Let’s face it, shopping for a swimsuit can be fun and exciting but at the same time it can be a real challenge. The challenge for me is searching for one in a flattering color, pattern and cut according to my body type, which I’m considered to be curvy. When I go shopping, I would get totally confused by all the swimsuits because there are so many of them on the market these days which can be extremely overwhelming.
What I have learned about shopping for swimsuits is to understand what each swimsuit style type is. From bikinis to string bikinis….what’s the difference besides the name? Various swimsuit styles is what I would call the baseline, which gives me a basic general idea of what each swimsuit type is. Understanding what each of the swimsuit types has given me a better understanding of to search for and what to stay away from when out shopping for my new swimsuit.
So if you are in the same situation when shopping for a swimsuit and not sure what the baseline of each swimsuit style is let me break it down for you….
Bikini
The bikini is a two-piece style that consists of a bra-like top and panty-like bottoms. Sometimes you will find the bottoms are cut similar to boy shorts or a skirtsuit. Here are a few of my favorite bikini choices.
Lygia & Nanny Printed Triangle Bikini Set
Lygia & Nanny Push-Up Bikini Set
String Bikini
The string bikini is almost similar to a traditional bikini except for the strings tie together the top bra-like piece and the sides of the bottom piece. The difference is the string bikini offers less coverage than a traditional bikini. Here are a few of my favorite string bikini choices.
Dolce & Gabanna Floral Print Triangle Bikini
Missoni Crochet Knit Halterneck Bikini
Halter
The halter basically is a swimsuit that ties behind the neck. Here are a few of my favorite choices.
Dolce & Gabbana Striped Halter Bikini
Dolce & Gabbana Floral Print Halterneck Triangle Bikini
One-Piece
The one-piece is the only swimsuit that gives the most coverage. The cut leg openings can be either high to low-cut leg openings. Here are some of my picks for stylish one-piece.
Onia Kelly Yellow Orchars One Piece
Solid & Stripe Willow Deep Plunge One Piece
Bandeau
A bandeau is a one or two piece swimsuit. The focus of this style is the strapless of the bustline, which gathers the center.
Lisa Marie Fernandez Natalie Flounce Ruffled Crepe Bandeau Bikini
Lygia & Nanny Printed Bandeau Bikini Set
Tankini
The tankini is a two-piece style that has a top that covers the majority of the stomach along with bikini bottoms. Here are my favorite tankini choices.
Gossip Girls’ Festival Fringe Tankini Set
Hobie Girls’ Fleur To Love Tankini Set
Racerback
This is the type of swimsuit that is worn by swimmers. The design of the back has straps that forms an X shape, which is good for making sure the swimsuit stays in place while the swimmer dives or swims.
Araks Jireh Racerback Swimsuit
CK Racerback Lycra One Piece Swimsuit
Skirtsuit
A skirt suit can be either a one or two piece swimsuit that has a short skirt. Check out these for example.
Nicolita Swimwear Rumba Ruffles Blue Skirt Bikini Bottom
Ralph Lauren Halter Bikini Top And Skirt Set
Okay so now that we have defined each swimsuit style, lets go further in searching the swimsuits that will flatter each figure.
Small Bust
- String bikinis with bright colors is your best choice. Also, try to search for something with detail patterns which gives the illusion of a larger bust size. Stay clear away from the padding in the bikini cups.
Full Bust
- The halter swimsuits with built in support is what works. It also helps with the shaping too! For the bottom, try to use something that drapes down to cover the lower half so the attention will be focused downward. Stay away from swimsuits that lacks the support coverage.
Large Lower Half
- The bandeau strapless tops will be your ideal choice. Try to find swimsuits that focus at the attention above with the bright colors or detailing in order to create a bold horizontal line. Stay away from anything that draws too much detail at the lower half.
Shorter Legs with a Longer Waist
- The idea swimsuit for this body type would be either a two-piece bikini or tankini. Try to find swimsuits with higher cuts because this makes the legs appear longer. Stay away from the bottoms with the low-cut leg openings like boy shorts.
Longer Legs with a Shorter Waist
- A halter swimsuit would be more flattering for this body type. A hipster bikini bottoms that sit below your waistline would be ideal. Stay away from the high-waist bikini bottoms and swimsuits that have horizontal details near the torso.
Broader Shoulders
- Look out for scoop necklines that lengthens the torso as well as wider straps that can make the appearance of your shoulders appear less broad. Also look for pattern details such as chevron or diagonals. Stay away from swimsuits that are bandeau, racerback or the halter necklines.
Abdominals
- A tankini is your best option. Look for something that has a V-neck line with a built in tummy-control. Avoid swimsuits that cut across the body horizontally and the bikini bottoms that get embedded into your stomach.
Curvy
- Last but not least, is curvy! Which is what my body type is. For my curvy body type, I find swimsuits with sufficient coverage at the bust area as well as built-in cups to help support my bust. I also seek out the high-cut leg openings to lengthen my legs. I stay away from swimsuits that are too tight, which doesn’t look flattering at all and swimsuits that don’t offer enough support.
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