Swimwear 2007. How to Look Like a Bathing Beauty, Even When You Don't Feel Like One. Buying For Your Body Type. Second City Style Fashion Blog

Ew, here comes summer. Every year I face this dilemma and I know I am not alone…bathing suit shopping. Buying a new one is the bane of my mere existence. It seems every time I go to the stores to look (after I have given myself a pep talk and am having a skinny day) I see tons of string bikinis which are not for me any longer (actually, they never were). I am well endowed and have a long torso. Double-whammy. I’m tired of the bra-top bikini and one-pieces can look matronly and can cause pain. I gave myself a challenge…buy a bathing suit avoiding the physical and mental anguish. I’m on a mission to find flattering suits for most body-types online.
Minimize Bust
This is an area I know all too well. OK girls (I’m talking to my chest), you need some support. Triangle tops and bandeaus are out of the question. Look for styles that have underwire or at least some support. Oh and avoid anything with “padding.” Make sure the top is not to small. Spillage will only only make you appear larger. Additionally, opt for straps…strapless tops are not your friend.

J. Crew Solid halter wrap tank $68 at J.Crew (also comes in long)

Sunsets Swimwear bikini $100 at SwimSale

Gottex Tank one-piece Vanity $168 at ExquistiteSwimwear.com
Enhance Bust
Hmm, funny how you always want what you don’t have. Personally, I would find this a blessing.  I digress. You are going to want to look for padding, underwire, patterns and as much frill and embellishment as you can handle. Try one of the hot summer ’07 ‘eyelet’ styles. Lucky you. You can wear bandeau tops and strapless suits.

Brussels by Melissa Odabash 2007 $149 at SwimwearBoutique

Letarte Black and White Pirate Lace Belt Bikini $161 at Couture Candy

Athena Collection Enhancer Bra Top & Retro Bottom $52 & $42 at Dillards
Minimize Tummy
Whether you just had a baby or a burrito, we all can use some belly camoflauge once in awhile. If a ‘miracle’ suit seems too restrictive (like control tops or Spanx) opt for a suit  with some side draping, ruching or a big design that flows over the midsection.

Magicsuit Studs Halter Mio $110 at Figleaves

Magicsuit Firm control one-piece $102 at Victoria’s Secret

Jets Tank One Piece Ophelia $209 at ExquistiteSwimwear.com

Carmen Marc Valvo Satin Draped One-Piece $148 at CanyonBeachWear
Long-Wasted
Trust me, this can be a painful problem when it comes to one-piece suits and sometimes you don’t want to wear a bikini. Thankfully sites like J.Crew and Land’s End offer ‘long-torso’ sizing. If those suits don’t work for you aesthetically, try to find one with an empire waist or some detailing under the breast to create the illusion of less mid-section height. Avoid high neck styles and look for those cut a little higher in the leg to make them appear longer. Also, become friends with the ‘tankini’ (although the name is horrid).

Lenny Tankini Set $186 at MondoLondo

Miraclesuit Long Torso Destination Swimsuit $120 at CyberSwim

Leilani Floral Halterkini Set $86 at Dillards
All-Over Control
Pretty self explanatory.

Women’s Cozumel Floral Slender Tunic Swimsuit $92 at Land’sEnd  (also comes in D-cup and long-torso)
Waist-Definition
If you are lacking in the curves department and have little in the way of hips, don’t worry. You can create the illusion of a curvaceous bod. Look for style that have an hourglass pattern that will draw the eye in. The suit pictured below is the perfect example.

Gottex Imagination Square Neck Swimsuit $138 at SouthBeachSwimsuits
If you have the perfect little bikini body…lucky you. Move along, there is nothing for you here!
– Lauren Dimet, Second City Style