How to Shop for the Perfect Swimsuit

Summer is here once again and it's time to break out the swimsuit. Of course, maybe your old suit needs to be thrown out and it's time to splurge on a new one. Then again, maybe you enjoyed the holidays too much and need to rethink the style of suit you already own because it doesn't quite look the way it did last summer. Whatever the case may be, here is a guide on what types of suits to look for that will compliment your body shape and size and a few suggestions on where to look.

If you have an athletic figure, then you probably don't have too many issues when it comes to finding a swimsuit that looks good. However, I have seen some girls who just don't look very "girlish" in a bikini because they are really too muscular and not curved enough in the right places to look sexy. Don't worry because you have options to look really hot at the beach. Since you probably have more of a square shape, you would want to look for halter top bikini. The halter top works whether you have a larger bust where it will give you the extra support needed or in the case of a smaller bust where it would help to accentuate your chest. A halter top that falls just below or near the bottom of your rib cage will help to define a waistline. For the bottoms you may want to try matching it with a simple boy short bottom as that will help to widen your hips just enough to create curvier figure. Graphics prints and polka dots would look fabulous and try to find something with an added touch of bows or ties to bring out the flirty girl in you even if you're playing a game of touch football on the beach. If you are needing something a little more supportive for extra athletic activity then go for a one-piece suit that has a racer back so you will not have to worry about slipping out of it.

Halter tops are also the best way to go if you just happen to have a large bust as the angle of the straps really help to keep you in place. The other thing you want to look for is a bathing suit with a high Lycra content and possibly under-wire if you really need some extra support. The high Lycra content will really help to give you support where you need it, whether in a one-piece or two-piece suit. The high Lycra content is also something you want to look for if all over control is needed because it will really help to hold in your stomach. For larger women, you may want to pick out a suit that is black and white which helps to look slender and taller. Another option is to go with a one-piece suit that has a wide, square neck which can help make your shoulders appear narrower while still supporting your bust.

A good option for pear shaped figures is to go with a darker shade on the bottom and a lighter shade top. This will help to narrow the appearance of your hips. For the top, you can basically go with anything that feels comfortable. The swim dresses work very well as you can get a solid dark colored skirt which will help to not only conceal your hips, but also a larger backside and upper thighs.

Last, but not least, if your body shape is more like a square, with broad shoulders and equally broad hips and a not so curved waistline, then you may want to consider a tankini, which would camouflage your waistline or a one-piece with either side strips to draw your waistline in or that gathers under the bust for a slimming effect. Empire waists will also work well to narrow your center. A swimdress will also look very nice, especially with a lower cut v-neckline to give you a long lean look. You can then go with either a solid color or florals are really the in-style look this summer. If you happen to feel a little giddier than usual, opt for a polka dot swimsuit. It doesn't have to be a teeny-weeny polka dot bikini to still look good.

If after finding a swimsuit that works for you so you'll be comfortable at the beach while swimming, but still feel the need to be a little more concealed, don't forget to grab a sarong for a cover up. You can wear these in so many different ways that you can cover just about anything you're not really comfortable with. As always though, the most important thing is to remember your sunblock and a cool cover-up to protect you from the damaging rays of the sun.