Finding the right bikini can be stressful and slightly depressing, but it doesn't have to be. Armed with these tips, make the most of your assets and minimise your problem areas for your most confident holiday yet. When buying a bikini, forget trends! What is really important is that you feel comfortable and sexy. The right bathing suit will not turn you into a model, but it should leave you feeling attractive, supported and draw attention to all your best assets. Remember: confidence is consistently voted as one of the sexiest traits.
Make sure you're have your body type sussed before you head to the shops. To figure out what type you are, take a long look in a full-length mirror (don't try this in the changing rooms - they have possibly the most unflattering lighting known to man!). Armed with this knowledge, you are ready to shop!
Apple Shape
Apple shapes tend to carry weight on their tummy. If this is your problem area, minimise it by putting more attention up-top. Choose a padded, supportive bikini top or tankini to balance out your shape. This year, there are tonnes of fantastic one-pieces around, which will give fantastic support to your tummy-area. In any case, avoid fussy patterns and choose bright, bold but simple prints.
DO: Go for high-rise briefs or tankini tops DON'T: Choose too-tight briefs and let everything hang out
Pear-Shaped
If you're pear-shaped, your bum and hips are probably your problem area. You are likely to have a small upper body and a bigger lower body, so you want to draw the eye upwards. A great trick is to team darker bottoms with a paler colour on top, or team a patterned top with plain bottoms. Make sure that the bottoms sit well on your hips and are a good fit.
DO: Choose a printed top or light colours on top DON'T: Choose boy shorts - all the extra material will actually make you look bigger.
Big Bust
It is very important to get a properly-fitted bikini top if you have a big bust - there's nothing worse than bouncing all over the beach and it can actually be painful! Tops with wider straps give good support and don't dig into the shoulders. If you're not afraid to flaunt what you've got, choose a top with a plunge, bright print or frills. To play it down, detailed bottoms with tie sides, belts or embellishment take some of the attention from your top half. Balance the bikini so you don't look top heavy - bandeau tops are not usually very flattering for this reason.
DO: Get a properly fitted underwire tops DON'T: Spill out of tops or bounce everywhere without underwires!
Small Bust
You're one of the lucky ones who can wear those tiny, gorgeous triangle tops! If you're not a fan of those, padded bandeau tops are also very flattering. Ruches and ruffles give the illusion of a biggest bust and a little padding never hurts. Avoid dark colours or big brief on the bottom - you want to keep all the attention up top!
DO: Choose padded cups for a bit of oomph DON'T: Wear big bottoms - you want the attention up top!
Sporty or Muscular Shape
If you're sporty, play up your femininity! If you have broad shoulders, halternecks and high-cut briefs are very flattering. Plunging tops and tie fronts can give a very flattering shape and floral, spotty or animal prints are girly and very trendy right now. Don't be tempted by overly sporty and practical styles - they are too masculine for your shape.
DO: Make yourself look feminine. DON'T: Pick functional, sporty styles.
Long Body
Those with long bodies want to make themselves look more balanced. This can be achieved by playing with patterns and colour. Horizontal stripes are a great way to make your bust and hips look wider and more curvy and play down the length of your body. Bandeau tops and padded bra tops are also a good idea. The bolder the pattern, the more attention you bring to your most important parts - your curves!
DO: Enhance your curves with fun prints DON'T: Make yourself look like a telegaph pole wearing vertical stripes!
Petite
Petite shapes have a lot of choice, but you may be sensitive about short legs. If so, try high-cut briefs and emphasise your bust with triangle or plunge-front shapes. Remember that tie-sides also help to maximise leg length, whereas big bottoms will make your legs look shorter.
DO: Focus on your cleavage. DON'T: Make your legs look shorter with big pants
Kathryn Castle writes on a range of subjects for HolidayCheck, including how to look your best on holiday or while travelling! For more tips, tricks and bargains click here
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