I’m always super excited when we finally get some sunshine and warm weather to hit the pool or the beach! However, like many, I dread finding that perfect suit to conceal my problem areas and work miracles to suck, tuck and lift in all the right places. We were asked by one of our blog followers, Ashley, to give some tips on how to match the right suit to different body types.

Pear Shape: You’re curvy at the hips and thighs and smaller on top, like Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez.

What to look for: The key to the perfect swimsuit is balancing your proportions and getting the coverage you need for your bottom half.

• For a traditional fix, look for a clean-skirted bottom that falls just below the largest part of the upper leg.
• Avoid reaching for a boy short or thick-banded bottom. The extra fabric will only call attention to the area you’re trying to mask.
• A plunging neckline or eye-catching top draws the eye upward, minimizing the bottom.

Large Bust: Ample cleavage; you’re chesty and require more support up top like Brooklyn Decker, Katy Perry, and Sofia Vergara.

What to look for: If you’re more well-endowed on top, then support is key. Opt for suits with underwire or molded cups to give the girls the support they need. Avoid ruffles or embellishments up top if you’re hoping to minimize the focus on your chest.

• Bra-style tops with underwire and adjustable straps provide extra bust support. The thicker the strap, the more support.
• Higher backs are also a good fit for helping to keep the girls up.
• Molded cups provide extra support and are available in many different styles.
• Explore suits marked with sizing like your regular bra, including styles that go above a D, which are constructed to support a larger bust.

Small Bust: Proportionally, you’re smaller on top with an A or B cup, like Kate Hudson.

What to look for: A smaller chest requires less support, so you can look for styles with more minimal coverage or embellished detailing, bows, and patterns to create the illusion of a larger chest.

• Triangle tops create the illusion of curves, as do tops with bold prints or embellishments with ruffles.
• Bra tops and padded push-up tops offer extra lift and can create cleavage, as can certain halter-tops.
• A smaller bust always means you can wear tiny scoop tops or bandeaus — embrace them!

Athletic: You’re more straight up-and-down and have fewer curves, like Cameron Diaz, Jessica Biel, and Jennifer Aniston.

What to look for: The name of the game is playing up your curves with styles that flaunt your frame. Suits with less coverage help to create the illusion of a shapelier figure.

• Monokinis create fabulous curves, as do one-pieces with slashes or strategically placed cutouts.
• The smaller the swimsuit bottom, the fuller and curvier the derriere appears.
• Tie-side bikini bottoms enhance curves and adjust perfectly to your size.

Tummy Concealing: You’re built a little more like an apple shape and carry your weight mostly in your middle.

What to look for: Whether you prefer to be covered up or you’re out to slim your middle, there are a number of one-piece and
two-piece suits, like high-waisted or tankini styles, that help to smooth out your middle.

• Shirring works miracles. The gathered fabric hides bulges and creates definition in the waist.
• A figure-flattering surplice-wrap silhouette trims the waist with its crossover fabric.
• If you carry your weight in the lower part of your belly, try on a retro-inspired, high-waisted suit. They’re on-trend and ace for covering the abdomen.

Curvy: You’re curvy throughout with a full bust, hips, thighs, and butt like Christina Hendricks, Scarlett Johansson, and Kim Kardashian.

What to look for: For curvy frames, the key is to highlight your curves while providing enough support and coverage. If you’re not keen on exaggerating your curves, then steer clear of monokinis or string bikinis with thicker ties, which can accentuate your widest areas.

• Asymmetrical suits draw the eye toward the neckline, highlighting the beautiful line from a woman’s neck to her collarbone.
• Colorblocking can help highlight your shape, as do retro suits (think high waists and boxy halter tops).

I have many of the issues listed above (large chested, curvy, large derriere, thick middle…a rather long laundry list) Therefore; I need a suit to accomplish many things! I was super excited on a recent shopping trip to find the perfect suit on my first try!  I immediately texted my success along to Cindy and Lori! Ironically, Lori owns the exact same suit! The reasons why I love the suit are as follows: it has ruching throughout the front to hide my midsection. It has a high back and built in bra with adjustable straps. I was slightly concerned that the skirted area would draw attention to my hips and thighs. However, I feel it has a slimming effect! I typically buy tankini’s but made an exception for this fantastic one piece!  This suit is by “Every Woman Has Her Own Profile”.  It also comes in red, royal blue and cobalt blue. 

Lori and I decided to get brave and take pictures in our suits…two body types – one suit!

We had the pleasure of meeting Ann this past week during our annual “girl’s poolside chat”.  Ann was nice enough to take a picture of all of us while in the pool.  FTF thought Ann looked great and rocked her swimsuit!  Ann chose her swimsuit because she wanted something that would flatter her figure but provide a bit more coverage to the top of her legs.  She searched several popular retail websites .  Her swimsuit is from Kohl’s – Apt. 9.  Ann was lucky and found it on clearance.  Thanks for modeling for FTF Ann!  FTF feels your swimsuit compliments your body type perfectly!

Shop Ann’s look:  Kohl’s Apt. 9 Crochet SwimDress 

Now is a good time to purchase a swimsuit as many will be on sale at this time of the year.  If you’ve followed our blog, you know my feelings about when to spend vs. when to look for good deals and spend less.  In my opinion, a swimsuit is a good item to spend a little more on since you’ll probably want to be able to wear it for at least a couple of seasons.  I try to have about three suits each season to rotate through…a new suit and a couple of suits from previous years.  Additionally, if a suit sucks, tucks and lifts in all the right places, it’s worth it’s price!