How To: Find a Bathing Suit for Your Body Type
As spring break approaches, we save our money and set alarms for an intense 6 a.m. workout in hopes of buying the âperfectâ bathing suit. As women, we want to turn some heads and feel our sexiest, even if that means hiding your belly or boosting your butt. Does the word âbikiniâ horrify you? It may initially frighten you after thinking about the platters of holiday cookies, late night junk food sessions, or F.A.C. drink specials you downed last night. But let go of that fear and embrace the endless options waiting for you as you enter those shopping mall doors. For sun goddesses of every shape and size, a bathing suit that flatters your figure is waiting for you! Start by asking yourself what you want in order to feel comfortable, sexy and confident. Do you want to minimize your hips, accentuate your curves, and enhance your chest? You be the judge. Before you know it, you will be sipping on a margarita and flaunting everything you got!
If Youâre: Small on Top
Try: ruffles, fringes, frills & thrills
Using a little embellishment will enhance the chest and give off that illusion. If youâre not into the decorative look, opt for a triangle shape bikini with molded padding for a more natural-looking feel.
If Youâre: Pear Shaped
Try: Boy shorts, dipping neckline, high-cut bottoms
High cut bottoms and boy shorts accentuate a tiny waist and keep your suit from riding upâdonât worry, these styles still show some curves too! An alternative route? Go for a slight dip in the neckline to draw attention to your top half. This look will help balance out your overall body shape.
If Youâre: Apple Shaped           Â
Try: V-neck, empire-waist, draping and ruching
A v-neck takes the attention away from your trouble zone and is most flattering on top for any woman. An empire-waist style (think tankinis) make the midsection appear smaller and forms a beautiful hourglass shape. Just as ruffles help embellish the chest, a subtle draping or ruching can help camouflage your middle.
If Youâre: Busty
Try: Wide bands, underwire, thick-strap halter
It is sometimes difficult to control a large bust when you are active. Structure is crucial, so opt for a wide band that can hold your puppies in place. Under wire can be a big bustâs best friendâfind a top that ties in the back for full throttle support. A halter top is very flattering but make sure to avoid spaghetti straps because they will do nothing but negatively overwhelm the bust.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Iowa chapter.