Womens Swimsuits

Buying swimsuits online can be tricky and there are a few things that you should keep in mind when trying to find the right one for you. While trying a suit on at the store will more easily ensure the right fit, if you know your body type and size, you will have no problem finding a great suit online. The right suit can help enhance certain aspect of your body while detracting attention away from other parts. Take a look at these buying guide to see if any of these helpful tips are useful for you.

Before Buying

• Decide what kind of suit you're looking for. Are you going to use it for tanning at the beach? A pool workout?
• What you'll be using it for will greatly influence style and material.
• If it doesn't fit properly, it probably doesn't look that great either. Even though returning is a pain, the wrong fit is a waste of money.
• Don't buy it too small. Even if you're hoping you'll fit into it eventually, too small suits aren't flattering for anyone.
• It's always better to go a size up when buying suits since most tend to run small.
• You don't have to look like a Victoria's Secret Model to look great in a bikini. Try and find one that works for your body type.
• Think carefully about your figure and your proportions before selected a print or style.

By Prints

When deciding on a print its important to keep in mind your body type, your proportions and your coloring. While a bright floral one piece looks great on one person, it may be too overwhelming for someone else. Here are some quick tips when it comes to picking patterns and colors. Mix and match tops and bottoms to get most flattering ensemble.

Always buy for your body type:

• Large Chest- If you have a larger chest, solid colors on the top will take attention away and downwards.
• Small Chest- If you have a smaller chest its the exact opposite. You can enhance your chest with bright colors and patterns.
• Wide Belly- In order to cover up these tough spots look for suits that have large blocks of colors in those areas. If you choose a one-piece, get one that is a solid dark color on the bottom.
• Large hips and thighs- To detract attention from large hips or thighs, try wearing stripes or suits that have brighter colors on top to divert attention away from the bottom.

Here are some typical patterns: 

Bold Prints	Crochet Detailing	Solid Colors	Stripes	Poka-Dotted

By Style

• One pieces  are the most common of swimsuits and make it easy to cover up certain problem areas. However, one pieces can also be very sexy and revealing. It all depends on the kind and style you choose.
• A low cut one piece will allow you to show oof our chest while keeping your stomach covered.
• They can help elongate a petite frame.
• If you have long legs, try one that is cut higher at the hip to enhance their length.
• If you are toned, you may want to try to be more revealing with a cut-out one piece.
• Tankinis  are great for covering up bellies, but still allow your stomach to see some sun.
• They are great for those with boyish, box figures since they'll add some curves.
• Go for ones with halter tops.
• Bikinis  are much more revealing than other styles, but come in a variety shapes to ensure the best fit.
• String Bikinis  are great people with good muscle tones in their shoulders or legs.
• Halter tops will enhance smaller chests.
• If you have wide hips, go for bottoms that sit lower.

By Body Type:

Large Waist

A suit that is gathered on one side gives your sides some nice definition and hides more. Make sure the suit is just tight enough to streamline you but not so tight that you bulge out of it. Mesh or crocheted trim on the sides help to bring the eye to the center of the body. Some bathing suits have reinforced tummy panels that help create a slimmer look. Suits with a small belt or sash will create the impression of a smallet waist

Small Chest

Suits with supportive cups, perhaps with underwire, will make your chest appear larger. Attention-getting details and cuts also help emphasize any size. Bold patterns and horizontal stripes make everything look bigger, your bust included. Triangles bikini tops and tube tops are made for smaller chested women. Sweetheart necklines (with a square and a v-type dip in the center) and halter tops are very flattering. Padding will make you stand out more, as well. With mix-and-match suits, opt for a lighter color on top and a darker color on bottom.

Large Chest

A horizontal stripe well below your bustline will draw eyes down there, beyond your chest. High necks and square necklines draw eyes up and away. Try to get emphasis somewhere else specific. Ruffles or a skirt below? An open back? Support is key. Hidden underwire, or at least a shelf bra, keeps you from sagging. Stick to darker colors and skip the string bikinis.

Large Hips

Bright, patterned tops and dark, simple bottoms will draw the eye up and minimize the appearance of your bottom half. A full-coverage bottom will help support and streamline you. Avoid hip-height details; they draw the eye down. A short sarong or skirted suit will do wonders to turn your perceived problems into womanly curves. Buy a suit that fits. A too-small suit will make your hips and buttocks look larger.

Short Torso

Try a two peice - a bikini or tankini splits the body, which makes it appear longer. Avoid horizontal stripes; they shorten and widen the body. Vertical lines (think pinstripes) will always make you look taller. Avoid detailing at the midsection. This will draw attention to a shorter torso, and make it look broader. If you choose a one piece, make sure it isn't cut too high by your thighs. This will make your legs look longer, which will effectively shorten the torso.

Long Torso

If you have a lot of trouble finding something that fits, try an extra-long bathing suit, They aren't as common, but they can really make a difference! A two peice suit is okay as long as it is a tankini or bikini cut (not low rise). Low rise suits wil expose more stomach and make it look even longer. Horizontal stripes shorten the body, but also widen it. If you have a wider midsection, avoid this pattern. If you are long and lean, this is a really good option. You know how a turtleneck makes a persons neck look long? Same goes for a bathing suit. If your suit has a high neck or tall front, it will both emphasize and increase the length of your upper body.

Athletic Suits

When you're using your suit to really swim, you want to focus on comfort and durability. If you're swimming in a pool, make sure your suit has been treated for chlorine resistance. Hand wash your suit in fresh water after each swim. Make sure you can move in your suit without any bunching, pulling or stretching. This has to make it through all your rigorous motions. The suit should lie flat and stay in place through all your motions. Make sure you're adequately covered in the rear and chest.

By Material

Nylon  Nylon is pretty durable and usually ensures a good fit. It is usually mixed with other materials to add to their durability.	Cotton  You should only buy cotton suits if you're planning on sun bathing and dips in the water. They aren't good for exercising and aren't very form fitting without the addition of spandex or nylon.	Spandex  Spandex is great for athletic swimsuits and ensures a tight fit.

Popular Brands/ Designers

For Sunbathing	For Athletic Suits
Victoria's Secret  Lucky Brand  Ralph Lauren	TYR Speedo  Nike