Swimsuit shopping can be likened to that of denim shopping; an oftentimes-frustrating excursion, resulting in you leaving the store empty handed and exasperated. Truth is, much like shopping for the perfect pair of blues, knowing what swimsuit suits your body shape best saves you both time and sanity of mind.
So if you’re headed out on a beach vacation, continue on for tips on how to find the perfect swimsuit for your shape that will minimize any dimples, lumps and bumps!
Curvy: Think you can’t sport a two-piece? Think again”whether you’re pear-shaped or top-heavy, you can definitely pull-off a flirty bikini by following a few rules. If you’re pear-shaped, often a patterned top or one with ruching, will draw the eyes away from your lower half when paired with a solid bottom. If your body shape is the opposite, opt for a style that provides ample coverage and support such as a tankini. One-piece suits are also great in either solid colours or with camouflage details such as ruching and waist-accentuating bands. Also remember to avoid side-tie bottoms and flimsy spaghetti straps.
Try Anthropologie’s One-Piece Natalie Swimsuit, $148.00.
Athletic: While your body shape can pretty much pull-off any style, there are a few tricks that can highlight your best assets and enhance your toned bod with a little more curves. Pattered swimsuits are great for your shape as they give an illusion of curviness, while details like ruching and/or ruffles create volume. If you’d like to amp up the dé©colleté©, padded cups with removable inserts allows you to control cleavage. Also a bandeau style swimsuit will oftentimes highlight your widest part, whereas a halter-style will emphasize your toned shoulders and draw onlookers’ eyes to your chest.
Try mixing and matching Gap’s Floral Ruffle Bandeau Bikini Top ($36.50) with their Ruched Hipster Bikini Bottom ($34.95).
Petite: You can definitely pull-off the itsy-bitsy teen-weeny bikinis, with the exception of a few rules. Firstly, don’t overwhelm your petite frame with large prints and/or straps. If you would prefer a printed swimsuit opt for a small all over pattern. Should you be petite, but a little curvy, use the same style trick of pairing a solid bottom with a printed top, or, a one-piece with a plunging neckline, which will draw the eye upwards. Higher-cut bottoms give the appearance of longer legs, while a vertical striped one-piece will make your torso appear longer. Looking to add a little oomph to your body? Again, details like ruffles and ruching add volume, while a sexy cutout one-piece swimsuit provides the illusion of curves. You can also choose a top with some extra padding to give yourself a little boost, but word to the wise: beware of treading into Pamela Anderson circa Baywatch territory!
Try Urban Outfitter’s Lisa Maree Crochet Triangle Bikini Top and Bottom, both priced at $64.00.
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