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Swimsuit shopping is one of the more daunting tasks women undertake each summer season.  It is the moment of truth when we are forced to take a look at what we've been hiding or ignoring all year.  Here's how this usually works: you walk into a store, search through racks of suits with brands you may or may not know, select several styles, go into a fluorescent lit dressing room and hope they fit.  What women aren't taught is how to buy clothing that compliment their diverse body styles let alone how to shop for swimwear.  Below is a guide to help take the frustration out of swimsuit shopping.

Petite on Top:

  • Tops with a touch of padding or underwire will help create a feminine bustline.  Consider tops with adjustable straps since those straps can be tightened to help make a more perfect fit.
  • Brazilian suits are a great choice for women who are small on top.  Brazilian women are typically smaller on top than American women and the suits are cut accordingly.  

Generous on Top:

  • An underwire in the top is an essential feature for busty women.
  • Halter top bikinis are optimal styles. They offer support and give some lift while providing flirtatious cleavage. Ties around the neck and back are easily adjusted for a more comfortable fit.
  • A one-piece suit with a shelf bra in the bust will help with support.
  • Avoid strapless bandeau or triangle tops that offer minimal coverage.
  • Tops that have wide shoulder straps instead of thin spaghetti straps will be more comfortable by not digging into the shoulder or neck.

Short Legs or Short Torso:

  • Suits that are cut high on the thigh are the most flattering by making the legs look much longer.  If you have curves, the high cut will accentuate your smaller waist.
  • A solid colored one-piece swimsuit will elongate the appearance of your figure.
  • Consider a top with a print paired with a solid colored bottom.  This draws the eye upward and also gives you a longer look.  Avoid boy shorts and skirted bottoms.  This draws the eye downward and makes you visually shorter.
  • Vertical stripes is another print that will lengthen the body.

Elongated Torso:

  • Suits that are embellished look fabulous.  Rings, jewels, stones and ties on the hips and bust lines accentuate ones assets.
  • Boy shorts and ruffled skirts are perfect for those slim hips.
  • Monokini's, which are one piece suits with cut outs, look great on a long torso.
  • Horizontal strips and bright colors look wonderful too.
  • Avoid vertical strips, high necklines and dark solid colors.  None of those will flatter your figure at all.

Short Torso:

  • Women with short torsos will need to create curves.  One-piece suits are the best with either a high cut thigh or a belted waistline will create a waist.
  • Bikini bottoms that have rings, jewels, ruffles or bows will add an illusion of hips to that area.  Consider the printed top and solid bottom combination.
  • Avoid solid colored or horizontal striped one-pieces.

Plus Size:

  • One-piece suits are best for this figure and showing a little skin in the right places will be very sexy.
  • Think about darker or cool colors. Patterns will help give an illusion of a slimmer figure.  Suits with dark solid panels down the sides are also visually slimming.
  • Consider a tankini that will cover your stomach and also comes in halter styles.
  • Lengthen your figure by wearing a sheer sarong which will also boost your confidence while walking around.
  • A suit with rouching down the torso will slim and support your middle.  A rouching detail at the hip will also lengthen the leg.
  • Suits with a shelf bra or an under wire will be more comfortable and supportive.  A moderate cut bottom is a good choice.
  • Avoid too much fabric or suits that are made of velvet or terry material.  White, brightly colored or busy patterned fabrics should be avoided.

Tummy Concern:

  • Tankinis were made for you because they conceal just enough while having the independence of a two piece.
  • Again, consider a one piece with rouching down the torso or draping of fabric around the waist or hips. Those features will help cover those areas.
  • Look for suits that are specifically designed to offer more support in the torso by how the suit is built .
  • Avoid a suit with a bright color, busy pattern or skimpy bikinis.

Big on Bottom:

  • Consider a bikini bottom with a smooth slimming skirt.  The skirt hides the problem area giving one a feminine look.
  • A moderate cut bottom, think a 3 inch side, will flatter your legs.
  • The printed top and solid bottom combination will again draw the eye upward and de-emphasize your bottom half.
  • A one-piece or bikini top with wide straps or a horizontal neckline will balance out your silhouette.
  • Avoid boy shorts, skimpy bottoms or details at the hip.

Pregnant:

  • Congratulations on becoming a mother-to-be!  The suit you chose will have everything to do with how comfortable you are.
  • Bikinis are a great choice in the early stages.  Consider a halter style top or one with an underwire to offer you the support you need.
  • As the pregnancy progresses, a one-piece may be more comfortable.  Choose a one-piece that you can let out and adjust as your tummy expands.
  • This is your time to really shine.  An embellished bikini with rings, jewels, stones or ties will enhance your fabulous figure.