So you're getting ready for summer and you're determined to look your best on the beach and by the pool.
Did you know your choice of swimsuit can really make a difference? Follow these simple fail-safe tips, and you really can look amazing, whatever your shape.
Small bust
- Small can be beautiful so boost your assets with a pretty patterned top and an understated bottom half. Halter necks and thin shoulder straps set wide apart flatter your shape.
- Well fitted padded cups enhance a small silhouette.
- Avoid swimsuits with a high neck and no shaping or detailing about the bust.
- Horizontal stripes and tops with extra uplift give oomph to the chest.
- Be brave: empire-line swimsuits with decorative bust areas, cut-outs and plunge necklines will all look suit your shape.
Pear-shaped
- Lucky you, your curvy hips and thighs always get admiring looks – flatter them with an interesting neckline or a boldly printed top.
- Rather than shorts style bikini bottoms, choose bikinis with low-rising tie-side briefs that skim the hips. All-in-one pieces with high-cut legs will give your shape that extra ooh-la-la.
- Single block colours worn on the bottom are really slimming.
Small waist
- Give the illusion of curves with a one-piece suit with a ‘high on the thigh’ cut. A belted waistline or some detailing at the waist are cute ways of giving the appearance of a small waistline.
- There are lots of gorgeous patterned bikinis available and rather than solid-coloured or horizontal striped one-pieces, these are perfect for your shape. Add some flair at the hip area with rings, ruffles and bow details.
Short legs or torso
- Flash more leg with a suit that is cut high on the thigh, your legs will look much longer. You can’t beat a one-piece in a hot colour with a plunging neckline for a drop dead sexy shape!
- If you’ve got the figure for it, why not try this season’s hip cut-away styles?
Big bust
- If you’ve got it, flaunt it! Flatter your assets and take as much care buying swimwear as you would a bra. Underwired cups and wide shoulder straps are very Marilyn Monroe.
- A gentle V-neck will show your shape at its best.
- Choose sexy dark rather than bright colours. Big prints look great, just make sure the pattern is even.
Plus size
- A little skin in the right place is hot, hot, hot. Choose the right size and aim to dazzle!
- Bolder and brighter prints are better.
- Of course you can wear a two-piece! Try the tankini-style, it’s very flattering.
- Play to your strengths - a curvy waist and a belted swimsuit, a great bust and a flash of colour around the neck.
- Highlight that hour-glass shape. Choose swimwear with hidden control panels.
Big tummy
- Be bold and dazzle in large prints or bold colourful patterns.
- A swimsuit with a tummy control panel can be a girl’s best friend.
- Look for a swimsuit with different coloured vertical panels down the sides - it will give the illusion of a slimmer shape.
- Consider an ultra-cool tankini with ruched, adjustable briefs or high-rise bottoms or shorts. The beauty of this style is that it covers just enough but you still have the hip factor of a bikini.
Splash out - spend as much as you can afford on your swimsuit. Look for good-quality fabric with lots of lycra.
How you will look strutting around the pool is important so check out your rear view.
Treat yourself and buy more than one - one for serious swimming and another for fabulous poolside posing.
Remember, white is best on gorgeous sun-kissed bodies. Remember, once it’s wet, it’s see-through!
Tan up before you shop. It will make you feel great and give you that extra confidence.
Have fun and try out new styles and shapes. Asymmetric designs, geometric and African prints, tankinis, itsy-bitsy bikinis and cut away swimsuits are all on-trend.
Why not leave the boring sarong at home and cover-up with a sexy well-fitted kaftans or lovely summery maxi-dress.
