Bathing suit shopping doesn’t need to be summers most dreaded ritual, in fact if you know your shape and what best suits it, then it can actually be a joyous occasion. And like most people living or visiting Newport Beach, you’re going to want to be in your suit the whole time, so it’s imperative to choose one that’s most flattering. Inevitably, every year around this time I get questions from women that are reluctant to head into those fitting rooms.  Some wonder “how do I pick the right bottoms for my boyish figure?” or “what top works best for a larger chest?”  So this year I decided to create a cheat sheet on ways to suit your shape featuring suits from SwimSpot located in one of the best shopping destinations – Fashion Island.

Pear : Pick a suit with some lift, which will make your shape more proportional.  Your best bet on top is a push-up bra to give your breasts maximum support. Since most pear shapes have a slightly larger bottom than top, buy your bikini bottom one size larger than you would your top. The beauty of separates is that you can mix and match.

Nautica – Ocean Tide One Piece Swimsuit, Splendid – Marcel Stripe Underwire Bustier and banded Bikini Bottoms, Nautica – Headsail Tankini and Skirted Bottoms

Boy-Shaped : Choose a high-waisted bikini bottom, one with lift for your rear. This style accentuates your waist and makes your long, lean body look curvier.  The beauty of this shape is that you can pull off a one or two piece suit. One-pieces will make your body look even leaner while a two-piece will bring out the curves.

Guess – Dottie N Nice Molded Underwire Bikini Top and High Waitsed Bottoms, LUXE By Lisa Vogel – Mrs. Bond Maillot, Next – Tapa Racerback Tankini Top and Karma Swim Shorts

Hourglass : If you have an hourglass shape, your waist is typically much smaller than your bust or hips. Pick a suit that will accentuate your waist and flatter your other assets. If you are a taller hourglass, then boy shorts or a high-cut bottom will bring definition to your legs.  Match it with a bandeau top or one with an under wire for support.

Splendid – Malibu Stripe Crop Top and Retro Bottom, Athena – Worth Avenue Bandeau One Piece Swimsuit, LUXE By Lisa Vogel – Mrs. Bond Underwire Bikini Top and Mesh Side Bikini Bottoms
Petite : For smaller figures opt for a string bikini that tie on the hips. This will bring attention to your curves, especially if you are a petite boy-shape. Halter tops are best for those with a smaller breast size, as they will push up and support your chest. To give yourself the illusion of added curves, buy a bottom with a floral print or one with ruffles.

Hurley – Stagger Bandeau and Side Strap Bottoms, Reef – Solid Molded Sweetheart Bikini Top and Side Tie Bikini Bottoms, Splendid – Malibu Stripe Underwire One Piece Swimsuit