Swimsuit savvy

There’s a wide range of swimsuits available that will have you looking and feeling cooler than a cucumber on those blazing hot days. From asymmetrical designs, geometric and African prints to tankinis, cut-away swimsuits and bikinis – pick the style that best suits you.

One-piece swimsuits
Most women will be glad to know the one-piece swimsuit has made a comeback this year. The most flattering style for all body shapes, the one-piece has gone glam incorporating bold colours, prints and detail such as ruffles and embellishments. The main trends this season are Grecian-styled, one-shouldered swimsuits and the retro 40s and 50s look. Take a look at more swimsuit trends here.

Embellishments
This season’s trend of embellishments has been carried through into sexy swimwear. Fringes, appliqué and Swarovski crystals to beads and bows can all be seen adorning swimsuit bottoms and tops.

Styles for your bodyshape

Big stomach
Go for dark colours, asymmetrical patterns or patterns with a dark base. Bold florals and prints distract the eye and camouflage your stomach. Avoid horizontal stripes. Choose swimsuits which are ruched across the stomach. A tankini will hide some of the bulk – choose one that ends over the shorts and not half way up the stomach.

Big bum/hips
Dark colours and large prints have a slimming effect. Go for a high cut leg which creates the illusion of a smaller hip. Choose swimsuits with an interesting pattern on top to divert the eyes from the hip area. Avoid tiny patterns and horizontal stripes.

Large thighs
Go for skirted tankinis or boy shorts.

Small hips
Go for light colours and small prints. Horizontal stripes will give a widening effect. Boy shorts add curves and cut-out swimsuits, where the cutaway is at the waist, can create a curvy effect.

Big bust
Again darker colours and large prints are best. If the swimsuit is two-tone, the darker colour should be on top. Avoid horizontal stripes. Choose a deep V-neck or plunging neckline, which will elongate your figure and lessen the fullness of the bust, but still allow you to show off your cleavage. Avoid spaghetti straps as these accentuate the top. If you prefer more coverage, go for a sport-racer back which also minimises the bust.

Small bust
Large prints will distract the eye but you can get away with small prints too. A ruched swimsuit around the bust area creates the illusion of a larger bust. Styles with frills, ruffles and other detail will also add bulk to the top half. There are also many padded and underwire styles available which create cleavage.

Which swimsuit style do you wear? Do you wear swimsuits that suit your body shape? Let us know in the comment box below.