With summer on its way, you might be looking for a swimsuit to flatter your body shape. The right shape and design is a must, but how can you enhance your cleavage, complement your curves and hide your bad bits – all at the same time? Here are several tips for a range of physiques.
Hourglass
Many women opt for a breast augmentation to achieve a voluptuous chest like yours, so don’t be afraid to show it off. Look for balcony or plunging styles but make sure there is plenty of underwire for adequate support.
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→ Buy the J.Crew Tulle Underwire Bikini Top and Retro Hipster, $56.00 - $60.00, at jcrew.com.
Thick, wide straps (that are also wide apart) will balance the weight of your assets and give you the uplift you need whereas halterneck tops will keep everything from jiggling around too much. If you’re a bit self-conscious, choose bottoms with plenty of details and make the most of accessories as patterns and colours will help draw the eye away from your bosom.
→ Buy the Victoria's Secret Ruched Halter One-Piece Swimsuit, $78.50 - $82.50, at victoriassecret.com.
Pear
If you have a slender torso but carry weight around your bum, legs and thighs you are probably a pear. Although this doesn’t sound very flattering, you have elegant shoulders and a slim waist so make the most of them in a glamorous two piece.
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→ Buy the Luxe by Lisa Vogel Opening Night Halter Top and Banded Bottom, $57.00 - $75.00, at swimspot.com.
Look for a bright top to distract attention away from your bottom half and make the most of ruffles, frills and ruches to make your top look bigger. Jewellery and a nice hat will also stop people from looking south and wedge sandals will elongate your frame helping you to sashay around the pool in style. While there’s no need to hide away underneath long skirts or sarongs they can help you cover up at a hotel café or beach bar.
→ Buy the Miraclesuit Colorblock Ruffle One Piece Swimsuit, $176.00, at victoriassecret.com.
Apple
If your trousers are feeling a little tight around the middle, you’re not alone! Our waistlines seem to be expanding, so how can you control a rounded tum or a little paunch? Well, the easiest thing to do is to buy a swimsuit made from Lycra as this will help smooth out any lumps and bumps around your middle.
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→ Buy the Miraclesuit Jena One-Piece Swimsuit, $114.00 (was $152.00), at nordstrom.com; shipping and returns are free.
If this doesn’t do the trick, there are also a wide range of swimsuits with tummy control panels and secret support, so have a look around and see what you can find. Although you might not have a washboard stomach, you have killer legs and breasts so don’t let a few extra pounds damage you confidence.
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→ Buy the SPANX Riveting Ruched One-Piece, $114.99 (was $188.00), at spanx.com.
With summer in the air you might have considered liposuction or a tummy tuck ahead of summer but the right swimwear can help you achieve the beach bod of your dreams.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on June 3, 2013. It has since been updated.
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