The most flattering bathing suits for your body type

By Brittany Anas

The quickest way to fake a beach-ready body is to buy a bathing suit that flatters your body type. Whether you’re beach-bound on Spring Break or you’ll be reading poolside in the coming months, we’re taking the sweat out of shopping for bathing suits. With several different cuts and styles, there is a bathing suit that is sure to flatter your body type and have you looking your best.

If you’re petite: You can get easily get away with wearing details like ruffles and horizontal stripes, detailing that plays on this spring’s nautical trends. Steer clear of ditsy floral prints to avoid looking to little-girlish. To stand out, wear bold fluorescents.

Suggestion: Ralph Lauren halter bikini top in lime from Nordstrom.

If you’re plus-sized: Opt for halter neck that gives extra support and look for shirring in the mid-section. Consider “tankinis,” which are two-piece suits that will hide and flatter your tummy. Avoid going for ill-fitting baggy swimsuits. A suit that hugs your figure is more flattering.

Suggestion: “Magicsuit” Halter Tankini top from Victoria’s Secret.

If you’re boy-shaped: If you have a straight shape with a smaller bust and a narrow waist, you’ll want to create the illusion of curves. Your tricks: Sweetheart cuts on bikini tops and embellished beading on bikini bottoms. Stripes and ruffles can add to the illusion of curves.

Suggestion: Trina Turk Aquarius Printed two-piece string bikini from Neiman Marcus.

If you’re busty: Halter tops are your friends. Shop at stores like Old Navy where you can mix and match bikini tops and bottoms. Wearing fun prints will give the suit a youthful edge.

Suggestion: Esther Williams Beach Blanket Bingo two piece from Modcloth.

If you’re small busted: Wear bright and bold prints because they’ll help camouflage padding. Embellished necklines and beaded detailing can add volume.

Suggestion: A tiered bikini in bright blue from Old Navy.

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About Brittany Anas

Brittany Anas is a newspaper reporter, which she says is basically like going on a professional scavenger hunt every day. She became hooked on fashion in the early 1990s when her mom sewed her a pair of MC Hammer pants and matching headband. Brittany lives in Denver, Colorado and loves spending time with her southern gentleman of a boyfriend and their pot-belly pig-gremlin mix that the rescue organization described as a “Boston Terrier.” She fancies polka dots, Detroit Pistons basketball and brunch. Brittany blogs at LoisLaneLifestyle.blogspot.com and Twitters from @BrittanyAnas. Find her on Pinterest or ping her on Google+.