HI LADIES! The swimsuit season continues, and we know shopping for a swimsuit is time consuming and can be quite depressing. Imagine trying on swimsuit after swimsuit and none looks right. Week before last, we turned our attention to the full-figured ladies and encouraged them to come out in sexy, figure-flattering suits. This time around, attention is on people of all figure types.
No matter what your figure type is, there is a suit that will bring out your uniqueness. Figure flaws can look good, good can be made better.
It is possible to improve the experience of shopping for a swimsuit if you know what to look for. Specific cuts and designs of swimsuits will work with your assets and help flatter your figure. Read ahead for tips on what types of women’s swimsuits will work best for each figure type, and hints on how to enhance or camouflage specific features of the body.

Pear-shaped women
A woman with a pear-shaped figure needs to enhance the top of her body and minimize the bottom. Look for a swimsuit with a top with some padding or some ruffles, if breasts are very small. Avoid anything that is slimming on the top, as it will just make the bottom look larger by comparison.
Colours add balance to a pear-shaped figure. Choose a swimsuit with a bright colour or bold print on top, and a dark colour at the bottom. This is especially good if the colour stops below the natural waist, thus elongating the torso.
Angled detailing is also more flattering than lines that cut straight across.
Avoid swimsuits with skirts, as these will add bulk to the bottom, where it’s not wanted. Try a swimsuit with a higher cut leg to elongate the thighs and minimize the lower torso.

Apple-shaped figure
If you’re looking for a more balanced shape, you’ll want to do the opposite of what the pear-shaped girl does, so get a swimsuit with plenty of support at the top. Straps should be sturdy, and underwire is your friend. Wear fuller-cut bottoms, skirts, or boy-short style swimsuits to help balance out your bottom.
Select a swimsuit with a colour combination that helps to balance out your figure. Swimsuits with prints down the centre and black panels at the sides can create an overall more slender appearance, and create visual curves just where you want them.

The Banana-shaped body
The slim and straight figure can carry a lot of the skimpier bikinis that don’t flatter other figure types.
Women with this shape can try string-tied bottoms, deep-V necklines, and backless one-pieces. If you’re super straight, elect swimsuit pieces to add some curves to your figure. Choose a ruffled swimsuit bottom or boy-cut shorts along with a lightly padded top.
Belted swimsuits or anything with waist detailing can help define a waist and give the illusion of curves. Stay away from high-necked athletic cut women’s swimsuits that will make a straight figure look even longer and flatter.

Swimsuit Solutions for wide Shoulders
Choose a wider strap to balance the scale of the shoulder. A slightly wider set strap with a V-neck can also draw the attention to the centre. Balance out the shoulders by wearing a fuller cut or skirted swimsuit bottom. Avoid halter styles or high necks with cut out shoulders.

Solutions for the Long Torsos
Once again, balance is key. Look for swimsuits with higher-cut bottoms to lengthen legs and balance the torso.
Choose a plunging neckline to help dip into the length of the swimsuit. Look for any detailing at the waist that helps to break up the expanse.
For two-piece swimsuits, select a bottom with a higher waist or boy-cut style, to minimize the space between the top and bottom of the swimsuit. Try a tankini style with a longer top and smaller bottom, but be sure this swimsuit fits well and doesn’t ride up.

Swimsuit Solutions for the Short Torso
Start with good built-in support on the top, so that your chest is up where it should be, as this creates more distance between the bustline and waist.
A lower-cut leg on a one-piece swimsuit will create a longer look for the torso. A lower slung waist on a two-piece, or low slung waist detailing on a one-piece swimsuit, will create more distance between the top and bottom, and create a longer torso.

Solutions for Heavy Legs
A slightly higher cut leg on the swimsuit will help elongate the leg, rather than cutting it off with an abrupt straight line. A skirted swimsuit bottom is a great solution if it flares out from the body, as anything beneath the flare will look narrower.

Draw the eye upwards with eye-catching prints, detailing, and cleavage.
Your next swimsuit shopping visit should be easier, now that you know just what styles will work best to flatter your figure. Gather up the good options, and leave those other women’s swimsuits on the rack.
Hit the fitting room and find the perfect swimsuit. Enjoy the summer sunning and swimming, and look great doing it.