It’s time to find the right swimsuit for the beach and pool that flatters you. The good news is that there are swimsuits that can complement ANY body type. The most important thing to realize is that you CAN rock that bathing suit!

I don’t know about you, but I always dreaded trying on the different styles and seeing all my flaws in the mirror.  No matter how we’re built, we all have a few areas we’re not completely thrilled with and have marked with caution tape in our own minds that we would prefer not to highlight. It’s different for each of us and requires some self-assessment to figure out what’s right for you.

Finding the best swimsuit for your body type isn’t complex, but it takes time to find the most flattering fit and style. No matter how we’re built, we all have a few areas we’re not completely thrilled with and have marked with caution tape in our own minds that we would prefer not to highlight. It’s different for each of us and requires some self-assessment to figure out what’s right for you.

Remember a swimsuit is something you wear when you are out to relax and have fun. If the thought of wearing one elevates your anxiety and makes you feel self-conscious then you haven’t found the right one yet.

Let’s look at some general tips for all body types.

• Use solid, darker colors to de-emphasize a feature.
• Use ruffles or frills to create the illusion of a fuller bust.
• Use bright colors or patterns to emphasize a feature.
• Select bright colors on a dark complexion to avoid the risk of looking washed out.
• Select swimsuits that use rouching or paneling to disguise larger areas and create an illusion of less volume.
• Use dark rich tones that contrast with your skin tone to highlight a fair or pale complexion.
• Use horizontal stripes or big, bold prints and patterns to broaden an area.
• Choose a swimsuit with high cut leg openings to make your legs look longer.
• Of utmost importance, always choose a bathing suit based on its purpose. You wouldn’t want to wear an Olympic competition swimsuit to a Las Vegas pool party!

Research some popular swimsuit designer to find a swimsuit for your body type that matches your personal style and purpose.

Now let’s look at the four major body types. You are a geometric shape not a piece of fruit like the media describes the female figure.

Hourglass Body Type

• Your body type has a well-defined waist, and your shoulders and hips are similar in width.
• Avoid wearing mismatched tops and bottoms which can make your body look disproportional.
• Color blocking is a great way to accent your curves.
• An asymmetrical bathing suit will keep the eyes focused upward.

Inverted Triangle Body Type

• Your shoulders are wider than your hips and your bust is usually full.
• A dark colored top can help to minimize fullness while a patterned one, such as a tankini, can work to disguise tummy bulge.
• Consider wearing a high waisted swimsuit if you have an average to long torso. Avoid this style if you have a short torso.
• If you worry about your midsection, there are swimsuits made for tummy control, like the miracle suits.
• Choose swimsuits with a slightly cheeky cut to minimize the look of a fuller bottom. A
• V-neck elongates the torso for a taller, leaner look. Embellishments draw attention to whichever body feature you prefer.

Triangle Body Type

• Your body type has wider hips than shoulders. To balance proportions, choose styles that draw attention above the waistline. This keeps the focus on the top half of the body.
• Avoid horizontal stripes, busy prints, and light colors on the bottom half of the body.
• Ruffles worn above the waistline can add balance.
• Consider light printed tops with solid, dark bottoms. This will draw attention to the upper body and make the lower body appear smaller.
• A one piece swimsuit with side cut outs will create an hourglass illusion.
• Diagonal lines are another great way to create balanced proportions.

Rectangle Body Type

• Rectangular bodies are roughly the same width from shoulders to hips and through the torso. Sometimes it’s difficult to find a swimsuit that creates curves in places where they don’t exist.
• Look for a swimsuit with frills, embellishments or gathered fabric to create the illusion of curves. A monokini looks great on a small bust with an athletic lower body.
• Avoid simple bandeau tops, which can flatten out your curves. Ruffled tops or bikini tops with a banded bottom are the way to go to if you want to create a fuller look.
• Wear matching top and bottoms with color blocking and prints can create balance.
• Swimwear with cutouts will create the illusion of an hourglass figure.
• Bikinis with ties on top and bottoms can create the look of wider hips and a larger bust. Cheeky bikini bottoms can be flattering, too.

Before hitting the swimsuit department,  do some research and take the time to find the bathing suit that fits and flatters your body and that makes you feel awesome.  Remember there’s a suit for Every Body!  Relax, enjoy and have fun at the beach and pool.