Picking a swimsuit for your body

Suns out buns out! With the weather warming up, it is time to dust of your swimsuit and prepare to spend a summer relaxing on the beach. If you’re in need of new swimwear or just want to find something that gives you more confidence, check out our rough guide to picking a swimsuit for your body.

Be on the look out for:

For those who are small chested, patterns and textures (i.e. bows/frills) are your best friend as they create the illusion that you have a bigger bust. You also have the added bonus of not needing as much support so there is more variety available on the market

Our top hacks:

• Go wild with prints, bows, frills and other embellishments to create a fuller bust
• Suits with padding are a great way to add volume to your bust
• Halter tops and bra tops help create extra cleavage
• Embrace your smaller bust by making the most of bandeaus

Be on the look out for:

Picking a swimsuit with support is what you need to be searching for. Think of your top as a bra – underwire and moulded cups will give you ample support and give you some nice cleavage. If you don’t want to draw attention to your bust, stay away from embellishments such as bows and frills.

Our top hacks:

• Look for bikini tops with thicker straps to help support your bust and take the weight off your back
• If you want to keep your breasts up, try picking a swimsuit with a higher back
• Use your bra sizing to help find a swimsuit that you know will support a larger bust
• You don’t have to stray away from colour or patterns, but if aren’t trying to draw attention to your bust, try to pick something with minimal detail

Be on the look out for:

If you’re smaller on the top and curvier on the bottom, you may want to try balancing your proportions. Depending on if your personal preferences, if you want to draw attention away from your lower half, embellished tops and a plunging neckline will help pull the focus up to your bust.

Our top hacks:

• Don’t try to cover up your legs with extra fabric because instead of hiding your legs, it will draw attention to it
• If you aren’t comfortable with your lower half, try a skirted bottom that sits just below the upper leg
• Patterns, bows, frills and other embellishments on your top will help draw the eye up

Be on the look out for:

You’ve worked hard for your body so it is time to flaunt it. Most athletic bodies are straight up and down so if you do want to create curves, you want to look for styles with less coverage that will help give your figure some shape.

Our top hacks:

• A smaller bottom will make your booty look curvier and give it a fuller shape
• Think cutouts and strategic patterns for any one pieces. A good pattern or cutout can create curves around your waist and bust where you might not have any
• Be bold with prints, bows, cutouts and other embellishments that will draw the attention around your body and give the illusion of some natural curves
• If you want to cover up a little more, an option is to try a tankini that will cover your stomach with a skirted bottom or some shorts

Be on the look out for:

If you’re wanting to embrace your curves, your goal should be to find styles that accentuate your natural body while providing you enough support in the bust. If you aren’t ready to flaunt them just yet, stay away from styles with thicker straps and cutouts as these may highlight your widest areas.

Our top hacks:

• Just because you have curves doesn’t mean you can’t wear patterns. Bold colours and patterns are a great way to show the natural curves of your body
• High-waisted bikini bottoms are a great way to accentuate your waist. If you’re worried about your tummy, they are also a great way to add some extra coverage
• For coverage that won’t make you look boxy, try a wrap around your waist or a beach kaftan that cinches at the waist but will cover your arms, tummy and top of your thighs
• Another option is to try a tankini that will cover your stomach with a skirted bottom or some shorts

Be on the look out for:

If you’re rocking a flatter butt, using patterns and smaller bikini bottoms is a great way to make yourself look a little fuller.

Our top hacks:

• Try not to go for full coverage instead opt for a smaller bottom that will show off a little more cheek
• Bottoms with embellishments will help give your butt a fuller look. Try ruffles, bows, patterns and cut-out sides to accentuate your derrière
• Depending on your body shape, high-waisted bottoms can lift your booty and give it a curvier look

Be on the look out for:

If you’ve got a little junk in your trunk, high-waisted bottoms and printed tops will help draw attention away from your booty while giving it great lift.

Our top hacks:

• If you aren’t trying to accentuate your butt, keep your bottoms black and couple it with a bold colour or printed top to draw the eyes up
• High waisted bottoms give great lift and also are a great way to add extra coverage – they cinch your waist in too which is never a bad thing
• Downward stripes are another way to make you look leaner and your butt look smaller

What do you look for when picking a swimsuit?

See more:

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• 5 food to nourish your skin
• Protect your skin in summer
• How to fake a tan
• Breathe new life into your wardrobe

Written by Monique Renee

Usually barefoot and deep in wanderlust mode, Mon loves binging Netflix, cuddling babies and stalking through Instagram looking for boho decor inspo and hotties with man buns. You’ll usually find her on holiday, planning a holiday or thinking about holidays.

Favourite Instagram to follow: @hotdudesreading