What’s the best swimsuit for each body type?
If You Have a Big Bust: “Always buy something with support underwires, soft cups, wider straps, adjustable back straps and a back hook for extra support under the bust,” suggests Doreen Brennan, SVP of product development and design at Cupshe. Silhouette is another consideration, says Suzanne Bryant, vice president of women’s swim & active at Tommy Bahama: “It’s important to not only support the bust, but position the volume of your bust into the most flattering position…hence the ‘lift & separate’ phrase we hear used.”
If You Have a Small Bust: “A demi soft cup with underwire or a push[-up] cup will enhance your bust line. If you’re not looking to enhance your bust line, bandeaus, triangles and bralettes are great for the smaller cup size,” says Brennan.
If You Have a Curvy Figure: Brennan recommends power mesh: “It helps hold you in and make you feel comfortable and, most importantly, confident. Underwires and cups give additional support, and always buy suits with adjustable straps.” She suggests trying a tankini or midkini, which has wider straps and more coverage than a bikini top. “For bottoms, the high-waist bottom with power mesh gives you great shape and comes to your belly button.”
If You Have a Long Torso: Some brands make one-pieces specifically designed for your needs, like Andie, which features long torso suits that are a full two inches longer than traditionally sized styles. Brennan says any one-piece should have adjustable back straps, to help give you more length, “but if the brand doesn’t offer a long torso option, then pick a two-piece or tankini. You can also try a midkini, which has a wider portion on the bottom of the top and makes your overall body look more balanced.”
If You’re Pear-Shaped: “I like styles with sleeves—[they create] great visual proportions. Also, styles that have draping on the bust or torso as interest. Over-the-shoulder styles and a sleek, high neck are really flattering too,” says Bryant. And to balance your hips, “a one-piece that accentuates the bust, like a deep plunge is great,” says Brennan. “For two-pieces a high-waisted bottom that accentuates your waist with a high leg to lengthen the look of your leg is best.”
If You’re Apple-Shaped: For a figure that’s wide in the middle, Brennan advises drawing attention away from the waistline and toward the bust line. “Try the empire waist, which is a seam that is under the bust line on one-piece suits; this provides an hourglass figure, taking away the focus from your midsection and balancing out the proportion,” she says. “Try it on!” Bryant suggests trying a long-sleeved suit, or wearing a rash guard over a bikini. “I think it looks sleek with a front zipper that you can adjust for exposure or coverage,” she says.
Are there any optical illusions to make a suit more flattering?
“The best and easiest fit tip is to adjust your straps,” says Melissa Koch, swim designer at Andie. “You can go from saggy to snatched in seconds by just shortening your straps.” Brennan recommends shirring or ruching as a good way to camouflage sensitive areas—and being open to trying on anything, just to see how it fits. For example, “a lot of women don’t think they’ll like high-waist bottoms, but it gives you a longer-looking leg,” she says. “Try it on!” Bryant suggests trying a long-sleeved suit, or wearing a rash guard over a bikini. “I think it looks sleek with a front zipper that you can adjust for exposure or coverage,” she says.
