Excited to head to the shopping mall to buy a new swimsuit for your next trip? Fair warning: the myriad of styles, shapes and sizes available may leave you wandering aimlessly, unsure of what to try on.
Here’s a guide to spare you the headache so next time you find yourself with hands full of bikini tops and bottoms to choose from, you know exactly which to bring to the dressing room and which to leave on the racks.
Hourglass
Do you find yourself with a Marilyn Monroe-esque figure? Consider yourself lucky, as there are numerous styles to fit your fancy.
If you’re insecure about your torso area, high-waisted vintage pairs will flatter you just right. Avoid the itty-bitty string bikinis, unless you really want your curves noticed.
One-piece suits in various colors, patterns, and styles are also at your disposal. Just remember to go for matching, soft and sweet colors and tones to avoid your body looking disproportional and showy.
Triangle or bottom-heavy
There’s nothing wrong with having a big, big booty. However, you don’t want to draw too much attention to your lower portion or worse, choose too-tiny bottoms that fit awkwardly.
Opt for dark, solid-colored bottoms for a smoother silhouette. High-cut lines along the thighs will also give the illusion of longer legs.
Avoid boy shorts at these will make you look chunky and wide.
Inverted triangle or top-heavy
It may be tricky to try and figure out how to accentuate and conceal your curves at the same time—comfort and support is just as important as looking good on the beach.
Halter tops carry the weight best, and at the same time are easily adjusted with the strap tied behind your neck.
Many swimwear options include underwire, but choose softer fabrics and closures that make you feel secure without the feeling of wearing a bra.
Definitely avoid bandeaus—it’s a disaster waiting to happen!
Athletic
You have broad shoulders, narrow hips and muscular legs. Your hours at the gym seem to be paying off, but you’re having a hard time finding the flattering cuts to flaunt your hard work.
Girls with a more athletic build should remember never to wear suits that have straight necklines as this will only make you look more boxy.
Enhance your chest with more flowy styles such as ruffles, off-shoulder straps, and curved colour blocking.
Avoid masculine boy-cut bottoms, sports bra-like tops.
Apple
No need to emphasize your features, but no need to hide them either. It’s all about strategically highlighting what can be highlighted. It’s not just make-up that will do the job—to give you a more defined features and curves.
Thick halter straps will give you softer shoulders, and a sweetheart neckline will reveal just the right amount of skin. Ruching along your torso will even out your figure.
Don’t make the mistake of covering up your thighs with shorts, high-cut bottoms will give the illusion of longer, slimmer legs.