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Beauty Break: Choosing the right swimsuit

What’s the best type of bathing suit for my body? If you find yourself asking that question this season, here are some hints and tips about choosing the suit that enhances your assets and hides your flaws.

Color is key

Use light colors for areas you want to highlight and dark colors for body parts you would rather conceal. All black suits are slimming but try swimwear with dark panels on the waistline to reduce and sculpt your midsection.

Reduce your fabric

If you are trying to reduce hips, breasts and legs, choose less not more fabric for these areas. You will only draw more attention to those figure flaws.

Suits for pear shapes

Choose a top with a lighter color, fun details or pretty pattern to draw the eye upward. A high cut bottom will minimize hips and make your legs seem longer. Skirted bottoms mask fuller hips and thighs easily.

Petite or small bust

Structured tops with ruffles give a visual illusion of a fuller bust. Pretty pastel colors, beading, pleating and other details help draw focus away from any one particular area.

Belly control

Choose a suit with extra-control Lycra and Spandex fabric to flatten the stomach. A one piece swimsuit will offer the most coverage. Ruching at the waist line, high cut legs or low cut tops will draw the eye away from your midsection. Also try a one shoulder top to draw the eye upward and show off a great décolletage.

Big bust

Try a band under the breasts that ties in the back, allowing for extra security during swimming. A one piece halter helps lift the bust. Select an underwire for support and plenty of fabric to prevent sideways spillage.

Full figures

Vertical or angled stripes, wrap styles and a-line silhouettes are all go-to styles for fuller figures. A racer-back or thick strap will give better support to the bust. Also look for wrap styles, waist-defining ruching and slimming control panels.