Swimsuits in flattering fabrics and clever cuts that are suited for real bodies. Find Your Best SwimsuitIf the results of an informal office poll are any indication, there are few things, when it comes to clothing, that give women more anxiety than the swimsuit: First, there’s the process of weeding through the multitudes of possibilities, and then there’s the actual wearing of it. Finding the right suit—one that’s designed for your figure—can go a long way toward quieting that anxiety. We’ve done the weeding to find a dozen suits meant to flatter women with different body types: those with large chests, those with a tummy they want to camouflage, those with full hips and thighs, and those with straighter shapes. So let the sun shine—we’ll see you on the beach. |
For a Large Chest: BECCA by Rebecca Virtue Two-PieceA pretty shirred underwire top in a nylon blend is available in sizes D, DD, and DDD, with side-tied bottoms to match. To buy: Top, $72; bottoms, $38, at everythingbutwater.com. |
For a Large Chest: Long Tall Sally Two-PieceWith its full-coverage design, this polyamide-and-elastane tankini is cut especially for women with longer torsos. The gathered halter neck is adjustable for a secure fit. To buy: $65, us.longtallsally.com. |
For a Large Chest: Vineyard Vines One-PieceA nylon-blend one-piece with a sturdy halter strap has a snug fit, but with enough stretch for comfort. To buy: $115, vineyardvines.com. |
For a Tummy: Lands’ End Two-PieceAn adorable nylon-blend two-piece has high-waisted bottoms to help veil the tummy, a balconette bikini top, and all the glamour of a bygone era. Also in purple/red. To buy: Top, $55; bottoms, $50, 800-963-4816. |
For a Tummy: Eco Swim by Aqua Green One-PieceMade of recycled nylon-and-spandex, this one-piece design has a bowed band placed just under the bust to draw the eyes up from the middle. To buy: $98, lordandtaylor.com. |
For a Tummy: Athleta Two-PieceAdjust the nylon-and-spandex tankini top’s side shirring up or down to suit your shape and comfort level. The matching Shirred Full Tide bottom offers fuller coverage. To buy: Top, $72; bottoms, $42, athleta.com. |
For Full Hips and Thighs: Eberjey Two-PieceDon’t fear the bikini: Just find one that offers eye-catching details up top and an arched leg line below. This sweetly printed nylon-and-spandex duo fills the bill. Also available in navy. To buy: Top, $89; Penelope Sandy bikini bottoms, $74, eberjey.com. |
For Full Hips and Thighs: Melissa Odabash One-PieceMelissa Odabash’s nylon-and-spandex Pearl one-piece is simple and classic, with a design that squarely puts the emphasis on the bust. To buy: $204, melissaodabash.com. |
For Straight Figures: Trina Turk One-PieceA bold print, like the one on this nylon-and-spandex halter-tied suit, can give the illusion of curves. To buy: Moroccan Mosiac one-piece, $156, everythingbutwater.com for store locations. |
For a Straight Figure: Bisou Bisou Two-PieceA cinched neckline and a bright pop of color bolster this nylon-and-spandex tankini top and its matching side-shirred hipster bottoms. To buy: Top, $20 to $25; bottoms, $18, jcpenney.com. |
For a Straight Figure: Victoria’s Secret Two-PieceLightly padded, this nylon-and-spandex floral bandeau top has a removable halter strap. Ruching on the bottoms adds the sort of embellishment that makes the hips a focal point and creates a waist. To buy: Top, $28; bottoms, $20, victoriassecret.com. |
For Full Hips and Thighs: Calvin Klein Swimwear Two-PiecePull the eyes up from your hips with a nylon-and-lycra top that frames a pretty bust. The Full Classic bikini bottoms are sold separately, so you can mix and match the sizes as you need to. To buy: Top, $84.50; bottoms, $44.50, calvinklein.com. |
