Swimwear for Your Figure

It's that time of year again when we look forward to our Summer holidays but cringe at the thought of baring all in in swimwear. Fear not though, ladies! Here I'll be showing you how to dress for your figure and what swimwear choices will suit you best, so that this Summer you can enjoy yourself without worrying about how you look on the beach. All of the pieces shown below are available online, so there's no reason to wait!

Boyish figure
If you're slim and fairly straight up and down, then you have a boyish figure. You can get away with minimal coverage and the perfect swimwear for you is something that will add a bit of a curve as well as flaunt what you already have with bold colours and prints.

From left: Lace frill bikini top. £55 and bottoms, £40 Paolita at ASOS. Navy polka dot set, £28.50 Topshop
Floral frill bikini top, £65 and bottoms, £69 Tavik Taylor at ASOS. Vivid leopard print top, £6.99 and bottoms, £6.99 H&M

Curvy

If you have a relatively undefined waist, larger hips and your curves are focused around your stomach and hips, then you have a curvy figure. Depending on your shape, you can conceal and enhance different areas of your body with a variety of styles. Bikinis can often enhance your shape, whereas one-piece costumes conceal your tummy. Stick to clean lines on your swimwear which wont add too much extra shape, and stear clear of prints but don't be afraid to experiment with different block colours.

From left: Blue/green one piece, £65 Anita Classix at Figleaves. Retro style black halter, £92 Seafolly at MyWardrobe.
Red underwired bikini top, £27 and tie-side bottoms, £17 Lepel at ASOS.
Yellow halterneck bikini, £130 Melissa Odabash at The Outnet

Top-heavy/ busty

If you are large busted, or are larger on top in proportion to the rest of your figure, then swimwear which both supports and flatters your chest are ideal for you. Thick-strapped halters and underwiring are your best friends, and you can carry off most colours and prints.

From left: Magenta halter bikini top, £27 and bottoms, £25 Seafolly at ASOS.
Leopard 50's style bikini top, £18 and bottoms, £15 ASOS.
Cobalt underwired bikini top, £24 and bottoms, £15 Pour Moi at ASOS.
Floral bikini top, £35 and bottoms, £29 Ted Baker at John Lewis

Bottom heavy

If you're bottom half is larger in proportion to the rest of your body or you're carrying a little extra junk in your trunk, there are a few tricks you can try with your swimwear. Pairing darker bottoms with a lighter top or a one-piece with a plunging neckline will draw attention away from your bottom half. Boy shorts will cover a little more skin, and bikini bottoms with ring detailing will stop anything from riding up.

From left: Ring bikini, £63 Vitamin A at Figleaves. Frill plunge swimsuit, £30 ASOS.
Print bikini top, £113 DVF and tie-side briefs, £38 Seafolly both at Net-A-Porter.
Halterneck bikini top, £160 and boy shorts, £78 both Melissa Obadash at Net-A-Porter

What swimwear will you be buying this year? Leave a comment below...