An insider's guide for getting the best of what’s in store.

Adult Swim
A little research is all it takes to get beautifully well suited in time for summer.
By Jennifer Smith Tapp

Few events strike fear in the hearts of otherwise poised, intelligent women quite like bathing-suit shopping. And it’s no wonder: Unless you’re a perfectly proportioned and toned teenager, the prospect of baring acres of skin in a skimpy spandex number can be terrifying. But finding the right suit doesn’t have to be. Today’s swimwear is offering more stylish, figure-fixing options than ever before, so with a little research, real women can browse the racks with confidence, find the most flattering suits, and be beautifully beach bound in no time.

Suit Yourself
The first step to choosing the right suit is familiarizing yourself with the standard swimwear styles. Still the most popular option, maillots are one-piece tank suits; variations include bandeaus, wrap suits, and halters. The most anxiety-inducing style is, of course, the bikini, a two-piece that reveals generous portions of back and midriff. In more recent years, the tankini, which features a tank-style top with bikini bottom, has become a favorite. As with other swimsuit silhouettes, the tankini has given rise to several adaptations, such as the camikini, which is similar but provides more bust support.

Now that you’re familiar with the basic styles, you’ll need to figure out which body shape you have. If you’re smaller on top and larger on the bottom, you’re a pear; if you’re straight and slim up and down, you’re a beanpole; if you have slim legs but are round in the middle, you’re an apple; and if you have a well-defined and balanced waist, hips, and bust, you’re an hourglass. Equally important is determining whether you’re short-waisted (a short torso with longer legs) or long waisted (a long torso with shorter legs). From there, think about which specific areas you want to enhance and minimize, and use the following guide to pinpoint the styles that are best suited to helping you achieve your goal.

Flatten stomach: Try a maillot with tummy control or side shirring. A vibrantly hued or patterned tankini top that covers the stomach with a solid dark bottom can also be flattering.
Define waist: Consider a maillot with side shirring, a wrap front, tummy control, and/or diagonal lines sloping toward the center of the body. Brightly hued or patterned tankinis and bikinis can be good choices too.
Enhance bust: Opt for a brightly colored or print bikini top with padded triangle cups, a tie front, a twist, an O-ring, ruching, shirring, or ruffles. If you prefer a maillot or tankini, look for one with similar details on top and/or a halter cut.
Accentuate curves: If you’re slim and straight all over, follow the recommendations for enhancing your bust, but pair those tops with low-riding boy shorts or side-tie bikini bottoms.
Minimize bust: Seek out maillots or tankinis with high-cut necks, bikinis with halter tops, or tops that are cut straight across with wide-set straps and hidden support.
Balance pear shape: Draw the eye upward by pairing a bright or patterned top with a medium-cut, solid, dark bottom. Skirts can also be helpful.
Lengthen legs: Check out any one- or two-piece suit with high-cut legs.
Slim total body: Look for maillots in darker colors with overall slenderizing control.

Dive Right In
Whether you prefer to shop online or in stores, there are countless sellers specializing in swimwear these days. Many, such as LandsEnd.com, boast interactive tools and virtual models that allow you to shop by body type, and some feature brands that cater to body-shaping and plus sizes, such as Miraclesuit and Carol Wior. Still others offer trained fit specialists who can assist you in finding the perfect suit. When trying to determine the proper size, “go one size bigger than your dress or pant size,” says Brooke Winston, a fit specialist for popular swimwear website EverythingButWater.com. “Remember that suits expand in the water and should fit snugly.” Regardless your shape and size, however, Winston urges consumers to keep an open mind, since a style that might not look flattering online or on the rack may look amazing on you.

Another swimsuit-shopping trend that has endeared itself to women everywhere is separates. “Most women’s bodies are not proportionate, and therefore they may need different sizes for the top and the bottom,” says Jennifer Miller, a fit specialist at Malia Mills (maliamills.com), a company that has helped bring separates into the mainstream. “Our pieces are specially designed for comfort, and the tops are based on cup size, ranging from 32AA to 38DD.” Along those lines, one area women tend to overlook when choosing a suit is bust support, but new high-tech fabrics and processes are offering more help than standard liners and underwires. “At Malia Mills, we use a process called power netting to provide necessary support,” Miller explains. Finally, regardless your size and shape, don’t underestimate the power of a stylish cover-up. They can go a long toward making you feel more comfortable and take you from the beach to dinner without the hassle of having to change.

Anne Cole Studio Black String Bikini with Amethyst Beads ($196; bloomingdales.com)

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