and sports bra-type bikini tops work well for larger busted women. If you want to accentuate your cleavage, choose a bikini or a one-piece suit with a plunging neckline.

If you want to minimize the size of your chest, consider a wraparound or a draping bathing suit styles. This type of suit will draw attention down to the waist, away from the bust. Any sort of detailing at the waist or hips will catch the eye, playing up a great lower half while drawing attention away from the bust.

Large Thighs, Hips, or Backside

Camouflage problem areas by selecting a bathing suit with a matching skirt. Just a short flared skirt over the bathing suit bottom is all you need. Boy shorts also work well, providing a flirty look along with full coverage. Choose styles that draw the eye upward toward a great bust or waist such as a low neckline, waist detailing or bikini style. If your waist is not perfect, consider a tank top-style top, which leaves just a flirty gap between the top and bottom of the bathing suit. Dark colors will help to minimize your hips and backside as well.

If your bust is smaller, consider using patterns and texture on the top half of your bathing suit to create the illusion of fullness. The texture will help to balance your body, creating a more symmetrical shape. Also, consider a wraparound style suit, which will create balance through your entire body.

Athletic Body

If your figure is boyish with undefined curves, consider a bathing suit that will create curves for you. A halter bikini will help to balance broader shoulders while creating a beautiful top line. A belted bottom that hits just below your natural waistline will help to break up a lanky line, giving the illusion of a thinner waist. Finally, a scooped waistline on the bottoms adds to the illusion of curves.

If you prefer a one-piece suit, look for styles that create curves. Texture and patterning on the bust and hip areas will give the illusion that these areas are fuller. Waist level cutouts, particularly along the sides, help to create the illusion of a smaller waist. Another consideration is a monokini, a new style that resembles a bikini with the top and bottom attached by a small amount of fabric. The revealing sides add curves naturally.

Short Torso

Choose a bathing suit style that will lengthen the top half of your body. A high neckline is an excellent choice, as the sleek lines appear longer than they actually are. Hip hugger bottoms, which reach just to the hipbone, create a longer line between the bust and the hips.

Choose medium cut legs to downplay long legs, which can make a short torso seem even shorter. Remember to play up your assets, whether a great chest or fabulous hips.

If you have a short torso but would like the coverage that a one-piece swimsuit provides choose a bathing suit with cutouts. A high-necked one-piece bathing suit is sleek and adds length to the body, but may be overwhelming on a smaller woman. Strategically placed cutouts or other design elements keep the long line in place but provide visual interest and additional curves.

Every woman has a unique body type. No one walks into a dressing room and looks terrific in every bathing suit she tries. Learn your body type, and critically assess the features that you love about your body as well as those that you would like to hide. The easiest way to camouflage a problem area is simply to draw the eye to another part of the body. Choose styles that play up your best features while downplaying those you do not like.