9 Helpful Tips to Help You Choose the Right Swimsuit for Your Body

Women can look great in a swimsuit. When choosing the right swimsuit for your body, you need to understand your body type and base your purchase on your figure. Your body may belong to the following categories: small on top, big on top, straight figure, hourglass, petite, plus size, short legs, long body, or bottom heavy.

Women may not notice it, but many make a big mistakes when they buy a swimsuit for the bikini season. the mistake women most commonly make is choosing the wrong swimsuit for their figures. Women have different body types and not all one piece swimsuits or bikinis will fit all of them. The best tip for choosing the right swimsuit is to look at your body’s silhouette.

Small on top

You have a “small on top” figure if you have a smaller bust line, or have a body with narrow shoulders and wider hips. Swimsuits that create more details on the bust but with less embellishment at the bottom are perfect for you. Choose tops with padding or under wire or those with ruffles or big ribbons to enhance your bust line. You can also wear bandeau tops and choose separates.

Big on top

You have a “big on top” figure if you are busty, or have wide shoulders, narrower hips and a defined waistline. Go for tops with under wire for additional support. Halter-top bikinis, one piece swimsuits with bust foams, and classic tanks will look good on you. Avoid swim wear that provides little coverage, like bandeau tops.

Straight figure

You have a “straight figure” if your shoulders, waist and hips are of the same size. Choose swimsuits that define your waistline, like high-cut one-piece suits, or ones with a belted waistline. Also go for swim wear that defines the hips, like bikinis with rings or ruffles. Avoid one-piece suits with horizontal stripes or with solid colors.

Hourglass

You have an “hourglass” figure if your waist is well-defined and you have equally-sized bust and hips. This figure can fit any kind of swimsuit. This body type looks great in brightly colored small bikinis and one-piece swimsuits.

Petite

You have a “petite” figure if you are less than 5’5” tall and are either slender or curvy. Look for swim wear that elongates your legs, like high waist bottoms. Any kind of top will fit this type of silhouette.

Plus size

You have a “plus size” figure if you are curvy or have large breasts, large hips and a big tummy. The best swimsuits for you are those that conceal the flab yet emphasize the curves, like tankinis or laced and V-neckline one-piece suits. Dark colored swim wear is highly preferred.

Short legs

You have a “short legs” figure if you have a long body and short legs. The best swimsuits for you are those with high cuts on the thighs and with vertical stripes. This design helps elongate the legs. Skip the skirted bikinis and boy shorts.

Long legs

You have a “long legs” figure if you have a short torso and long legs. Look for swimsuits that emphasize your bust line and hip , like ruffled and jewel-designed tops, boy shorts or skirted bikinis.

Bottom heavy

You have a “bottom heavy” figure if your hips are wider that your waist and bust line. Mini-skirted bikinis and wide-strapped or horizontal neckline one-piece maillots are just the perfect swim wear for you. Never go for boy shorts.

Determining your body type is the first step in choosing a swimsuit. The next time you shop, just remember some key elements and you’ll be sure that your swimsuit will look great on you.