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Women have different body types: large chest or small chests, very tall or petite, big or tiny butts... yet all of seek the elusive perfect swimsuit.

When looking for the ideal swimwear, typically, what you're going for is something that makes you look good proportionally, that creates an hourglass figure, and will mask (or draws attention from) what you consider to be your trouble spots.

There are swimsuits that can make all body types look great, resulting in you being able to wear them with confidence! Here are some tips to help you choose the most flattering swimsuit.

Tummy hider: If you want to camouflage your tummy, look for a suit that flatters and firms. Shirring is good, color blocking, asymmetrical patterns and surplice suits are also ideal.

Large thighs: Find a suit that takes the eye away from that area. Skirted tankinis are a great option, as are swimdress suits or boy short suits (jogger style).

Hip issues: Here, you need to find a suit that flatters the leg. You should look for a suit that is cut up higher on the leg because it makes your hips look smaller. Dark bottoms are good. Also try to find a suit that has interest across the top to take your eye away from the hip area.

Long torso: Suits are available in long lengths. Tankinis and two-piece suits are great for long torsos too. Emphasis at the waist takes the focus off the length of your torso.

Full bust: Don't despair, ladies. There are many suits, both one- and two-piece that come in D-F cups. These suits provide support and coverage and are very much in fashion. Vendors have come to realize that there are many full-busted gals out there who want great-looking suits. You can find them with and without wires and with tummy control if you desire.

Small bust: Many swimsuits will provide cleavage and fullness. To start, look for suits that have push-up cups or pads inside -- that goes for one-piece and even bikinis. Shirring, ruffles and embellishments across the bust also add some fullness.

If you're looking for camouflage, consider an asymmetric top or busy or bold prints. Also realize that you really don't need to stress -- there are a lot of gorgeous, flat-chested women -- including Kate Hudson, Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller.

Shopping Advice from the Pros

Not quite sure where to begin your bathing suit adventure? Here are some simple shopping tips to help you:

• Go shopping for a swimsuit on a day you are feeling confident and are in good spirits. Selecting a suit will be all the easier if you feel good about yourself.
• Shop at a store where you feel comfortable. We all have a favorite store, and this is where you should buy your swimsuit - it will be easier to ask a sales consultant for help and spend the time you need to try on different styles.
• Do not set limits - especially time limits. Carol Wior swimsuitThe more time you have, the smarter your final choice will be.
• Avoid heavily-trafficked shopping periods, both to avoid the rush of crowds, but also so you have a chance to shop in relative privacy. According to experts, "The best time to go is on a weekday or early in the morning on the weekend."

Play Hide and Seek

Every woman wants to look slim and sexy -- and we know that's not as easy as it sounds.

Genma Stringer Holmes, a fashion model turned entrepreneur, swears by the Carol Wior line of swimwear for her "pasta-loving" middle, and says it's perfect to fit the flaws of real women. "It took two inches off my waistline!" she says. Carol Wior's 'A Study in Contrast Yoke Ring Dress' swimsuit -- black with white accents -- is shown at right. They say that Wior's "Slimsuits" will slim waist and stomach by at least one inch, and lift your behind half an inch.

FantaSizer by Christina Swimwear is a line of swimsuits that flatten the stomach and are cut to be flattering on the hips and thighs. Two suits from Shade ClothingMade from a spandex/nylon blend, this mixture tames and minimizes the tummy and can also help to enhance the bust. This suit can help you lose up to an inch at the waist and hips, getting you closer to the slim look you desire.

Another great option is Forplay's swimwear with skirts, which can help to cover up bottoms and thighs. Their halters work well with larger breasts, and the bikini shorts can help make your butt look more flattering.

"I don't think there is a woman in this world that enjoys shopping for swimsuits because it brings attention to the areas of your body where you don't want it," says Chelsea Rippy, founder and CEO of Shade Clothing. "We have made a special effort to help women feel more comfortable in swimsuits with our new Shade Swim line," she says.

And now for a little less...

For the minimalists among us, we really love the Femme Fatale style from the Le Deox swimwear line. Co-founded in 2005 by mother/daughter team Juliana and Marly Renz, Le Doux combines Brazilian sexiness and the relaxed Californian lifestyle.

The frills, floral embellishments, custom hardware and beads capture attention -- but it's the sexy, flattering cuts that really turn up the heat. Here are four of their fab bikini styles:

"We gain inspiration mainly from sourcing amazing materials, but also from different cultures, various time periods and the environment around us," says Juliana about the collection. "These are suits we could wear on the beaches of Rio, Malibu -- or Maui for that matter -- and not feel out of place." (Psst: Cameron Diaz is a fan.)

Groovy patterns, colors, cuts and extras

According to South Florida-based Swim 'n Sport president Mark Sidle, as the temperature rises, buyers go for the bolder styles, including:

• Terrific tankinis in exotic prints and bright colors are ideal for concealing a little bit of extra tummy or "muffintop" issues.
• Sexy monokinis, which give the illusion of a bikini in a creative one-piece style that's ideal for flattering the slimmer figure.
• Daring dots and details including hardware trim, beads, stones, rope and lace draws the eyes away from your trouble spots.

And when it comes to playing the bold and colorful card, check out just a few of the sassy and vibrant designs included in the latest generation of racing swimsuits from Speedo). The line is called Xtra Life Lycra, and you can see five of the suits at right.

But will it really work?

The only fate worse than not finding your suit is finding the wrong suit. The signs are all there: straps that dig into shoulders, bulges popping out all over. Finding your ideal fit is just as important as finding the cutest style.

Top six steps to savvy swimsuit selection

• Just because your dresses are size 8, don't assume your bikini will be. Swimsuits tend to run smaller than clothing, so be prepared to try on a few sizes larger than you are used to. Is the suit creating bulges or muffintops? That's an instant hint to go up a size.
• SwimsuitsAre you showing off too much? When you bend over, do your breasts slip out? If you put your arms over your head, does the arm hole allow the guy next to you to catch an eyeful?  Is a normal bikini bottom constantly giving you a wedgie? Next!
• While in the dressing room, utilize that full-length mirror, and get good behind and side views. Pirouette and use this opportunity to be super critical (better you than your date). As you maneuver, notice if anything is bulging out, slipping down or riding up? If it is, toss that suit into the "no" pile.
• Be sure to check that your swimsuit's not too see-through (well, unless that's something you want). Remember that most suits seem perfectly opaque when dry -- it's when they get wet that everyone gets an up-close-and-personal view of your body. Dab a little water onto your suit in a few spots -- most notably to check for nipple coverage.
• Know your body. Get back to our hot weather guide - click here!Certain body types can't wear certain suits. That's just the way it is. Once you get that settled, you'll avoid a lot of tear-fests.
• Be comfortable -- not just physically, but mentally. Thongs are hot, but you won't be if you feel like a dork wearing one.

Suit up!

Don't let fear of shopping difficulty put off your swimsuit purchases -- the selection depletes as the season wears on! When you do get started shopping, look for suits that you feel good in, that flatter fuller figures.

All of us are getting excited for our sunny weather getaways. Grab your tankini, don your cover-up, and get ready! It's time for you to be the hottest thing on the sand.

 

Source: sheknows.com