GETTING ready to hit the beach can often mean hours of prep from buffing and tanning to watching what you eat.
With so many different body shapes out there, it can be tricky picking what style best flatters your figure.
While some of us are bold enough to step out in a revealing Love Island themed suit, some prefer a bit more coverage.
From big boobs to small, pear to apple shapes, here's the definitive list of what styles you should focus on for your body.
Compiled by Lingerie Outlet Store, they recommend highlighting different areas or adding support or patterns depending on your shape.
And with everything from high-waisted, swimming costumes, and mix-and-match two-pieces, you won't be stuck for what to wear again.
The Hourglass
The classic hourglass figure - think Marilyn Monroe - involves a bust and hips that are the same width with a small waist in between.
Often viewed as pin-up body type, women this shape typically have a tiny waist - and that's what you should flaunt.
The Best Swimwear for the Hourglass Shape:
- Lucky for you; most swimwear styles will suit an hourglass figure.
- This shape particularly suits a classic bikini to show off your mini midriff.
- Matching prints are also a good idea to keep your hips and bust balanced.
- A bra style top with under wiring will offer more support to your boobs.
The Banana
We've heard of apple and pear shapes, but there's banana too.
People with this shape have a ‘straight' body, with slim shoulders, waist and hips.
With a straight line, introducing curves can add a feminine silhouette.
The Best Swimwear for the Banana Shape:
- Show off your slender shape in a bikini.
- Bandeau or longline bikini tops can help fill out your shape.
- You can add volume to your bust and hips with frills, embroidery or bright patterns.
- Bottoms with ruffles can help create the illusion of Beyonce-esque curves.
The Apple
One common shape among women, it's get it's name from the roundness of an apple.
This body shape is typically categorised as having a round midsection, with their waistline being wider than their hips or bust.
With this shape, the aim is elongate the body and add length.
The Best Swimwear for the Apple Shape:
- Swimsuits or tankinis are best if you’re looking to add a little coverage.
- Cut-out or side ruching details help create the illusion of a defined waistline.
- Dark and solid colours create a leaner silhouette.
- High-cut swimsuits will help add length to your legs.
- A plunging neckline will help keep attention upwards.
The Pear
Another from the list of fruit, pears are smaller on top and bigger at the bottom.
Pear shapes typically involve narrow shoulders and wider hips that create a triangle shape.
This can sometimes make it difficult to find a two-piece which fits both halves.
If you have a pear shape, try to go for styles which balance out your top and bottom.
The Best Swimwear for your Pear Shape:
- To balance your shape, opt for a mix-and-match bikini.
- Plain bottoms and a patterned top will draw attention to your bust instead of hips.
- A halter neck bikini top will also help shoulders look wider.
- If you’ve got an ample bum, high-waisted briefs will help legs look longer and leaner while hugging your curves.
The Inverted Triangle
No fruit names here, the name does what is says on the tin.
The exact opposite of the pear shape, the inverted triangle usually involves wider shoulders and narrow hips.
With the body shape you're also looking for balance - but the other way round from a pear.
The Best Swimwear for the Inverted Triangle Shape:
- A mix-and-match bikini is the solution for the inverted triangle.
- Balance out your lower half with patterned bikini bottoms and a plain bikini top to draw attention down.
- If you’re heavy chested, an underwired bikini top might help with support.
- If you’d like to flaunt a little, opt for tie bikini bottoms to show off your slim pins.
Small Boobs
Not all of us were blessed with big boobs, nor have we gone under the knife for a Katie Price-style chest.
But luckily, having a smaller chest means you can wear virtually any style of swimwear.
Most women will often try and flatter their chest, and there are styles on the market which give the illusion of curves.
The Best Swimwear for Small Boobs:
- If you want to appear more top heavy, bold prints or ruffles can help boost your assets.
- Horizontal stripes on your bikini top help give the illusion of an ample bosom.
- A padded bikini top might help give you a boost.
Big Boobs
If you were lucky enough to have a natural chest like Kelly Brook, you probably find you need extra support in the swimwear department.
And it may rule out some styles, such as halternecks, as it could dig in to your neck.
If you have large boobs, support is what your're aiming for.
And you need to make sure it's sturdy to avoid any embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions.
The Best Swimwear for Big Boobs:
- A comfortable bikini which comes in cup sizes is the best bet for you.
- Full cups with underwiring and thicker straps will work best for you.
- It might be best to avoid tie up bikinis which could give you neck pain.
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