Shopping for a new bathing suit might not really be something you look forward to. Trying on all those suits and not finding anything that you feel comfortable in can be frustrating, and it's easier just to avoid the whole thing, right? Sadly, no. You can't wear that same suit you've been wearing for the past 15 years. It's looking worse for wear, and that flouncy skirt and huge flower pattern are not doing you any favors. So... let's go shopping! No matter what your figure woes, there's something that will make you look great out there in that scary jungle of racks they call the swimsuit department. Something that will make this even less painless? Waiting until August to brave the suit section has its rewards! Everything is on sale right now to clear out space for Fall merchandise.
Small On Top
If you have a small bust, suits can often be baggy, smush you even flatter, or just not look right on you, so find something that will make the most of what you've got. If you have anything to work with at all, you can buy a push-up, padded style (#1 - La Blanca 'Fresh Look' Push-Up Bikini Top ($79)), but this option can often look too much like lingerie for some women. If you don't want to go that route, small busted women look great in ruffled styes (#2 - French Connection Ruffle Triangle Bikini Top ($22.41)), which create volume, and bikini tops in graphic prints (#3 - Trina Turk Halter Bikini Top ($62.99)) which distract from your bust size. You can get away with small cuts because you don't need much support up there, which is a big plus for you!
Big on Top
If you have big girls, getting them to behave and stay inside your suit on the beach can be a challenge. Try a halter style (#1 - Tommy Bahama Swim 'Aquarelli' Halter Top ($74)), which is flattering to a large bust and supports it at the same time. The suit pictured also has a wide band, which provides extra support. If it's comfortable for you, seek out an style that incorporates an underwire (#2 - Tommy Bahama Swim Palm Print Underwire Bikini Top ($82)). Patterns in dark colors will de-emphasize a large bust, if that's the way you'd like to go (#3 - Body Glove Glam Rock D-DD Bikini Top ($46)).
Boyish Figures
If your figure is straight up and down, there are plenty of ways to create curves. Try a padded top and a low cut bottom (#1 - OndadeMar Floral Print Padded Triangle Bikini ($189.63) )to create the illusion of a larger bust and hips. You can use ruffles and/or bows to add volume where there is none (#2 - Betsey Johnson Surprise Party top ($98) and bottom ($88)). Boyshort bottoms (#3 - Tory Burch Reversible Boyshort Bottom ($52.50) can also create the illusion of hips.
Bigger in the Middle
Is it a little tummy you're seeking to hide? Luckily, there are plenty of suits out there that will make you look super svelte. Try a suit made of magical material that will suck you in (Miraclesuit Oceanus Swimsuit ($136). If that's not your style, ruching or bottoms with a fold over waist band (eliminates "mufin top") will flatter you as well (Ella Moss Fold-over Mosaic Pant ($47.20)). If you like, you can draw the eye away from your tummy and upwards by showing off some cleavage in a black one-piece (Calvin Klein One-Piece ($98)).
Pear-shaped Figures
If you've got hips and thighs that are fuller than your bust, you can feel bottom heavy in many of the suits you try on. Try a suit that's dark on the bottom and printed on the top to draw the eye up (Miraclesuit Wild Blue Wonder Suit ($140)), or a suit with a ruffle on top to balance your figure (DKNY Ruffle Maillot ($81.50)) If you want to go for a two piece suit, the same rules apply. Just try to balance your figure with color and volume enhancing embellishments. Try mixing and matching a plain dark bikini bottom with a patterned top (Coco Reef Tankini Top and Bottoms ($72 and $42)).
Plus-sized Figures
It used to be almost impossible to find a plus-sized suit that didn't look like something Grandma would wear, but now it's easy to find something stylish that will look modern and flatter your curves. Wrap styles look great on full figured women (#1 - Avenue Floral Ikat Swimsuit w/Tummy Control ($36.99)). If you have a large bust, try accentuating it with a pretty detail like a cut-out (#2 - Monif C Monaco Ruched Swimsuit ($110)). Try suits with built in shaping material that smooth you out. One-pieces with plunging necklines also flatter fuller figures (Kiyonna Farrah Swimsuit ($118)).
The Extras
Now that you've found a suit, you need to do what you do with any outfit: Accessorize! There are certain pieces will make any woman (with any figure) look ultra-glam on the beach, by the pool, or anywhere you dare to show your stuff. A simple sarong can be wrapped about a million different ways. A short style (#1 - Cristina Ferrari Sarong ($49)) can be used to add volume to your hips when tied low on your waist, and a long style (#2 - Paul Smith Sarong $111) will camouflage a fuller bottom half. It can even be wrapped into a cute dress for a trip to the poolside cafe. Adding some height is always flattering to your figure, but you'll look silly rocking stilettos poolside. Instead, try a slip-on wedge sandal (#3 - Softwalk San Fran Wedge Sandal ($72.90) to add length to your legs. If you don't care to add any height, grab a fun pair of flip flops (#4 - Vix Swimwear Flip Flops ($37)). Jewelry with a beachy feel is always a flattering addition, especially if you wear a necklace that draws attention to your cleavage (#5 - Juicy Couture Shell Pendant ($98)) or an anklet that shows off pretty pedicured toes (#6 - Christie Martin Coral Branch Anklet ($132)). Top it all off with a big floppy hat (#7 - Grace Hats 'Circus' Sun Hat ($32)) and a pair of big sunglasses (#8 - Jessica Simpson Sunglasses ($50)) to keep the sun out of your eyes and protect you from harmful UV rays.
How do you make the most of your figure in a bathing suit? Leave us your tips in the comments!
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