Buying the Perfect Bathing Suit Style for Every Body
Swim season is approaching as fast and as swiftly as the waves that you'll be floating on this summer! Storefronts are boasting their best bathing suits and sending women into a tizzy over what to wear. Every body is unique and different and even your own body changes from year to year as your habits and lifestyle do, so avoid slipping yourself into a category or a pre-packaged idea of how you should look. Instead, focus on what you like about your body and emphasize those features.
Emphasize belly and/or hips
Hips don’t lie when holding a string bikini bottom that shows skin. This low-rise bottom ($16, Victoria’s Secret) draws attention to your stomach while the Daisy push-up triangle top ($24, Victoria’s Secret) supports all chest sizes and comes in a variety of colours to suit all styles (the bows can even be removed).
This key-hole one-piece ($26.50, La Senza) draws attention to your stomach with a sexy strip of cloth running from the bandeau top to a moderate coverage bikini bottom, highlighting the sexy skin that holds it together.
Emphasize a slimmer chest
Those with a more delicate frame have the luxury of experimenting with patterned bathing suits and accessories like bows and ruffles. This striped bandeau ($18.90, Garage) and string bikini bottom (18.90, Garage) will draw eyes with its classic pattern and emphasis on your natural curves. Keep in mind bandeaus look best on those with even proportions.
On the other hand, solid colours emphasize a slim figure and send out the message that you have nothing to hide and are proud of it. The “Vitamin A” bikini (top $89, bottom $81, Bikini Village) looks amazing with its strapless top.
You can take your pick of any string bikini, but regardless of your bra size, it’s worth investing in a supportive bra-like bathing suit top like this swim top with a ruffle (top $26.50, La Senza). Do you feel more comfortable in your bra than in your bikini? That’s because your bra supports you and hangs tight. This monokini ($36.90, Garage) presents a sexy one-piece option, offering support while the keyhole top and strip down the middle outline your figure.
Emphasize a heavier chest
Especially if you’re heavier in the chest area, a supportive top is worth the money. A halter top will show off your assets, drawing attention to your collarbone area. This sexy miraculous push-up halter tankini ($51, Victoria’s Secret) keeps you covered while still showing some skin and offering underwire support. It also comes in a variety of eye-popping colours.
But you can still get fancy. Ravishing ruffles really make you pop in this Ralph Lauren bikini (top $62, bottom $64, Bikini Village).This animal print skirtini ($54.99, Sears) offers bust support with added coverage and a built-in panty. The pattern is sexy and the skirt bottom feels amazingly comfortable while making you stand out.
Balance out belly
Don’t forget about tankinis. These flattering suits enable you to enjoy the benefits of a two-piece without having to bare all. This Turquoise tankini ($55, Bikini Village) catches the eye with its ribbed style but the attention it draws is flattering.
A sexy one-piece can act like a girdle or help someone who doesn’t like showing off their belly, even when in the best of shape. This black Captiva one-piece ($108, Bikini Village) is slimming and sexy. The textured top draws attention to your upper body and keeps your tummy covered. This ruched one-piece ($72, Victoria’s Secret) is a must-have when it comes to flattering bellies; its halter top emphasizes the upper body while the ruffles cover the stomach area. The Christina sarong swimsuit ($49.99, Sears) boasts a built-in control panel that tames your belly while adding comfort with adjustable straps, a soft bra and a choice between patterns or solid colours.
If you still love bikinis, look dazzling in this Coco & Beach bikini halter top ($30, Bikini Village) with an adjustable string bikini bottom ($30, Bikini Village) that doesn’t force your belly up and over like a muffin top.
Balance out thighs or waist
A boy-cut short or skirt covers thighs and emphasizes a very cute behind (with less hair removal as well). This French Riviera two-piece skirtini ($59.99, Sears) will have you feeling stunning and sexy. While it covers your bottom half, it still emphasizes your shape and supports a heavy chest. Selecting a patterned top and solid bottom draws the eyes upwards.
Balance out shoulders
If you’re looking for a balanced look between top and bottom that de-emphasizes shoulders, steer clear of halter tops and strapless swimwear. This Kala Luna bikini (top $35, bottom $35, Bikini Village) looks gorgeous and emphasizes curves. A square-cut tankini will frame your build nicely.
Written by: Marisa Baratta