I am picky when it comes to swimsuits. So I’ve shopped some of my favorite sites with lots of choices to pull together the 25 best bathing suits for every body type from sweet and flirty, to subtle and sexy to sophisticated and minimal. And you’ll notice no black bathing suits on the list. It’s all color and print for these swimsuits.
Most of us dread swimwear shopping. Right? I am definitely one of those people that would prefer to try on multiple styles in the privacy of my own home with my own mirrors and lighting. A swimsuit has to “work” for me—I don’t want my breasts to look to small or flattened, I want my legs to look long and slender and I don’t want to fidget with the fit and be tugging or pulling to stay covered. So I’ve got tips (scroll down past all the pretty bathing suits) to help you find the best bathing suits for every body type. BUT the most important tip is to shop for a swimsuit that you totally dig wearing whether it be the color, the pattern, the fit, the style or all of these. Wear What You Want!
So here’s what my picks to wear at the beach, poolside and pack on vacation this summer. Just add Havianas and water.
Bathing Suits for Every Body Type
Bikinis
Ruffle print bikini by Andriana Degras available at Revolve.com.
Balmy Bikini from Rye high waisted bikini with wavy details.
Corsair ladder bikini set by Zimmerman in copper shimmer.
“French Santa Barbara” one shoulder and skirt bikini from Marysia Swim.
“Carla” paint stroke design on Mara Hoffman high waisted bikini.
Scalloped red bikini details from Marysia Swim.
Tory Burch gingham bikini.
The”Ellie” striped bikini top and bottom from Solid & Striped.
Palm Party Bikini from Red Carter.
Wrap around bikini top from Warwhillas.com.
Reversible string bikini top from Warwhillas.com.
Reversible high waisted full coverage bottoms Warwhillas.com.
Bathing Suits for Every Body Type
One Piece Bathing Suits
Just as fabulous as a bikini with styles too hard to resist.
“Ali” Flagpole one piece swimsuit in tangerine and rose.
Red one piece swimsuit with side cutouts from OYE.
Gingham belted one piece by Onia.
One shoulder one piece with tie shoulder from J. Crew.
Ruched bandeau one piece from J. Crew.
Girls on Swim, the “Sunset” pink one piece.
Trina Turk sunburst cap sleeve plunge one piece swimsuit.
Trina Turk tie dye one piece swimsuit.
Ruffle off the shoulder one piece swimsuit from Eloquii.
Ruffle one piece swimsuit by High Dive by ModCloth.
“Emma” one piece by Mara Hoffman from Revolve.
Summersalt one shoulder one piece swimsuit.
Beach Blanket Bingo polka Dot one piece swimsuit.
Reversible blue one piece from Wardwhillas.com.
Tips for Shopping for the Best Bathing Suits for Every Body Type
Small Bust
Look for tops with a touch of padding, or an under wire demi-bra style that makes the most of adding to your small bust line. You have the body to wear cute, ruffled tops that are hot right now, triangle tops plus bandeau tops are easy to wear as well. Avoid tops with too much fabric or have a poor fit.
Big Bust
You may need some extra support; under wire tops, formed cups and wider bands under the bust line can work well and look great. BareNecessities.com offers searches for swimsuits for DD and above. Avoid strapless bandeau tops and those tiny, triangle tops that offer minimal coverage. Halter-top bikinis offer support, while providing some great cleavage too. Look for styles that are banded under the bust line and can be tied in back and around the neck to all you to make adjustments. Look for one-piece swimsuits with some structure in the bust, such as soft foam cups or a shelf bra.
No Waist
If you don’t have many curves, choose a swimsuit that has a belted waist to create one. Or choose a one-piece suit with a high-on-the-thigh cut. The cut-out one piece swimsuits instantly create a few curves at the waist and hips without adding “weight.” Bikinis are also good for you. Add some details at the hips with rings, ruffles and bows.
Big on Bottom
We’re all about the booty, but if you’re not then consider a skimming, smooth skirt that covers just what you need too. Or at least fuller coverage on the bottom half since it’s annoying when a swimsuit bottom rises up your butt cheek. Opt for a bikini bottom that has slightly wider sides, skip the string side tie versions that may dig into the sides. To balance your proportions choose a solid bottom and a patterned top. It will draw the eyes upward. Play up your top-side to de-emphasize your bottom. Avoid boy shorts, skimpy bottoms, or lots of ruffles and details at the hips.
Plus Size Figure
Look for one-piece swimsuits with lace or mesh inserts. Showing a little skin in the right places can be sexy. A well placed cut-out or a deep v neckline can be a flattering visual. Lengthen your thigh with swimsuits that have a high cut leg or adjustable ruching detail at the hip. Avoid too much fabric and boy short styles.
Too Much Tummy
If you are self-conscious about a less than flat tummy try a swimsuit with a little extra Lycra woven into the tummy area; they work wonders. Plus, a one-piece with some draping or ruching around the waist or hips can also help to conceal a little “pooch.” If you’re going for a two-piece swimsuit, then opt for a tankini where top and bottom meet at the waist. They cover just enough, but you still have the freedom of a bikini.
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Enjoy your summer!