Swim Suits to Flatter Your Figure

By Dana R. Murphy - Editor-In-Chief

After a long winter of blustery winds and seemingly never ending snowfalls, we long for the warmth of summer with its blue skies, light airy scents, and lemonade induced sugar highs. But the one thing most women have in common is the little tiny bit of dread that sneaks in when we pack away the snow shovels and take out the flip flops. We all know life is all about the Yin and the Yang, taking the good with the bad, and this is ever present with the arrival of summer, and dare I say it, swim suit season. But, rest assured the staff of Western Massachusetts Women’s Magazine has done some research to minimize your anxiety. So grab a glass of unsweetened iced tea and read on for tips to finding the perfect suit for your body type. We hope to cut your shopping time in half and encourage you to let your inner Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model shine!

Small Bust-Those ladies who are less endowed up top can always count on light padding. Just make sure to try on the suit so the padding has a natural look. If you choose to forego the padding, shirring creates the illusion of a bigger bust and you can enhance your top half with suits that have frills or an extra layer of banding along the bust line.

Large Bust- For a larger bust, support is essential. Look for multiple straps or halter style straps. Also look for bikinis and one piece suits that are made with underwire or a band underneath the bust for support

Full Bottom- Choose suits that draw attention upward through embellishments, bows, etc. Eyes will go where the details are. Skirted two-pieces and suits with full coverage bottoms are also good choices.

Slimming colors- You already know that black is slimming, but also try deep colors like maroon, eggplant, and royal blue. Any deep, solid color gives a slimming effect.

Tummy Flatteners- Ruching, ruching, ruching! Need I say more? A little gathering of material at the waist will make your tummy feel and look tucked in, and you won’t even have to hole your breath!

The Over 40 Bikini-Just because your last birthday cake had more than 39 candles on it, doesn’t mean you are permanently banned from the bikini section. If you feel good about it, go for it! Here are a few tips:

For bottoms with a little extra coverage, chose a wide waistband.

A bikini skirt will slim your hips and your thighs.

Halter tops help you show some skin while remaining supported and covered.

If you are still a little hesitant ease back into bikinis with a tankini, it offers modesty and style while still showing a little skin.