Body Type Fashion Advice - Bathing Suits

Tips on Buying the Perfect Bathing Suit for Every Body Type

Advice Seeker: Dear April,

It's that time of the year again...time to buy a new bathing suit! I'm sick of going to the mall and trying on 20 bathing suits, only to find that they all look absolutely horrible on me. Do you have any tips on how women can tell exactly what type of suit to look for depending on their body type? I don't think I can handle another year of this and need some advice fast!

Sincerely,

Bothered by Bathing Suits

April Masini's advice:

Dear Bothered by Bathing Suits,

Bathing suit shopping can be a woman's worst nightmare! But it doesn't have to be. If you follow some important rules, chances are you'll be able to find the perfect suit in no time!

The more expensive suits are made better, not just in cut, but in fabric. Gottex is a great brand for tightening up what you’ve got. Ralph Lauren is great for beautiful fabric. Bikinis are terrific, but G-strings and thong bikinis are risky business. Take your best friend -- or whomever you know will be honest with you – along with you when you buy one of these. If you have cellulite or a big tush or a tummy that’s better suited to a maillot or a boy’s shorts two-piece, make sure your friend tells you. You don’t want to find out your suit doesn’t fit you well by overhearing strangers whispering and giggling about you, once you’re at the beach or pool. If you live in warm weather climates, you’ll want three or more suits in your closet because chlorine and salt water will fade the color and wear away at the elastic in and on your suit, so you’ll want to rotate them.

Basic Bathing Suit Rules:

Whether you choose a one-piece or two-piece, choose a swimsuit that looks best on your body. There is no age at which you cannot wear a two-piece bathing suit – just make sure that your bikini is age and body type appropriate.

* Big breasts - If you have big breasts and you want a two-piece bathing suit, try a halter shaped top that emphasizes cleavage while minimizing bounce, and providing support. The under-wire bra top will shape your bust-line by lifting and supporting to define your shape. Some bathing suits are made with built-in minimizing bras.

* Generous booty – A scoop bottom will give your backside coverage so that you’re not hanging out of your suit. You want a good rear view. Walk away with confidence.

* Small breasts – A push-up bra top is a great look for women who want a bigger look up top. Create cleavage with under-wire support and push-up pads built into the top. A padded bandeau top is also a cute look that will flatter a good figure with small breasts. Or go au natural with a triangle top – the kind that has very little support, and looks like two triangles, covering your breasts. Adjustable straps assure flexibility so you’re not falling out of your top, and you can also buy these with light padding.

* Small bottoms look great in boy cut short bottoms or if you have a well-toned tummy, a string bottom flaunts your abs and everything else.

* A tankini is a great suit for small or medium sized breasts – especially if your abs are less toned than you’d like them to be. This is a flattering look with the sexy peek of tummy to let everyone know you’re still wearing a two-piece.

* One-piece bathing suits are very sexy – as long as you have the right one for your body. A suit that has a diagonal print or a diagonal fabric cut is flattering to thick middles or generous tummies. A V-neck gives the illusion of more bust than you actually have and draws attention away from heavy thighs. If you have a big bust, go for a scoop or rounded neck suit.

* Get a leg up - High cut leg openings on your one-piece will give the illusion of longer legs. But if you have saddlebags or thick thighs, go for a modified leg opening. The lower cut the leg opening, the less help you get flattering your legs. If you have a boyish thin figure, a boy-cut bottom will look very sexy, whereas a high cut leg line may make you look gaunt.

* Prints or solids - A flowery or all over print hides a myriad of sins. A solid color will hide less. A bright or light solid color is only for those with terrific bodies. If you’ve got a great body, get a white suit – by all means! Horizontal stripes accentuate, so don’t wear a horizontally striped suit if you’re heavy. If you’re a very thin body type, go for the stripes. Horizontal stripes on the top of a suit, will make a small bust look bigger.

* Cover-ups – Do not wear a makeshift long sleeved, button down shirt as your cover up! And save the moo moos for traditional island events. Your best look for over a swimsuit is a sarong, which will never go out of style, and that you can wrap around your hips or under your arms for a sexy island cover up.

For some more fashion advice for women, check out my book, Think & Date Like a Man.