Bikinis to Suit Your Body Shape

How to Flatter Your Figure with the Right Swimwear Styles

Jul 1, 2009

Choosing a flattering bikini can be a minefield if you don't have the figure of a runway model. With so many styles, find one that best suits your shape.

With Summer 2009 well and truly here it’s that time of year again when women squeeze themselves into tiny bikinis in order to work up a tan.

You don't have to have a great figure to wear a bikini. Nowadays with mix and match tops and bottoms it is possible to find a bikini style that best complements your body shape.

Just as you would apply style rules (color, cut, print etc) to your daily outfits, there are some styles that are more flattering to particular body shape. Well chosen swimwear can take pounds off you, providing you know which designs can accentuate the good bits and downplay the bad.

Bikini Tops and Bottoms

Halterneck Tops

Halterneck styles actually work surprisingly well for small and medium busts as they emphasize cleavage. They also flatter square shoulders. Providing halter tops have wide straps and sidewings they also provide great support for larger busts.

Bandeau Tops

Perfect for small busts and boyish figures. Choose a top with ruffles or prints to create the illusion of curves. Summer 2009 styles offer a plethora of bandeau styles with ruffles and frills, great for adding some femininity.

Triangle Tops

Triangle tops with spaghetti straps work best for smaller busts. They often contain small pads too, which give a curvier silhouette. Prints abound for Summer 2009 with tribal, spots, stripes and rainbow hues. These add curves to pettite figures.

Moulded and Underwired Tops

These give a lift to big busts and show off cleavage. Balconnette shapes are particularly flattering for larger breasts. These are available in different cup sizes and usually have adjustable straps. Note the influx of polka dot prints this season!

Boy Shorts

These are great for balancing out a big bust. They also create curves. However, stay away from this style if you have wide hips as they accentuate the worst part of the thigh.

Hipster Brief

Neither skimpy or too big, the in-between leg brief is the most flattering for most women, especially for pear shapes. According to Chata Romano, in her book Plan Your Wardrobe, (New Holland Publishers 1998), the best position for a panty line is half-way between your waist and crotch line.

High-cut Leg/String Ties

Hi-cut bikini bottoms will lengthen legs but can also draw attention to any cellulite or dimples.This style is also a great thigh reducer. Sting ties can give some funny tanning marks but are great leg-lengtheners.

Shopping for Swimwear

Shopping for swimwear can be an exhausting business. If you hate struggling in a confined changing room, try shopping online. Figleaves.com is one of the most popular sites for swimwear in all shapes and sizes, whereas Bravissimo.com specialize in swimwear for big busts.

Once you have a style you feel is flattering, experiment with colors and prints. As a general rule dark, solid colors are more slimming and prints can add curves. Play color against your skintone, yellow, one of this season’s top colors looks great with a tan but is unforgiving for pale skins. For some variation mix and match bikini tops and bottoms. Mismatched is a trendy look for 2009.

Only ever shop for swimwear when you are in a good mood, and make sure you are happy with your purchase. Buying a bikini in haste may lead you to regret it later, it pays to be patient and try on a number of styles, both for suitability and comfort.

The copyright of the article Bikinis to Suit Your Body Shape in Women’s Fashion is owned by Gill Hart. Permission to republish Bikinis to Suit Your Body Shape in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.