Figure-Flattering Swimsuits

Lower Body Help
Photo: Chayo Mata

Figure-Flattering Swimsuits

01 of 06

Maximize a Small Bust

Maximize a Small Bust
Chayo Mata

* Underwires, boning and padding add shape and fullness to your chest, says stylist Julie Weiss, who has worked with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Gabrielle Union.

* Jeanne Yang, who has styled Katie Holmes and Brooke Shields, says a top with a funky pattern, polka dots or embellishments will distract from a petite chest.

Swimsuits at left: Nylon-Lycra bikini, Cia Maritima, $100; at Sirenson Third, 303-322-7500. Nylon-Lycra polka-dot one-piece, Leilani, $80; at Macy's.

02 of 06

Minimize a Large Bust

Minimize a Large Bust
Chayo Mata

* An underwire or built-in bra gives structure and support, says Weiss. Straps also help prevent sag.

* Keyhole or string-bikini triangle tops and demi bras aren't ideal for big busts, says Yang, since they don't provide enough coverage or support.

Swimsuits at left: Polyamide-elastane printed one-piece, Fantasie, $110;

figleaves.com. Nylon-spandex bikini, top ($110) and bottom ($79), Shoshanna: at Saks Fifth Avenue.

03 of 06

Slim Yourself All Over

Slim Yourself All Over
Chayo Mata

* An Empire waist and detailing at the chest balance big hips by drawing the eye up.

* Opt for a built-in tummy control panel or a suit that has significantly more spandex; the Miraclesuit, for instance, has up to three times more than the usual swimsuit.

Swimsuits at left: Royal blue nylon-spandex one-piece, Miraclesuit, $132;

cyberswim.com. White halter nylon-spandex one-piece, Letarte by Lisa Cabrinha, $160; at Eye of the Needle, 561-833-4533.

04 of 06

Banish Belly Bulge

Banish Belly Bulge
Chayo Mata

* A plunging halter top draws the eye up and away from any pooch below.

* Details or a bold pattern on the midsection can also be positively distracting-a busy print keeps the eye moving so it doesn't settle on a less-than-flat tummy.

Swimsuits at left: Strapless nylon-spandex one-piece with beading, Liz Claiborne, $81;

lizclaiborne.com. Floral-printed halter tactel microfiber one-piece, Jets by Jessika Allen, $220; exquisiteswimwear.com.

05 of 06

Trim a Long Torso

Trim a Long Torso
Chayo Mata

* Tankinis and bandeau tops shorten the length of the body.

* A one-piece needs an Empire waist or detailing below the bust to reduce the expanse of fabric covering an elongated torso.

* Avoid high-neck tops, which can call attention to the body's length.

Swimsuits at left: Tropical halter nylon-lycra one-piece, Tommy Bahama, $114; 800-647-8688 or

tommybahama.com for stores. Red nylon-lycra bandini ($105) and bottom ($85), St. John Swimwear; sjk.com for stores.

06 of 06

Lower Body Help

Lower Body Help
Chayo Mata

* A high cut in the leg (but nothing higher than the hip bone) helps heavy thighs look slimmer.

* Leave boy shorts at the store-they make the derriere and thighs look bigger.

* Emphasize your top with color blocks, light colors or embellishment at the chest-they'll draw the eye away from a heavier bottom.

Swimsuits at left: Striped strapless nylon-spandex one-piece, Banana Republic, $88;

bananarepublic.com. Polyamide-elastane one-piece halter, Vix Swimwear, $132; vixswimwear.com.

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