Summertime is almost here — that means plenty of time at the beach and pool. Don’t dread shopping for a swimsuit. The right suit can accentuate the positive, disguise the negative and make use of your proportions. Follow these tips to find the most flattering swimsuit, no matter your size or shape.
Make friends with spandex
Select a swimsuit that contains 20 percent spandex or more. Spandex is great to hold everything in place. You can also find swimsuits that have a built in tummy panel to help hide any bulges.
Play with color
Colorblocking is all the rage in fashion right now — and it’s perfect for disguising any figure flaws. Pear-shaped women should choose a one-piece suit with a dark, solid color on the bottom and a light color up top. Select a suit with a unique neckline to draw the attention up and away from problem areas.
Flat chest? No problem.
Fortunately the same technology that is available in bras in also available in swimwear. For small breasted women, you can find padded and push-up tops to give you a little extra lift. A demi-cut bikini bra will also make your chest look larger. To divert the attention away from your small chest, pick a swimsuit with ruffles or patterns in the bottom. On the flip side, to reduce the appearance of a full bust, wear swimwear with a dark top with a square neckline.
Favorite style: Tankini
If your bod isn’t bikini ready, pick a tankini (tank top with bikini bottom). This type of suit is perfect if you have a thick waist or just want a little extra coverage. To disguise heavy hips and thighs, look for a tankini that combines a tank with a skort, rather than a small bikini bottom.
