Searching out the perfect, figure-hugging, super slimming bikini or swimsuit can seem something of an ordeal we all endure once a year. With so many variations on the classic two-piece, it’s hard to know which will suit our shape the best – and let’s face it, trying on multiple bathing suits in a hot, cramped changing room is no one’s idea of fun.

Choosing the right colours, accessories, styles and shapes that work together to highlight your assets and flatter your wobbly bits is the key to finding a bikini that suits your shape perfectly. There is a bikini and swimsuit for everyone out there (honest!) so use the following guide to find a style to suit you and get ready for a seriously sexy summer.


Need more curves!

Create curves with a cutout one piece. The ultimate in statement swimwear, they’re terrible if you want an even, all-over tan but look ultra-glamorous when worn well on the beach. Choose a plunging design that reveals your cleavage and naval, descending into a high-leg bikini bottom – the cut outs around your hip and waist will instantly create curves giving the illusion of a perfect hourglass figure.

If you’d prefer to be traditional and wear a two-piece, go for halter neck tops that tie behind your neck – these work to gently lift the breasts inwards creating a subtle cleavage. Also look out for 40’s inspired bikini bottoms with frills, ruffles and polka dots (think Dita Von Teese inspired) – these not only look incredibly sexy, they’ll add subtle curves too. If you want to enhance your bust, don’t be afraid to go for a padded bikini top but be warned, padding often absorbs water like a sponge and may weigh down your top. Ladies with smaller busts may feel self-conscious come bikini season but look on the bright side, you can carry off the gorgeous bandeau bikini top – a hot favourite for this summer.


Pear Shaped Ladies

Pear-shaped figures can easily be converted into a subtle hourglass once you achieve the perfect balance. Choose pretty bikini tops with detailing (beads, loops, knots) to draw the eye upwards away from your hips. If you’re self-conscious of your hips, don’t be fooled into thinking covering them up will make them shrink – quite often going for boxy boy pants or hot pants will only emphasize your hips further. Go for low-rise, hip-skimming bikini bottoms that cut across the widest part of your hip (bikini bottoms with side-ties may seem daunting but look lovely on larger hips). The classically pear-shaped lady is often blessed with a flat stomach – if you’re lucky enough to have a toned tum, show it off! Never be afraid of revealing your best assets in swimwear – highlighting your good parts will do wonders for your confidence on the beach, drawing people’s attentions towards your favourite bits!


Curvaceous Beauties

If you’ve got an apple-shaped body and wish to slim down your fabulous curves just a tad, try experimenting with colour. Darker colours have an instant slimming effect with black being a firm favourite, but why not be daring this summer and try a deep red or rich purple instead? Be warned that black can be a little unforgiving on pale skin that hasn’t seen the sun for a while. Metallic colours, shiny fabrics and horizontal stripes are the voluptuous lady’s worst nightmare adding weight and width to the silhouette. For ladies with a larger bust, look for bikini tops with built-in support (many bikini bottoms have tummy support now too). One piece swimsuits tend to elevate curves so if you’re not comfortable with baring all in a bikini, look for a trendy tankini instead, incorporating a longer bikini top (choose one that just skims the area above your hips) with a classic bottom. You’ll only need to bare a small strip of your torso and you’ll avoid looking stocky and shapeless.