Finally, a Swimsuit that Flatters your Figure

Seriously, a swimsuit? It's February. 

It certainly is. For many of us, that means an escape to warmer weather. For others, it could mean visiting a local indoor pool or an opportunity to sit in a hot tub despite the cold weather. Strangely, I've had occasion to wear a swimsuit several times in the last week or so and I'm definitely hyper aware of what flatters and what doesn't. 

Current and flattering swimsuits for your body. Go!

1. Triangle silhouette.

Draw attention up by choosing a suit with bright colors or embellishments up top. Cleavage draws the eyes up and that can be created with texture or an underwire top, as well. On the bottom, go for an arched leg line. You are looking for something that hits about an inch below the hip bone. Another option, a mid-rise waistline with pattern or prints that draw attention to your waist shows off a smaller waist while distracting from larger thighs.  A larger bum looks great in this season's must have- a retro high-waisted brief.

Yes, a swim skirt is flattering for your figure, but you'll want to be especially particular to keep it current. 

 LUXE by Lisa Vogel. Mrs. Bond Maillot color block one piece swimsuit. Swim Spot. $135.

 Magic Suit by Miraclesuit. Yvonne halter one piece. Nordstrom. $168.

2. Rectangle silhouette.

Create the illusion of curves by drawing attention to your hips and bust through print and texture. Ruffles, hardware and patterns are best. Avoid solid colors, basic stripes and sharp lines that make your body look angular. Padding and wide set straps can be helpful, too. 

 Magic Suit by Miraclesuit. Lisa One piece. Nordstrom. $148.

 Seafolly Goddess bikini top. Nordstrom. $92.

3. Diamond silhouette. 

You are living the dream this year. Hiding your tummy is easy with a high waisted bottom and those are all the rage for the upcoming warm weather. Tankinis are great for you with soft a-line tanks that skim your frame and fall slightly over your bottoms, rather than a tight tank with bottoms that creates a muffin top. Avoid suits that draw attention to your mid section with belts, patterns that emulate belts or string bikini bottoms. Ruching also provides support and is forgiving.

 Athena designer swimwear. Heavenly slimming one piece swimsuit. Swim Spot. $95.

 SUP Bathing suit. Next lined up Malibu zip up one piece. Swim Spot. $91.

4. Hourglass silhouette. 

While your body is perfectly proportioned, it can be challenging to find a suit that gives you the support up top that you need. Go for structure and support above all else- underwire, adjustable straps, wide straps, boning, etc. 

You may be more comfortable in a higher neckline, that's a personal preference. The key is ensuring that you have the support you need to enjoy yourself in the water without a concern about your suit. Ensure that the armholes are higher. As always, highlighting your mid-section is a great way to show off your figure. Go for suits with belts or patterns that have the same effect. 

 PrAna Paros bikini top and bottoms. UPF 50. Nordstrom. $59

 Badgley Mischka ombre shirred maillot swimsuit (plus size) Nordstrom. $128.

5. Inverted triangle silhouette.

As with clothes, your goal is to balance out your frame by drawing attention to your lower half. Raglan sleeves are great for broad shoulders and I'm absolutely channeling one of my clients who is sporty and has an inverted triangle body shape. Sure the pattern draws attention up top, but if you are going to do it, do it with a raglan sleeve or a deep v-neck suit. In this case, I'd pair with red bottoms to balance out your frame. Otherwise, dark tops paired with bright and embellished bottoms are the way to go for you. Color blocking can accomplish this as easily as the cut of the suit. 

6. Post-Mastectomy silhouette

I've included a shop page for women who have undergone a mastectomy. Some of my absolute favorite pieces in this collection are the swimsuits. For more details on fashion post-mastectomy, check out the full blog post. Otherwise, enjoy this stunning suit from Chikara Design.

 Chikara Designs Caruso. Chikara Designs. $95.

 Chikara Designs knotted one piece. Chikara Designs. $125.

Looking for something interactive? Try the fit specialist at Swim Spot. The site can filter suits based on your body type. Equally entertaining, Gretchen from the Real Housewives of Orange County appears to be one of the company's models. So, that's a fun discovery. Let the fun begin!

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