1. Know your body type
Like all clothing, certain swimsuit styles will make your body look better than others so opt for something that accentuates your best assets and down plays your not-so-favourite ones. Women with smaller bust lines can go for a bandeau top whereas women with larger bust lines should try something with an underwire for added support.
2. Look out for the one-piece swimsuit
One-piece suits can sometimes be great for plus size women, but don't assume it works for everyone. If you have larger legs and a smaller torso or if you have very broad shoulders, a one-piece might actually emphasize those things. A bikini may be better for you so don't rush to cover up just because you're a little fuller.
3. Pay attention to every detail
Colours and patterns are very important because they can make your body look better or worse. Solid colours usually draw less attention to the rear and bold colours and patterns can make a smaller bust appear fuller. Playful suits with ruffles, logos, or really bold designs can help draw attention towards a specific area of your body, taking away from spots you'd like to conceal.
4. It's all about the fit
Just like a suit, wedding dress, or pair of jeans, the fit of the swimsuit is the most important thing. Don't worry about what size you're wearing. Too many women get hung up on trying to it fit into their usual size because they don't want to be in a size larger. If a 10 fits better than an 8, get the 10! Squeezing your body into a teeny swimsuit is never flattering.
5. Find a suit that doesn't pinch
You shouldn't be bulging above and/or below any of the straps or material. If you feel like you can't breathe or certain areas pinch, revert back to rule number 4 and size up.
6. Get the right bottom
You want the bottom to contour your curves without sagging (or pinching). Let the bottom gently hug your body. You might also want to elongate your legs with a side tie bottom or a thin, high-arching hipster bottom.
7. Tie your bikini top right
Always tie the strap around your chest first. Tie it as tight as you can without pinching or cutting off your circulation. Then tie the top around your neck. This has a dramatic effect on how the top looks. Remember not to tie the strap around your neck quite as tight as the strap around the chest. You don't want your chest to appear awkward or uncomfortable.
8. De-emphasize your butt by wearing less
The less fabric you have the smaller the target for peoples eyes. The more fabric, the bigger the butt will look. Another way to draw eyes away from the buttocks is to wear an eye-catching top. It can be colourful, jewelled, patterned or anything else that might be attention-grabbing. Pair it with a solid, darker bottom so your swimsuit doesn't look too busy.
9. Don't go swimsuit shopping tired or full
It's not time for bathing suit shopping after eating a full meal or completing a hard day's work. In a negative frame of mind, nothing will satisfy you. In fact, it may even completely discourage you. Try to go swimsuit shopping in the morning or early afternoon, perhaps after you've exercised and drank lots of water, when look and feel your best.
10. Ask for help
Swimsuit experts can bring the boutique to you so you can avoid department store horrors. Through swimwear parties, private fittings and comprehensive virtual online consultations, private fitting services can help you find the perfect suit for your body type.
