Chic One-Piece Swimsuits for Every Body Shape

The goal is to elongate. "Look for cut-outs and monokinis to help create the illusion of curves," says Sabra Krock, creative director of Everything But Water. But if those glimpses of skin are too revealing for your taste, fake the illusion of a longer torso with skinny vertical stripes. Morgan Curtis, the swim designer of Solid and Striped, calls out the Anne-Marie one-piece specificially (center), because it sits higher up on the hips, which lengthens legs.

Shop the pieces, from left: Karla Colletto, $281; everythingbutwater.com. Solid and Striped, $160; net-a-porter.com. Mikoh, $208; mikoh.com.

Unlike a bikini, not all one-pieces can accommodate a long torso. Too little fabric can stretch too thin and result in discomfort. Look to brands that cater to tall frames and seek out suits that are cut with "tricot or four-way stretch, which will more easily yield to your length," Krock advises. Another trick is to look for suits with ruching on the sides and with customizable straps that can be adjusted to suit your needs.

Shop the pieces, from left:  J. Crew, $102; jcrew.com. Zimmermann, $100; anthropologie.com. Long Tall Sally, $55; longtallsally.com.

In the same way you want to minimize problem areas by drawing attention away from them, boost a small bust by putting it in the spotlight. "Look for one pieces with interest or volume at the bust such as bows, ruffles, or patterns," Krock says. A sexy way to achieve the same thing do is to take the plunge with a key-hole detail—much chicer than a too-padded top.

Shop the pieces, from left: Marysia, $315; marysiaswim.com. Lisa Marie Fernandez, $465; net-a-porter.com. Eberjey, $80; anthropologie.com.

Underwire cups and under-bust banding deliver the best kind of support, Krock advises. We recommend staying away from halter straps, which can lead to neck strain—shoulder straps are your best bet. 

Shop the pieces, from left: Tory Burch, $250; toryburch.com. La Blanca, $119; everythingbutwater.com. Ted Baker London, $87; tedbaker.com.

Look for suits equipped with molded cups, tummy-control lining, and draped fronts. But for the most flattering pieces, don't be scared to play with prints, like colorful slimming lines, or to experiment with cool detailing, like mesh panels for sexy glimpses of skin. Want more coverage? Go for one with a skirted bottom that should ideally "hit the top portion of the thigh," Krock says. 

Shop the pieces, from left: Lane Bryant, $95; lanebryant.com. Longitude, $49; swimsuitsforall.com. H&M, $40; hm.com.

Steer clear of super-strappy swimsuits with criss-cross backs or with cut-out detailing. Instead, keep it frill-free with traditional one-pieces that boast a sexy deep-scoop back and nothing else—a modern take on the classic. Plus, solid suits washed in red, white, or black have a lifespan of forever. 

Shop the pieces, from left: Thapelo Paris, $240; matchesfashion.com. Gap, $60; gap.com. Onia, $150; onia.com.