A whopping 80 percent of women who try on bathing suits leave the store empty-handed, according to Ladies’ Home Journal. But before you enslave yourself to the cabbage diet or swear off buying a swimsuit, here are a few suggestions to help you find a bikini or one-piece suit that flatters your size and shape.
Pear/triangle
Narrower shoulders or smaller bust with wider hips.
Trendsetter tips: Break out bohemian fabrics and sassy buckled tops to draw even more attention to your upper half.
One-piece wonder: Tummy-control suits with wide, scooping necklines create the illusion of broader shoulders for a more balanced figure. Halter suits are also a favorite among pears this year. The hippie look creates cleavage and elongates the body.
Athletic shape/rectangle
Straight line from shoulders to hips with little to no waist.
Trendsetter tips: Seek out bottoms with bows, flashy charms or patterns on the sides to create the illusion of curves.
One-piece wonder: Attract all eyes on the beach this summer by wearing a one-piece with the sides cut out. This sexy style creates curves and a well-defined waist. Halter tankinis break up the body line to enhance the female form.
Hourglass
Balanced shoulders and hips with a well-defined waist.
Trendsetter tips: Look classy in a not-so-boring black one-piece that elongates your shapely body. Nothing to hide? Let your curves speak for themselves with a sassy string bikini.
One-piece wonder: Solid-colored, strapless one-piece suits are a fashionable way to flatter this curvy shape.
Apple/inverted triangle
Broad shoulders or larger bust with narrow hips.
Trendsetter tips: Be the belle of the beach by wearing bottoms with frills, girly charms or belts to accentuate your lower half. Stylish patterned bottoms sure to turn heads include: hearts, rainbow stripes, polka dots and bold floral prints.
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One-piece wonder: High-cut, square necklines narrow shoulders for a more balanced figure.
Plus size
Proportionate full figure.
One-suit wonder: Super-stretch suits, with a high Lycra thread count, help with tummy control. Shy away from big, horizontal stripes in the midriff.
Trendsetter tips: Don’t shy away from bold, bright prints and polka dots, but make sure the print is small. Jazz up your suit this summer with a colorful sarong or flowing, feminine skirt.