Expert Tips for Choosing the Perfect Swimsuit

Shopping for a swimsuit can be a daunting endeavor. Aside from trying to track down the perfect slimming style, the dressing room’s fluorescent lights and skinny mirrors can trigger all new body complexes. Prepare to be a beach bombshell: From tummy-trimming wonders to lift-em-up champs, these genius style tricks and super flattering suits will turn even the most swimsuit-wary gal into a certified sun goddess. 

Highlight your assets.

It may seem obvious, but let the pattern, color and embellishment adorn your best feature, and downplay problem areas with dark solids. When shopping, look for one-pieces with color-blocking, or separates that have interchangeable pieces. For example, dark solid tops or bottoms to correspond with the prints.

Create an illusion.

Design details like ruching or shirring can be deceptively slimming on the body. Shirring refers to tightly woven gathers in the fabric, and it not only holds you in, but it is so-called “figure flattery magic”. It hides any traces of bulging, while hugging the waist and curves. Ruching, characterized by draped and gathered fabric, is another secret weapon to rely on, and it doesn’t have to be all over either. If you have a tummy, look for ruching across the midsection. Princess seams will also provide structure to a suit, giving you an hourglass figure, while concealing imperfections. A small, allover print can also help to camouflage a full bust or tummy.

If you want to slim the hips…

Don’t go wild on the bottom.

The less going on there, well—the less going on there!

Do bring focus up

with a top in a lighter color, or with fun details or a pretty pattern.

Do go for a fairly high-cut bottom

to create the illusion of longer, leaner legs.

The best swimsuits for pear shapes

If you want to boost a small bust…

Don’t rule out an underwire.

It gives shape to small busts.

Do go for extras

like ruffles, beading and pleating. They add bulk and visual interest.

Don’t do bandeau.

They’ll flatten you out even more

Stepping outside your comfort zone.

Just because a black maillot always works for you, doesn’t mean that there aren’t other swimsuits out there that could work just as well or even better. Experiment with a new style, even if it seems daring, and you could be pleasantly surprised. For instance, one-shoulder suits are almost always flattering no matter your body type, since they highlight the neck, narrow the shoulders and draw attention to the feminine collarbone.

Work with your body type.

Keep in mind: Since swimsuits expand when wet, it’s best to skew on the smaller side when in doubt to ensure a snug fit with no gapping or drooping. And, suits are often tied too loosely, so one small fix that can add up to a better fit is tightening the straps on side ties and halter tops.

Take your time.

And last, but certainly not least, try to carve out enough time for swimsuit shopping. If you go in with the mindset that you will be investing time in finding the right style for you, you are far less likely to make decisions in haste.