Bathing Suits for YOUR Body

As we are all aware, summer is here. This means that fruity cocktails, trendy hats, and you guessed it…bathing suits, are all a part of our everyday vocabulary. Most women are not too thrilled when this season rolls around, as society has engrained in our minds that we have to look like Kendall Jenner and Demi Moore throughout our lifetimes. I’m here to tell you there is no one perfect body. You are perfect the way you are!

Follow these tips for choosing the best bathing suit for your figure. 

Love Handles and Full Thighs 

You have a bit of booty, hips, and thighs. Your body type is perfect to show off what your mama gave you! If you feel inclined to cover up your assets, opt for something skirted or simply throw a sarong over your bottoms. Solid printed or high-waisted bottoms distract from your love handles. 

Suit: Venus Slimming Swim Dress Photo 

Boobs and butt…you don’t have much of either (think Jennifer Aniston). Since your curves are pretty much non–existent, it’s important to show off the curves you do have. A monokini will look striking on you, as well tiny bottoms. Go with suits that are girly or patterned, since they will enrich your body’s shape!

Suit: NASTY GAL - Manic Funday Cutout Swimsuit | Photo: Nasty Gal

Chesty Beauty 

When people meet you, they never know whether to look at your face or your girls. If you love this attention, fear not, as there is an array of bathing suit styles for you to rock! Since you need a lot of support, find something with underwire and molded cups. Your girls have a mind of their own some days, so it’s best to make sure they are strapped down, for example with a bra–styled top!

Suit: MONDAY SWIMWEAR – Clovelly Top | Photo: Devin Brugman Instagram

Smaller Bust

You’re a lucky girl; you can play with seemingly any type of top and get away with looking great! If you’re self-conscious about your tiny tatas, opt for something with padding or push–up. Bandeaus will also look great on you, as they tend to be super tight and flattering. To create the impression of a larger chest, ruffles will do wonders!

Suit: TORI PRAVER SWIMWEAR – Chai x Pitaya | Photo: Tori Praver Swimwear Instagram

Flat Cheeks

Your booty is the opposite of Kim Kardashian, so feel free to show off those cheeks! If you want to make your butt appear to be a bit bigger than it is, go for bottoms with ruching or texture. Skimpier bottoms won’t look like a thong on you, so don’t be afraid to grab some cheeky ones with fun colors and patterns. Avoid "average" shaped bottoms, as they will swallow your booty up.

Suit: VITAMIN A SWIM – California Cut Bottoms in Sail Stripe | Photo: Vitamin A Swim Instagram

Ample Booty

You’ve got a great butt and everyone knows it. However, when it comes to bathing suit shopping, bottoms tend to get lost in your cheeks. To play up your great booty, avoid anything high waisted or skimpy and stick with fabric–full bottoms. Find bathing suits without crazy textures, but with crazy colors.

Suit: LULI FAMA – Borrachera De Mar Bottoms | Photo: Luli Fama

Tummy Tuck

When you gain weight, it tends to go straight to your belly. If you’re interested in covering up this summer, invest in a cute tankini or one–piece! This will definitely shield your stomach from unwanted eyes and create the illusion of a flatter gut. A high–waisted two–piece set is great for your body as well, as the bottoms will hide your tummy fat away!

Suit: FRANKIE’S BIKINIS – Poppy One-Piece Hampton Print | Photo: Frankie’s Bikinis

TIPS FROM PROS

Erica Stolman, well–known fashion blogger and owner of Blog-Doo, shares some words of wisdom regarding dressing for your body type! "When it comes to shopping for swimsuits this season, I am all about the one piece! With the right cut, it can be understatedly sexy and flattering on all body types. Less is always more, so I pretty much keep the prints simple and am a total sucker for a low back or plunging neckline. I love pairing my one-piece with either boyfriend jeans or denim shorts for a great street-to-beach look!" 

Personal stylist Vanessa Valiente spills her secrets about choosing the perfect bikini! 

1. Halter styles flatter everyone.

2. When selecting a bikini bottom, center-back shirring is an incredibly flattering choice for your bum, whether you have a small one or a sizable one. It will also have a longer life and not sag after a few summers. 

3. Ruching is everyone's friend. Why? It's It can hide your tummy area and make it look flatter. It creates a streamlined look. This ruching accentuates your curves without making you feel uncomfortable, which is why it's such a major hit with swimsuit shoppers.

4. If you are really self–conscious about your body, the Miraclesuit really is a miracle. They make stylish one–piece and two–piece bathing suits that seriously flatter.

5. High-waisted two–piece bathing suits are for women with tall torsos. 

6. A bikini bottom that ties at the side is less likely to cut into the flesh at your hips and bum than bikini bottoms that do not, like the hipster style bottoms. Generally, these panties–like bottoms are for lean women or women with very little body fat.

Lauren Winget and Heather Winfield are online fashion bloggers that have stellar advice on swimwear for this season!

"I think this is the year for elevated swimwear, which is great on all body types. Underwire bra–tops, high–waisted bottoms, plunging one–pieces, luxury fabrics, and muted tones are perfect for not only the beach but a rooftop party or weekend getaway. For petite body types, I’m most excited about high–waisted bottoms—they elongate your legs to give the illusion of sky–high gams!"

Related Articles:

• Summer Swimwear For Your Figure Type
• Swimwear for Every Body Type: Flatter Your Figure