Splish, Splash: The Best Bathers for your Body

Photo courtesy H&M

Whether you’re well-endowed, stick straight or curvy all over, don’t let a bad bathing suit wreak havoc on your summer fun. Simply keep these figure-flattering tips in mind next time you hit the fitting room:

If You Have a Small Bust: String bikinis or a bra-type top with underwires or padding help fill you out. Interesting necklines, ruching or detailing, and bright colours at the top also help the cause.

If You're Curvy: If you’re curvy or plus-size, coverage is key. Look for tops with lots of support, and higher-cut leg openings to lengthen. Allover patterns (in a smaller print) and ruching or shirring help distract the eye from settling on one place.

If You Have a Tummy: Look for vertical details like a v-neck, and suits with built-in tummy-control panels. Try shirring at the waist and details on the neckline or straps to draw the eye up.

If You're Petite: Sweet petites should look for details that elongate, like a plunge neckline that will lengthen the neck and flattering, high-cut bottoms to make legs look extra long.

If You Have a Large Bust: If your cups runneth over, you’ll need a swimsuit that will give you the right kind of coverage and support. Look for underwires, minimizers and halter styles to keep you uplifted while at the beach.

If You're Hippy and You Know It: Next time you’re shopping, look for interesting details at the top to draw the eye upward, avoiding string styles or any other details at the hips. High-cut leg openings are more flattering than boycut styles, which only accentuate your widest point.

If You're Athletic: Sporty girls with a stick-straight frame need to create curves if few exist. Look for ruffles, cut-outs and peplum details to become an instant bombshell.

For more swimsuit shopping tips (including my top swimsuit picks for every body) check out my full article at iVillage.ca