How to select the best bikinis and swimsuits for your body type
By Carla Snuggs 

Summer is right around the corner and you know what that means: swimwear!! If you’re like me and have some problem areas you want to camouflage, then this post is for you. Posh Beauty Blog has sourced some of the best experts in swimwear to find out what type of swimwear flatters each body type. Here re expert tips to help you camouflage your challenging areas, accentuate your positives, and find the best swimwear to flatter your body type. So whether you’re on the hunt for sporty bathing suits for women or a cute two-piece, or a we have you covered.

BOYISH FIGURE

Look for swimsuits with ruffles or panels on the sides to add interest to a swimsuit and give the illusion of curves.  “To add volume to your hips and bust, try bright print designs and bikinis with frills,” suggests Winyard. Shown: Vix Swimwear Ipe Carmen Bandeau Bikini Top  

LARGE BUST

When shopping for swimwear, the important thing for women with larger busts is to make sure the bikini top or swimsuit has the proper support. “The key is to look for bra-sized swim separates, which means that you'll get the same lift and support as you would with a bra.  These are sized by band and cup, thus ensuring a perfect fit,” says Kay-Lin Richardson, Sales Director at Panache As the importance of fit for larger busts becomes increasingly popular, there are now more and more swimsuits, tankinis and bikinis available for D+ and up – some even going up to a K!  If you're looking to downplay your bust, choose a solid top paired with a bikini skirt or brief with a pop of color or extra detail to draw the eye, suggests Richardson. Shown: Panache Swimwear "Tallulah" High-Waisted Bikini

TUMMY 

If your tummy is your problem area, Samantha Winyard, Assistant Swimwear Buyer at Figleaves.com,  suggests that you look for swimwear specifically designed with shaping panels to smooth and camouflage any lumps or bumps. You can also search for bump-friendly swimsuits as many companies make swimwear for all stages of pregnancy. Also, an all-over color on the lower half combined with an interesting detail or touch of color up top will draw the eye upward. Shown: Figleaves Swimwear Bold Colour Block Halter Shaping Swimsuit  

FULL HIPS / THIGHS  

Avoid swimsuits with any extra details around the leg area, such an adjustable draw-side leg or a boyshort bottom, as this draws attention to your lower half.  “Often, a higher-cut leg or skimpier brief will actually make you look smaller, as it won't be as much fabric around your hips and thighs.  In addition, halter neck tops will draw the eye upward for the illusion of a smaller lower half,” says Winyard. Shown: Huit Summer Love Foam Triangle Bikini Top

TALL BODY TYPE  

Buying a bikini or swimsuit can prove difficult if you’re tall – or even if you simply just have a longer torso. “To avoid an uncomfortable swimsuit that stretches and tugs rather than flatters, it's key to look for swimwear that's specifically designed for tall women. The trick is to find a one-piece swimsuit that is crafted for a longer torso and made to fit a tall frame properly, says Jane Woolf, Brand Director at Long Tall Sally.  Also, look for longer straps that don't pull or dig.  Long Tall Sally is a great resource for tall-specific swimwear, as every style is designed for a longer body – not just by adding extra length to the torso and straps but also utilizing clever details and prints, says Woolfe. Shown: Contrast Plaited Tankini  

SMALL BUST

Try a halter neck bikini to give the illusions of wider shoulders. “This will balance out your hips, making your figure look proportioned.  No need for underwires; look for a soft cup top,” explains Winyard. Shown: Figleaves Swimwear Riviera Rib Soft Cup Triangle Bikini Top

Try SexiMinx for a selection of must-have swimwear.

You can also find more info selecting swimwear for your body type here at Figleaves.com  

Update: "Figleaves is dead now, "US customers can shop Figleaves lingerie & swimwear at Next.us International customers can find your localised store here: Next International" source https://quaries.com/

Images courtesy of PR

What is your problem area, and how do you accentuate your assets best?