Swimsuits for the Perfect Fit According to Your Size and Shape

Finding the perfect swimsuit may seem like a nightmare. Maybe you feel self conscious about parts of your body, or maybe you just don't know what to aim for. Don't worry, you aren't alone. There are a wide range of women of all sizes and shapes that feel a little lost when buying a swimsuit. With a little help you can carefully choose the perfect swimsuit and avoid looking heavier then you are or looking awkward.

Shapes-Sometimes figuring out your shape can be a little tricky and it is sometimes called different things on different sites. However, you can still find some great information in the sections about shape, even if you aren't completely sure which shape you are. Take a little bit of time to read through the shape descriptions to find the one that matches you the best. It is also helpful for you to measure your bust (the area around the body and directly over the breasts), your waist, and your hips before deciding what shape you are. This will also help you pick out the perfect size.

Hourglass-This is the most coveted of shapes. You have bust and hip measurements that are within a couple of inches of each other, but at the same time are sporting a waist measurement that is several inches smaller then either your bust or hips. Often times this shape is referred to as being one size 8 or 10 or less. However, plus sized women can have this shape as well and can use it show off their curves.

Choose a suit that has a loud print to keep the eyes moving. Go for a medium plunge neckline or a halter top. Choose something that doesn't take it too far, but has a nice balance of your assets. Additionally side decorations and ties will emphasize your curves. Even if your a plus sized girl look for a two piece, this is the perfect shape for one of those. If you aren't as comfortable baring it all then choose a tankini or ruched bikini that will let you adjust how how or low you want the bikini to rid up your middle.

Triangle-You tend to be top heavy with shoulders that are wider then your hips. You may have a heavy bust and even some problems in the stomach area. Overall you look heavier on the top and not so on the bottom leaving a lot of emphasis on your shoulders and breasts.

To help combat this visually heavy issue you should draw eyes down the body. Avoid plunging necklines and tops that emphasize your bust. Instead go for something with a square neckline or a rounded neckline, lots of straps and not so much bare shoulder. Also aim for making a large splash on your lower half. Choose a solid for the top and a loud print for the bottom. Getting great boy short or boy cut shorts can help make for a great look on the bottom. A skirtini is also one great option.

Pear-While your friends who are triangles are top heavy you tend to be bottom heavy. You have hips that are larger then your bust and usually your waist. You also have a large bum and maybe even thick thighs.

Choose a bright color or pattern for the top half of your body and a dark solid color for the bottoms. You can cover your bottom half with a skirted option which is often a good option especially if you are self conscious. You don't have to choose a swim dress though, you can go with swim shorts or a wide range of bottoms that will look cute. As for the top. Play with your shape and accents. Show of your back if it is nice and bare your shoulders. Plunge your neckline and accentuate your breasts. Bring the line of vision to the top half of your body.

Oval-You have small shoulders and hips with a belly that is a tad bit (or a lot bigger) then the other parts of you. While this may seem like it is impossible to get past, there are several great options to have you looking great in the perfect swim suit.

Choose a suit that has a great cut and something that will emphasize your bust (whether it is small or large). Go for a one piece suit that has a tummy control panel and or scrunching over the belly area to help camouflage it. It can also help to get a suit with a solid color on the bottom half and a nice print that is in the bust section only.

Rectangle-This is a fairly easy shape to identify with your shoulders, bust, and hips at all about the same range. You may be athletic or petite, but you lack curves.

You will look good in any suit that you choose. However if you work at emphasizing your waist and slimming it you can look great. Choose a tankini that shows off just a little bit at the waist drawing the eye to it. You can also do this with a swim suit that has a solid color in the middle. Another great option is to have a belted suit that draws the attention to the waist. These will all make the waist smaller and make you look curvier. You can also choose to emphasize your bust with bold colors and a plunging neckline.

Problem areas-Sometimes it just isn't enough to have an idea of what your body shape is. Maybe you feel like you only have a single problem with your body and it just isn't being covered by the buy your swimsuit by body type of information. For you there are guides to help with your specific problem area.

Big Stomachs-You may feel you fall into the oval shape or you may just feel like your stomach is a problem area in your life. Either way you can work with it while buying a swimsuit. A one piece suit is often helpful and a tummy control panel can make a huge difference. You can also get a suit with ruching that is over the stomach to help camouflage it. Large prints in bold, but darker colors can also be a great help and decoration along the bust line can draw the eye upward. If you want a two piece choose a long tankini that will cover your stomach and elongate your body. Pick out a boy short that will actually come before your belly and will make for the perfect pair.

Wide Hips and Thighs-If you are having problems with wide hips or thighs (or both) then you will want to stick with what works. Go for a dark solid color on the bottom half of a one piece or on a two piece suit. Choose a bright colored top that is in a large print and something rather dark. Avoid small prints, tiny florals, and horizontal stripes at all cost. Diagonal stripes can look good and a tankini or a one piece with cut outs in the side can emphasize a nice waist while drawing the eye away from wide hips or large thighs.

Big Bum-You may be fine with your hips and or your thighs, but feel that your problem area is a large bum. This is something a lot of women of all sizes face. Go with big dark prints and high cuts. Avoid boy shorts which will emphasize your bum. It is also a good idea to emphasize your bust and draw the eye away from your bum.

Big Busts-If you have a large bust you can look top heavy even if you aren't really top heavy. It can also be hard to find a suit with enough support. Make sure you have enough support as your first goal. Next choose a large patter or solid color. Go for a v-neck or plunging neckline which will elongate your body while also letting you show off your cleavage. Choose something with wide straps or a double halter neck for showing off your shoulders while still letting you have enough support. An under wire support and molded cups can also help provide necessary support and you may want to consider one with back strap that goes around the bust.

Small Busts-While many people complain of their problem areas being too large, smaller can also make it harder to find that perfect suit. If you have a small bust you may feel self conscious about it, but you can find a suit that looks great. Small prints that follow the shape of the bust can enhance it. Additionally you can choose a micro or triangular shaped bikini top and look great. If you choose a padded cup then it will emphasize your cleavage and make your breasts look larger. Another good option is to choose a suit that has ruching over the bust area which will make it look larger and more substantial.

Small Hips-If you are just looking tiny in the hip region you may have to try the opposite of what many women are working with. Choose light colors and horizontal stripes (you are about the only person who should wear a horizontal striped suit!). You should choose a suit with side ties at the waist or a boy short cut which will give your bottom a curvy effect. A one piece with cutaways at the side can also help to make for a curvy look.

Whatever your shape, size, or problem areas there is a suit for you and one that you will look great in. Choose a suit that you like as well as that helps you with the areas you need help with. Don't feel like you have to take the first suit you try on and be willing to take a few weeks to find the perfect suit. If you get frustrated while looking come back again later. It is also helpful to look online. If you don't feel comfortable with buying a suit that you haven't tried on then find styles you like online and look for them in the store. Your perfect suit is out there, just waiting for you to find it.