Swimsuit season is finally here! And instead of dreading it, discover how you can flatter your specific frame whether you have a curvier shape, an athletic build, or something in between. Flaunt your best assets and/or conceal your “problem areas” with these tips and tricks we’ve put together in the ultimate swimsuit body type guide below:
Straight up and down with few curves. Broad shoulders, muscular arms and legs, and narrower hips. {Examples: Cameron Diaz, Gwyneth Paltrow}
Sources: US Magazine / Univision
Create a curvier, feminine illusion with bold prints, vibrant patterns, and pretty embellishments that attract the eye to your toned stomach. Tie side bikini bottoms enhance curves, as well as monokinis and one pieces with cool cut outs. Skip out on bandeau tops, boy cut briefs, and tank bikini tops as they will make your body appear shapeless. The less suit, the more shapelier your figure!
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Curvy at the hips and thighs with a small waist and narrower shoulders. {Examples: Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, America Ferrera}
Sources: Fashion Gum / Pastel Creations
If you’re trying to balance your proportions and find the appropriate coverage for your bottom half a skirted bottom will do the trick. To also minimize the attention on your lower half, try a plunging neckline or an eye catching top to draw the eyes upward. Avoid patterned and printed bottoms, these will make you look wider than you actually are. You can also conceal hips with full coverage hipster brief bottoms. If you’re looking to enhance your lower “asset”, bare it all in string bikini bottoms and classic halter bikini top. The halter top will maximize your bust and broaden your shoulders.
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Curvy throughout your whole body with a full bust, hips, thighs, and butt. {Examples: Kim Kardashian, Christina Hendricks, Robyn Lawley}
Sources: Yahoo Lifestyle / Fans Share
Conceal, support, and cover all while highlighting and accenting your sexy curves. Color blocking with high waisted bottoms and a halter top can help highlight your curvy shape while smoothing you out. Stay away from loud prints that will distort your proportions and opt for solid colors or smaller scale prints. Underwire and halter tops will help keep your bust supported. Sexy one piece suits with an asymmetrical necklace will draw the attention upward while keeping everything concealed. Avoid string tops and bottoms as they don’t offer much support.
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Tall frame with an undefined waist and little to no curves, small bust and butt. {Examples: Gisele Bundchen, Taylor Swift, Karlie Kloss}
Sources: Daily Mail / Pinterest
Fake an hourglass shape with frills and ruffles that can help transform your body from tall and lanky, to curvy and shapely. High cut bottoms will help show off your long legs and ruffle detailing on the the backside creates the illusion of a fuller booty. Avoid solid color one pieces that will mold to your straight frame and go for striped or graphic printed swimsuits that will create a curvy illusion.
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Shorter mid section with long arms and legs. {Examples: Jessica Alba, Kat Graham}
Sources: US Magazine / Daily Mail
To elongate a short torso you have to add length to your body by lifting your bust line and lowering your waistline. Halter tops draw attention to the your upper body while bandeaus or high neck bikini tops help raise your bust line. Low rise bottoms will help lower your waistline while elongating your torso. Diagonal lines also help stretch your torso and bandeaus with a center string neck tie create the illusion of a a long looking frame.
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Very large bust that requires a lot of support. {Examples: Kate Upton, Katy Perry, Sofia Vergara}
Sources: Flash of the Stars / IGN
Support is key for busty woman when it comes to a swimsuit. Underwire tops and molded, structured cups provide the support you want and need. Look for underwire tops with adjustable, thick straps to help hold you up. Explore suits that come in bra sizes since they are designed to support larger busts and help you accurately find a size thats going to accommodate you and your girls. If you’re looking to minimize the focus on your chest, avoid ruffles and embellishments. Stay away from bandeaus as they offer little to no support.
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Wears an A cup size or smaller. {Examples: Kate Hudson, Olivia Palermo, Natalie Portman}
Sources: Celebuzz / US Weekly Pinterest
Since your chest requires minimal support, explore various fun and interesting swimsuit tops that feature embellishments, bows, patterns, and unique designs to create the illusion of a fuller chest. Padded tops give your small bust an extra oomph and a front tie bikini top creates a defined bust line. A smaller bust allows you to wear bandeau tops without the worry of support.
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