With swimsuit season quickly approaching, now’s the time to find your perfect bathing suit. A well-fitting swimsuit will make your body appear more toned, thus boosting your self-esteem so that you can actually have fun at that pool and not worry about how you look from every angle. For some, shopping for the best suit for your body type can be a little scary (are fitting room mirrors ever flattering?!), but keeping these key factors in mind when shopping will make figuring it out a breeze
Slim
If you’re slim, your body type is straight up and down, and fairly proportioned. A traditional bikini is your go-to. Find a bikini in a string-tie style to minimize tan lines while showing off your lithe frame, or select one with strategically placed ruffles to add a few curves
Apple
If you’re Apple shaped, you have smaller arms and legs, but may be a little fuller through the middle. A Tankini (a two-piece with a longer top, similar to a tank top) will provide more coverage up top while giving the illusion of a proportioned frame. Paired with a bikini bottom with a banded waist, legs will appear long and lean.
Pear
If you’re pear shaped, you’re still smaller up top, but a little more bottom heavy. To draw attention up look for a v-neck bikini top with a boy short or high-waist brief to best enhance your body.
Hourglass
If you’re an hourglass, you have a tiny waist while being fuller up top and bottom. Depending on your comfort level, you can don a bikini or a one-piece, but with your curves, you can step up the wow factor and try a swimming suit that’s retro-inspired. Look for one that has halter straps, built in padding for support, and a lower leg hem for maximum coverage.
Plus
If you’re plus-sized, you have an overall fuller figure, so a classic one piece bathing suit with a little ruching (gathering) on the sides to minimize the appearance of a tummy is a must have. However, that doesn’t mean you have to steer clear of a two-piece. Try one that has a flounce or (getting that Becca one soon) blouson top, and remember to look for thicker straps so that you have enough support.
EXTRAS
Once you know what style to look for when shopping, remember:
- Dark colors and/or small prints work best to mask any “trouble spots”.
- If you have a larger bust, choose a style that has thicker straps up top.
- If back fat is a problem, make sure the suit comes up higher in the back to help conceal it.
- Diagonal stripes across the tummy are a fantastic minimizer.
- Horizontal stripes and bright colors give the illusion of a larger chest.
- When all else fails, keep a cute cover-up in your bag (no old t-shirts or beach towels)!