Swimsuits for all figure types

June 28, 11:22 PMWomen's Image and Wardrobe ExaminerNatalie Jobity

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It's that time of the year ladies! When we bare our bods and belt to the beach. A scary prospect for so many gals though. But I am here bringing good tidings!! Perhaps more than other seasons, this summer I truly believe there are options aplenty for all shapes, sizes and level of modesty. So without further ado—here are some suits suited for you!

Ideal bodies

For the 15% of real women who have ‘perfect 10’ bodies they can wear the full gamut of styles and for most the bikini will be a no-brainer. For women who fall into this category just be sure to choose a pattern and color that really enhances. Too often I see women with great bodies wearing bathing suits in a color that actually takes away from their great look. So perfect body or not, think of the colors that put you in the best light

Full in the hips/thighs (pear shapes)

For women who have a pear (triangle) shape, minimizing the hips and often rear is the challenge. An easy strategy is to use color blocking—wear a darker color on your bottom and a brighter/lighter one on top. Another alternative, the skirted suit or tankini in a straight to slight a line silhouette (not flared!). Boy shorts provide coverage in the rear. Also bring as much attention to your top half by details, accents, design to detract from your larger bottom half. Avoid horizontal stripes on your bottom half!

Tummy

For gals with a tummy step away from the bikini! Too often I see ladies with their little paunches all hanging out and honestly they can do so much better. For you, I highly recommend the minimizing one pieces. Or a one piece suit with ruching at the waist/tummy which is an excellent camouflager. Or a suit with a wrap over style to minimize bulges. A high waist retro styled bikini bottom with high spandex content can work wonders for the mid section. The key theme in whichever suit you choose is a high percentage of spandex to hold in bulges.

Large breasts

Women with large breasts really need proper support. Bikinis are fine once the top has the proper underwire support to keep the bust lifted. With one pieces, you absolutely want to look at a deep V neck or wide U scoop necklines which enhance your bust. To avoid like the plague? Little itsy bitsy tops or stringy halters that look at odds with your proportion and provide zero support.

Small breasts

There is hope small busted gals. The variety of push-up padded bikini and tankini tops definitely help augment your bust line. Also look for tops with ruching or detailing in the top to give you more depth in that area. Avoid strapless swimsuits or those with high necklines which only emphasize your lack on top.

Rectangle shapes

Women with few curves can create them in a couple of ways. One is looking at swimsuits with cut outs on the sides—there is a new silhouette called the monokini which is perfect for creating the illusion of curves. Another technique is looking for color blocking that creates curves. Or a cris cross design at the waist. Or even try for a belted hip.

Long Torsos

The Tankini is your friend! Love the tankini! And in the variety of styles those you with less than perfect 10 bodies for whom the bikini is not an option and neither in the one piece, the tankini my friend is for you!

Petites

Bikinis can be great for petite if you have the body to rock it. If going for one piece, look for one that shows more skin than not—cutout styles can make the torso look longer.

For more info: Visit: Victoria's Secret, Bloomingdales, Nordstroms.