3 steps to choosing the right swimsuit

Shopping for a swimsuit may sound like a painful and futile task. But this could be because you haven’t ever found one that fits your body perfectly. Here are a few steps you need to follow to make sure the swim suit that you choose is the best for your body type.

Step #1: Knowing your body type

You need to measure three things before you determine your body type: your bust at its fullest point, your waist at its smallest point, and your hips at the widest point. Here are a few things you need to know, to figure out your body shape:

• If your bust and waist are significantly smaller than your hips, you probably have a pear-shaped body.
• If your waist is as wide as your bust, but wider than your hips, apple shape is what you might call your body.
• If your waist is significantly smaller and your bust and hips are of an equal width, your body shape resembles that of an hourglass.
• If you are thin all over and if there is not much of a difference in the measurements of your bust, waist, and hips, your body is straight like a banana or a ruler.

Step #2: Choose the right color and fabric

You want your swimsuit to draw the eye to the most flattering part of your body, while making you look your best. Here are a few things you can follow:

• If there is a particular feature you want to highlight go for a bright color or pattern
• If you want to hide something try going for a solid color
• If your skin is pale go for colors like black, maroon, navy, or dark purple
• If you are dark-skinned you will look good in a bright colored swimsuit
• If you want to add some volume to a particular area, make sure the swimsuit has ruffles in that area
• If you want to hide volume, you can try a swimsuit with a ruched or shirred fabric

Step #3: Check for the right cut

Here are a few things that can help you choose a swimsuit with the right cut:

• If you want to hide your waist, go for a one-piece in a dark, solid color, or with shirred panels at the stomach. You can even go for a high-waisted bathing-beauty bottom of the 1940s style.
• A tankini would be good to highlight your waist.
• If you want your hips to look wider, you can try Boyshorts.
• If you want to make your legs look longer try high-cut bikini bottoms
• If you want to draw the eye to your bust, you can buy a halter top or a triangle top. A tie-front bikini top can pull your breasts together, making them look larger, while a Bandeau top can make your bust seem wider.
• For those with larger busts, swimsuits with straight across cuts at the top and wide set straps may be the best.

If you don’t find swimsuits that match your body type perfectly, you can always buy separates. Whatever you buy, make sure it fits your body measurements and makes you look absolutely stunning.