Fashion Figure-Flattering Swimsuits By InStyle Editors InStyle Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Our editors and writers comprise decades of expertise across the beauty, fashion, lifestyle and wellness spaces in print and digital. We prioritize journalistic integrity, factual accuracy, and also having fun with every story we share. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on September 24, 2007 @ 03:05PM Pin Share Tweet Email Trending Videos Photo: Chayo Mata Figure-Flattering Swimsuits 01 of 06 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 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 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 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 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 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.