Swimwear that works for you

Swimsuit shopping is the worst kind of shopping. You are forced to confront your naked image in bad lighting in tight spaces to find the right bikini, one-piece or tankini for you. It feels like a cruel and unusual punishment for most people. One of the hardest parts about it is knowing what suit will look best on you. I've spent countless shopping trips walking in to the fitting room with 15 different options and leaving frustrated, self-conscious and empty handed. In hopes to make the experience a little less daunting, I created this post all about what swimwear is best for you and your body. Scroll down to find the descriptor that best describes you and your body. You'll find a variety of suits that will make you look great and what it is about that suit, color, or shape that works for you!

Big Breasts

With a large chest, it can be hard to find a suit that makes you feel covered and secure. Avoid string bikinis, and instead look for a suit that has cup sizes, underwire and thicker straps. Each of the suits on the left include at least one of these features. All are underwear with cup sizes. Some also feature other security measures like double stitching, secure backs, and thicker straps. Suits in the picture are made by -- (starting from clockwise with striped bikini) OndadeMar, LaBlanca, OndadeMar and KateSpade. Each of these are bikinis, but they are also wonderful one-piece options with cup sizing and underwire.

Small Breasts / Athletic Figures

If you have a rectangle shaped body or a very athletic frame, the goal when swimsuit shopping is finding a suit that creates the illusion of curves or capitalizes on the curves you do have. Look for cups, padding and materials that ruche, shirr or gather. You want to avoid boyish cuts or bandeaus. The suits featured here have ruffles, ruching, or details that create curves for the wearer. Suits are made by -- (starting from left) Shoshanna, Vix by Paul Hermanny and Vince Camuto.

flat booty

Apple shaped ladies who want to give the illusions of a rounder derriere should look for patterns, fabrics and details that will add dimension to the swimsuit bottoms. It is best to avoid full-coverage bottoms to create the right look, that is, if you're comfortable. Ruching, frills, color and prints are ideal to create a round effect! The suits featured here are -- (from left) PilyQ and LaBlanca.

Big Booty

When looking for a swimsuit to minimize the size of the back side, you want to avoid string bikinis and swimwear with high-cuts on the bottoms. Mixing and matching swimwear to pair solid bottoms with printed tops is one surefire way to draw attention upward and balance out the top half with the bottom. The swimsuits featured here both show this trick -- (from left) KateSpade and LaBlanca.

short torso

If you want to lengthen your torso, a bikini may be the best bet. Low-rise swim bottoms or string bikinis are one of the easiest ways to create a long torso line. Halter straps also work to draw the eye up to the shoulder area, making the body seem longer. The swimsuits seen here are made by -- (from left) SameSwim, SameSwim and Radio Fiji Swim.

larger hips

If you have larger hips and want to find the right swimsuit for you, look for a suit that draws attention to your shoulders and upper arms. Off-the-shoulder and suits with details on the sleeves and shoulders do this so well! Look for a suit that show off your neckline and clavicle: one of the most universally sexy parts of a woman's body! There are two bikinis featured here, but there are tons of one-piece suits available with off-the-shoulder cuts or ruffled sleeves. The suits seen here are -- (from left) LaBlanca and Maaji.

broad shoulders

In swimwear, our shoulders are on full display. If you have broad shoulders or a natural swimmers' body, you may be looking for a swimsuit that balances your shoulders out with your hips. Look for a suit with an asymmetrical neckline or attention-grabbed side panels. These will create a beautiful balance! The suits featured in the picture are -- (from left) Marysia, Tory Burch and For Love and Lemons.

Love Handles

If wearing a swim suit feels like you are drawing attention to an area you try to hide, then a high-waisted suit is perfect to cover up that area you may not want to put on full display. Look for a two-piece set with bottoms that sit above your belly button: this will show off the smallest part of your waist and mask your love handles. A one-piece will not create the same illusion. Both of the suits featured also include details that add to this illusion: the Unique Vintage suit on the left has ruching on the bottoms to further hide any trouble areas, and the Mara Hoffmann stripes and tied belt also help mask those hated love handles.

Plus Size

Look for certain design elements on swimsuits in plus sizes to show off your curves. Designs that create an X pattern on the center of your torso draws the eye in to the smallest part of your waist. The orange-red and black suits in the picture demonstrate this trick. Another trick is looking for diagonal patterns as seen in both blue suits; this also creates a visual trick to notice the smallest part of the waist. Shirring and mesh inserts add some visual intrigue and draw the eye to the most beautiful parts of the female form. Each of these suits are one-pieces to show off these features, but there are a variety of two-piece or tankini options that use these tricks as well. The suits featured are -- (from clockwise) Longitude, LaBlanca, Miraclesuit and Michael Kors.

I hope this leads to more happy shopping and confident pool and beach days! If there are any stick tricks or body conscious questions I didn't consider, don't hesitate to reach out. I would love to help you find the right suit for you! If you are in the New Jersey/New York and want someone to accompany you on a shopping trip to find your perfect suit, send me an e-mail to set up a date and time for a personal shopping trip!

This post would not be possible without the help of Huffington Post and their article on swimsuits for all body types. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/21/swimsuit-shopping-guide-body-type_n_5353018.html