Don’t let your tiny imperfections or insecurities keep you from having the time of your life this summer (nobody notices them but you!). Here, Jacqui Stafford’s super-slimming swimwear secrets will give those VS supermodels a run for their money.
The article provides tips on choosing the most flattering bathing suits for different body types, like tops with embellishments to draw attention upwards for smaller busts, or one-piece suits with ruching to conceal the midsection.
30-second summary:
- For smaller bust and larger bottom: Wear a mix-and-match bikini with an embellished, decorative top to draw attention upwards and a solid, slimming bottom.
- For larger bust and smaller bottom: Opt for full coverage, supportive tops with hidden structuring and wide straps. Avoid high necklines.
- If you are fairly straight up and down: Add shape with ruffles, bows, or push-up padding.
- If you carry extra weight in the middle: Choose a figure-sculpting one-piece with ruching or color blocking to camouflage the tummy.
- If you have balanced top and bottom curves: Wear a curve-hugging bikini with enough coverage on top and higher cut legs.
- Tying bikini strings slightly toward the front of the hips trims the appearance of the figure.
Smaller on Top, Bigger on Bottom
It’s all about diverting the eyes upward. Mix and match two different suits: For the top, look for details focused around the bustline, like ruffles, prints, or jeweled embellishments that draw the eye where you want it and away from your bottom half. For the bottom, choose a slimming, solid shade. Go for straps that are set really wide apart, or halter style (to make your shoulders appear wider and your hips smaller by comparison). Mix-and-Match Full Coverage Bikini Top: $9.99; victoriasecret.com.
For Bigger on Top, Smaller on Bottom
The key is to look for full-coverage tops that have hidden structural details like underwire or built-in mesh compression liners that give you lift, shape, and support. Stay away from high necklines that overemphasize your bust. Go for bra-size bikini separates that mean you can customize your cup size, and always look for wide, adjustable straps that prevent painful pinching and bouncing.
Fairly Straight Up and Down
No curves? No problem! Padded, corset-like push-ups and details like ruffles and bows work wonders to create a curvaceous shape. Go for super-girly, flirty ruffles or embellishments to give more volume to your booty or bustline. Adjustable necklines or straps let you create a more dramatic push-up effect. theoutnet.com
For a Little More in the Middle
Bye-bye, belly bulge. Fake a slimmer, flatter torso with a figure-sculpting one-piece. Camouflage your tummy with strategically placed ruching, shirring or color blocking. Look for waist-minimizing fabrics, like stretchy spandex, that hold you in. And don’t stick to boring black: Vibrant shades or interesting color blocking are unexpected and more flattering to your skin tone than black, which can be aging. net-a-porter.com
Balanced Curves on Top and Bottom
Go for a curve-hugging bikini. Look for enough coverage on the top half to contain your bust (spillage = unsexy) and choose bottoms that have a slightly higher-cut leg to make you look longer and leaner. Supermodel tip: If you tie the side strings of your bikini slightly toward the front of your hips rather than exactly at the side, you’ll visually trim off inches no matter what shape you are. $21.99; topshop.com.
See also: Beach season is here! Get the scoop on the hottest swimwear trends now.
No matter your body type, the right swimsuit can help you feel confident and fabulous at the beach or pool. With so many options for flattering fits and stylish details, you can rock your bikini body beautifully!
In her new book, The Wow Factor: Insider Style Secrets for Every Body and Every Budget, Jacqui Stafford breaks down your body type and teaches you how to dress.
This story first appeared on More.com by Jacqui Stafford • Style Expert.
