Wide Shoulders

In case of wide shoulders and smaller hips, it is key to minimize the top and accentuate the bottom. You do this by wearing bikini bottoms with colorful prints and details around the hips, like belts and sashes. For the top, opt for wide shoulder halter tops. Thick straps make your shoulders look more proportional. Definitely try to avoid plunging neck lines or tiny bikini bottoms, as they will only accentuate your V-silhouette.

Big Bust

Strapless bikinis are a no-go for you. In general, halter top bikinis still offer the best support while keeping things sexy with some cleavage. Go for a style with a solid and adjustable structure that can be tied in the back and around your neck. A V-neck can be a solution to elongate your figure and play down your breast size a bit. To take some attention away from your breasts, take a look at styles with a solid-colored top and patterned bottom.

Small Bust

You are one of the lucky few that can get away with wearing a bandeau bikini top. In addition, tri-tops (bikinis with triangle shaped cups) are your best friends, because they will add the appearance of some extra volume to your small bust. Of course slight padding and embellishments like beading, little ruffles or embroidery have the same effect.

Short Legs, Long Torso

The solution here is to make your legs appear longer than they really are. You can do this by finding a swimsuit that has a high cut on the thighs. Wearing a printed top bikini with a solid bottom is a good way to draw attention to you upper body and away from your legs. Shy away from boy shorts and skirts on the bottom which bring focus to your lower body, as this will result in making your legs appear even shorter. To give your torso a shorter appearance, break it up by wearing a bikini or a one-piece swimsuit with trendy cut-outs.

Long Legs, Short Torso

All you long-legged women, go look for a one-piece in a solid color. Unlike a bikini, it does not break up the body and has an elongating effect on the torso. A plunging neckline will take that effect even further and will bring extra balance into your appearance. Other ways to create the illusion of a longer torso are to wear bikini bottoms that are low on the hips or pieces with vertical stripes, especially down the sides.

No Waist / No Hips

Got no waist or hips? Don’t worry, there are several ways to create a more curvy silhouette. You could for example bring some extra volume to your hips by wearing bikini bottoms that have embellishments like ruffles, ties or rings on the side. On the other hand a belt around your waist creates that hourglass body shape illusion we are all craving for. Make sure you pick a bikini over a one-piece anytime.

Plus Sized

The key to minimizing your body shape is to go for swimwear in darker colors and with a deep V-neckline. This is not to say that black is your only option. A dark blue or deep red will do you justice as well. For a more slimming effect on your hips and upper legs, opt for a swimsuit with high-cut leg

Bulging Belly

Avoid tiny bikinis at all times. As for one-pieces, your best option is to stick to belted ones as they can give you that hourglass shape. Your ultimate piece of swimwear, however, is a loose tankini. It covers up the tummy area, while still being trendy and sexy. Finally,  try some of that special tummy-control swimwear they sell nowadays. The superstretch fabrics have a slimming effect and give you curves at the right places.

Full Bottom

Again the trick is to draw attention away from your problem area. One way to do this is to combine an eye-catching lighter-colored bikini top with a darker and more simple bottom. Make sure the bottom is not too skimpy and covers your whole bottom for a lifting effect. A skirted bikini offers a cute way to cover up some of that extra pounds, as long as it’s not too ruffled.  Shorts are definitely something you’ll want to avoid wearing.

Hourglass

Lucky you! You can wear about anything on the market. Take advantage of this and go for some variety in your swimwear collection. Don’t be afraid to try out new trends and combine them with stylish classics for a lasting impression.

This article should provide you with the tools to pick the right swimwear for your body type. However, if you have difficulties finding a comfortable and flattering piece, don’t hesitate to ask for advice and recommendations from the store staff. They know what they have in stock and which pieces will suit your body type.

Alyssa

(image credit: Matt Coats)