Reading all the magazines, each one has their own ways for telling you how to shop for a swimsuit based on your body. More often than not you’re told how to minimize a large chest or enhance a small one.

The truth is, if you have a large chest, if you’re happy with it why minimize it. Why not just chose a flattering style that gives you support and and makes you feel good about your ample assets.

Those with a small bust can choose to enhance this area with padding and if it makes you feel great go for it. But if you’re like me, go for the triangle tops that cover without worrying that Booby Betty or Chesty Lefty might pop out.

There is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing a swimsuit. I’ve known women who’ve worn skimpy bathing suits regardless of their size because they wanted as much tan as possible. And others who you would think would wear close to nothing have all but covered themselves up. It goes to show you, it all begins in the mind with acceptance of who you are, busty or not, slim or plus size. Love yourself now, this moment.

If however there are parts of your body you’d like to enhance or minimize here are some tips to help:

Pear Shaped

The area most women try to minimize with a pear shape is their lower body. If that’s your goal choose a solid color bottom and a light color top. Boy shorts are great for this body type. If you do go with prints make sure its an allover print in order to minimize as opposed to large space prints that will have the opposite effect.

Apple/Cones

This body shape is the opposite of pear, you may choose to enhance your upper body in which case it doesn’t matter what you choose as long as it gives you proper support. If however you are looking to minimize the upper body do the opposite of pear and choose a dark colored top and pair it with a light colored bottom. Tankini’s are great for those that would like to minimize their chest or have added support. Halter top bikini’s tend to give the more support than the triangle variety.

Ruler

If anything you are trying to create the illusion of curves. Choose topes with extra padding and bottoms that have a band around the waist area in a different pattern or color will give the illusion of a waist.

One piece bathing suits are for everyone, regardless of your shape. The only thing I find is for us with curvy hips, 40’s retro suits show of the curves best without making me feel like a hippo. Suits which are high cut at the leg tend to make you bulge.

Tankini’s are great for those that would like to minimize their chest or have added support. Halter top bikini’s tend to give the more support than the triangle variety.

Hourglass

What can I possible tell you to help in your search for the perfect swimsuit. My suggestion is a feature you’d like to highlight maybe its your legs, go with a high cut brief. If you want to draw attention to your chest look for details in the top half of the suit and just do the opposite if your looking to draw attention to your bottom half.

Tips for All Shapes

Most importantly the thing to remember regardless of shape is when it comes to color dark will minimize and light will maximize. This doesn’t mean your stuck with the stand by’s of black and navy. Just lower the intensity when searching for a dark piece.

When it comes to prints or florals large spaced are more enlarging than all over prints.

Horizontal stripes, yes sir the add width. Vertical and diagonal lines are slimming.

Keeping these tips mind and by practicing your mirror face shopping for a swimsuit won’t be nearly as treacherous as you imagine it to be.