Using the words “bathing suit” and “shopping for” in the same sentence usually provokes screams of agony and fear from women the world over. We are all shaped differently and we all have what we perceive as flaws, so hopping into a dressing room with harsh overhead lighting to try on a bunch of swimsuits is not the average woman’s idea of a good time.
Fortunately, it doesn’t HAVE to be that way. If you are able to recognize your body shape and what type of suits look best on that body shape, you can find the right swimsuit for you without going through the hassle of trying on 50 other completely inappropriate suits and maybe giving up.
Women come in all shapes and sizes, but there are some basic body types out there that most of us fit into, such as the cutely named “apple” or “pear” shapes. You also have the “boyish figure” and the hourglass. Figuring out which one you are will go a long way towards being able to easily track down the bathing suit that fits you best.
For example, pear shapes are usually heavier in the hips and lower body than they are up top. If you are built this way, try a suit that has a pattern or detail on the top half and a solid bottom. The pattern or detailing will draw attention to the smaller part of your body instead of attracting it where you don’t want it. Some pears are the opposite – heavier up top than they are on the bottom – so if that is you, just reverse this advice. If you are comfortable with a bikini, go for it! Otherwise, a tankini (like a bikini, but with more coverage on the top, like a tank top) or one-piece suit are also great options.
The tankini is also a great option for apple shapes (round all over, or big in the belly) and plus sized girls. It offers more coverage than the bikini, but still breaks up your figure and helps streamline you. If you have wide hips, avoid tankinis with boy shorts or hotpants type bottoms, because they can made you look even wider, and halter styles should be avoided if you have wider shoulders. You will often find that the tankini smooths you out and flatters you much more than a one piece will ever manage to do by hiding any lumps or bumps you aren’t fond of.
Ladies with an hourglass figure can usually get away with pretty much any style of swimsuit – bikini, tankini, one piece, halter style, whatever the case. When choosing a suit for your hourglass shape, just find ones with detailing that draw the eyes to whichever you think is your best feature, like accents at the neckline to accentuate your bust, or a brightly patterned bottom to show off your behind. And for women with a boyish figure (not a lot of curves), try a bikini to accentuate your femininity. Patterns will help add curves, and details like ruffles at the bust or hips will help “fill you out” a bit.
The most important thing when shopping for a bathing suit is to find one that you feel comfortable in. If you are comfortable, you will know you look good, and confidence is always beautiful.
