Fitting Room

Use Your Body Type To Choose Your Swimswuit

(excerpt from Coastal Living)

To make the process easier — maybe even fun — here are five common body types, plus the swimsuit
styles that best flatter each:

HOURGLASS: Balanced shoulders and hips, with a defined waist

A two-piece suit will highlight your waistline.
All-over prints keep the eye moving.

TRIANGLE: Narrower shoulders or bust, wider hips

An empire waist makes a small bust look fuller.
Since the eye is attracted to light shades, wear a paler top — with horizontal stripes, maybe — with a darker, solid bottom.

INVERTED TRIANGLE: Wider shoulders or bust, narrower hips

High-neck suits, underwire tops and other suits with plenty of coverage and support are best.
A wide, square neck narrows wide shoulders.
Keep things balanced with a fuller-cut bottom, maybe a pair of boy shorts.

RECTANGLE: Straight line from shoulders to hip — no waist

Look for special detailing that defines the waist, like piping or side cut-out.
A surplice-wrap suit or one with diagonal stripes accentuate the waistline.
Create a waist with a wide, horizontal stripes around the middle.

CIRCLE: Balanced shoulders and hip, wider waist

Look for suits with slimming fabric in the torso to smooth the midriff.
Fabric that's shirred — gently gathered — or otherwise textured tends to be flattering.
Face-framing necklines, like sweetheart or halter shapes, draw attention up past the tummy, to the face.

A Size Chart For You

Please note that each manufacturer has its own sizing. Use the chart only as a guideline...