HOLLY BOORMAN

No surprise that swimwear has become the new luxe, perfectly hugging your curves and enhancing the shape for a warm summer day out on the sand, or yacht - which ever you prefer. With the hundreds of up-and-coming swim lines on the market it's easy to get lost within the bikini world. Choosing the right bikini for your shape is a handy tool to have when preparing to dive in to the online extravaganza. Once you've got that step nailed the rest is easy breezy. If you're a little lost on what style bikini will compliment your body shape best I've listed them below:

 

The Pear Shape: You're curvy at the hips and thighs and smaller on top.

Bikini's that flatter: 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.

Bikini's that flatter: 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. 

• 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.

Bikini's that flatter: 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.

Bikini's that flatter: 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.

• Tops or bottoms with bold prints, ruffles, and embellishments add intrigue and feminine flair and can create the appearance of more curve at top and bottom.

• 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.

 

Curvy: You're curvy throughout with a full bust, hips, thighs, and butt.

Bikini's that flatter: 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).

 

To shop my favorite bikini brands click on the photos below, happy shopping ladies.