Swimsuit season is upon us (if you’re living in Florida at least…) I promise the rest of you will get there soon! Either way, it’s the season of that haunting decision. The decision that will make or break your summer.
“Do I get a one piece or a two piece?”
I usually opt for both! I know, that’s not your biggest concern. Many of us are much more worried about the coveted “swimsuit body” and whether or not the style of our suit will make us look like a busted can of biscuits. (At least that’s how I feel at times.)
There are a few secrets I’ll give you to finding the best suit for your body type. Your natural body shape is something that will never change, but it’s important to remember – all bodies are swimsuit bodies. You just have to add the swimsuit! (Oh and don’t forget to paint your toes!) Here are some of my favorite nail polishes for every season.
There are good swimsuits and there are great swimsuits. The best swimsuit is the one that fits YOU.
Here are some tips for finding the most flattering cut for your figure.
Find Your Fit – Swimsuits by Body Type
The most important takeaway from this post is that you find the swimsuit you feel most comfortable in. Even if it’s not your “recommended” fit. If you already know you love your body in a certain style, then girl, work it. These are guidelines for those of you who don’t know where to start or aren’t liking what you’ve tried so far.
3 rules for finding your favorite swimwear:
- Keep an open mind. What it looks like on the hanger doesn’t always mirror how it wears.
- Be honest with yourself. Don’t convince yourself to buy a suit just because you like the style on other people.
- Don’t obsess over a number. For whatever reason, swimwear runs small most of the time. Trust me. You didn’t suddenly gain 10 pounds.
Support the Girls
Finding the perfect fit in swimwear tops can be split into two categories.
For A, B, and C cups, go for tops that will accentuate what you have.
Triangle and halter tops enhance your chest and make you look fuller. Shelf bras (think volleyball players without flattening them to your chest) give a cute sporty look. They’re practical and comfortable while giving you definition on top.
Padded tops act as pushup bras. They enhance cleavage and give you a more hourglass figure. Molded cups add shape and essentially feel like a bra. These give you support and draw attention.
For D, DD, E, & Above cups, the focus is to look feminine, while giving support.
Maximum hold swim tops sound intense, and in a way they are. Most of the time they have underwire and sculpting to keep the girls in place. (Think pinup girls in retro suits.) Over the shoulder triangle tops are simple while distributing some of the weight onto your shoulders and away from your neck. They also provide more coverage and draw the eyes up.
Anything with an underwire and adjustable straps. A good friend of mine always looked best in the bandeau type swim top with underwire and a middle halter strap. This helps lift while still looking stylish. Anything with additional fabric and backstraps is going to be your friend! It takes a strong woman to carry around those ladies!
Tummy Control – Because Some Days, You Just Need It
The one piece can be your best friend. They can slim your figure and lengthen your torso. (Keep that in mind if you already have a long torso.) Styles with ruching are more flattering for those with a fuller figure.
Think about the top of your one piece. If you’re trying to draw the eye away, opt for some interesting necklines. Experiment! If you want to accentuate, try a bold deep v cut or something with cutouts.
The Tankini is the best of both worlds. Is it a two-piece? is it a one-piece? It’s the convenience of a two-piece if you know what I mean… Be aware that some can draw attention to your middle though. Another perk is that you can switch out the bottoms, should you be in the mood for something different. Try one on and see if you like it.
Cover the Buns
People tend to shy away from Tie Sides because they’re less material, but they can really help your fit. Make use of the adjustable sides to fit your body perfectly! No gapping or awkward pulling involved. The Hipster gives you coverage without looking like your grandma’s swimsuit. They are usually designed with cute detailing on the sides such as beading, ruching, or hardware.
High Waisted gives you full coverage of the butt and the stomach. This can help hide or flaunt. You can even fold the extra material to adjust it to your ideal fit. Skirted provides the most coverage. It fully covers the butt and some of the thighs. Remember – short skirts can be fun and flirty!
11 Swimsuits Trending This Summer
I need them all. There have been some years where I couldn’t find anything I liked, but this year I’m LOVING the swimwear selection. The gingham trend has flowed into swimsuits and talk about CUTE! You’ll also see perfectly placed ruffles (unlike some years where one big ruffle covered your chest…not flattering unless you’re twelve). My personal favorite addition is the pom pom fringe! It’s tastefully done to wear it’s just the right amount of fun without overdoing it.
I guarantee you’ll find at least one you gotta have! + Make sure you check the item carousel at the bottom – I linked a whole bunch of similar swimwear you’ll definitely want to see!
Front Tie Gingham Bikini Top // Side Tie Gingham Bottoms
Solid & Striped The Amelia Off the Shoulder One-Piece
Vanilla Beach Scalloped One-Piece
Tularosa Frida Bikini Top // Tularosa Frida High Waisted Bottoms
La Blanca Jungle Plunge One Piece
BECCA by Rebecca Virtue Ballerina One-Piece
Nina Bikini Top // Thessy High Waisted Bottoms
Elias Bikini Top // Elias High Waisted Bottom
Clarissa Bikini Top // Clarissa Bikini Bottom
How cute are all those?! I hope you found one to add to your collection this summer. If you did, comment below which one and if you have any vacation plans!! Again, I’ve listed TONS more swim options below, be sure to take a peek.
Ithfifi says
This is such a great guide! I think my bikini days are long over since gaining and loosing weight so I like the one piece options the most, there are some really cute styles here!
Adriana says
Amazing guide! I love swim wear! I cant wait to go shopping for this summer
kumamonjeng says
Wow, these are lovely swim outfit. Too many great choice and really don’t know which one to pick. For me, I would really love the two pieces but then my tummy is not fit enough to show. I am very interested in this special piece – Solid & Striped The Amelia Off the Shoulder One-Piece! Not sure it will come off when I swim?? But then I think it is really good for me to show off my tone shoulders!
Elizabeth O says
This is a great post. I love how you provided tips on finding the perfect fit for body types. You also picked out some absolutely gorgeous swimwear to showcase!
Indu says
Wonderful collection of swimwears. Plenty of choice you have give for this summer to soak in sun and revel in swim. I like your whole collection.
Lexi says
I’ll be honest, the “Amelia” is not a swimming-friendly suit. It’s a soaking up the sun on a pool float kind of swimsuit. 🤣
Sue Tanya Mchorgh says
I love this post. These are some really good tips for choosing the right swimwear. I really like Elias swimwear.
Nati says
thank you for all these tips on how to choose a swimsuit! Many of the examples you picture are amazing, I couldn’t pick just one favourite! all those in one piece are exceptionally beautiful.
Preet says
These are some really helpful tips to choose the swimwear. I do need coverage and control on the tummy section, tankini sounds perfect and I like the idea of switching bottoms. Great roundup of the trending swimsuits this year.