How to Buy the Best Bathing Suit for Your Body Type

The key to looking classy and feeling sexy in a summer swimsuit is by choosing a suit that accentuates your figure and highlights your assets. Wearing a bathing suit that is designed for your particular body type can be a huge confidence booster, enhancing your shape while expressing your own unique personality.

The best bathing suits consist of a good Fabric-Cut-Fit combination. The proper suit should be made of a supportive fabric that is at least 90% four-way stretch Lycra (stay away from Raschel, which is only two-way stretch), have a flattering fit, and the right cut. The top, for example, should either cover your breasts completely or show just a little cleavage in the center of your chest. Unexpected embellishments such as buckles, rings and bows can serve to accentuate, but be cautious -- the wrong embellishment can highlight a problem area instead of disguising it.

BOTTOM HEAVY Dark bottoms and a brighter top with contrasting trim draws attention upwards and away from the rear. Mixed textures, like a crocheted or knit top with a plain bottom of the same color family, can have the same effect. Although the top will be the attention-grabber, it's important that both pieces match so your suit doesn't look like camoflauge. If you're dressing it up with a sarong, choose one that flows and doesn't cling.

TOP HEAVY Get measured, if necessary, to determine your exact cup size and choose a top with a triple hook closure so it'll fit well while providing support like a regular bra. A halter top can look nice on busty women, but if it tugs too hard at the string around the neck, switch to a top that has wires at the side which will push your breasts forward for extra, perkier support. Bottoms should have bows at the hips in order to trick the eye into seeing an hourglass figure as opposed to an upside-down triangle.

PETITE Two-pieces are your best bet; they create a bare expanse of skin at the midsection which elongates the torso. Avoid ribbons and ties at the hips as they draw unwanted attention to short legs. Instead, try bottoms that are higher cut to create a longer leg line.

ROUND TUMMY High-waisted bottoms paired with a long tankini top in bold prints keep your tummy looking compact. If you can find a suit with extra Lycra, that's even better -- it will offer more control in the midsection.

SMALL BUSTED Choose thin, molded cups with a behind-the-neck tie to pull your breasts up and in, forming cleavage. A knot or buckle at the center of the chest will draw attention to the cleavage you've formed and make it look a little fuller.

LONG WAISTED Suits with horizontal stripes will offset the length of your middle. Boy-shorts bottoms look best when they ride low on the hips and have a higher cut in back. Pair it with a halter top to hide some of your torso's length.

CURVY For this body type, find a store that sells bathing suit tops and bottoms separately so you custom-fit each piece. Bottoms with adjustable side ties can be loosened to prevent the suit from digging into your hips and causing "spillover." A top with straps that tie around the neck or go over your shoulders will hold breasts in place and lift without smushing.

PLUS SIZE A one-piece suit without any straps will provide coverage while still allowing you to look attractive and alluring. Don't choose a suit that's all one color or the same pattern as this magnifies your frame. Contrasting patterns, on the other hand, create more definition and keep the eye moving.