Flame Thrower
Boasting vibrant colours, a minimalist floral motif and a surprise cut-away back detail, it’s easy to predict a future of fun in the sun with this suit. But wait, there’s more! The fabric provides SPF 50 sun protection, adding a welcome dash of brains to this beauty.
Tory Burch Talisay One-Piece, US $215, toryburch.com
Lines Drawn
A high octane graphic print of converging stripes in a rainbow of hues is only half the picture: this suit is fully reversible! Flip it to showcase classic neutral stripes. The triangle top and side tie bottoms make an ideal pick for athletic or boyish frames, whichever side you choose will have your shape stylishly covered.
Red Carter Reversible Triangle Bikini Top, $94 and bottoms, $68, bikinivillage.com
Raise the Bar
Equal parts sweet and savvy, this scallop-edge suit style is a breakout hit this season – and tailor made to enhance a small bust. The wide bold stripes work in tandem with the elegant gathered front design to draw attention up top, while lighter colours below balance out proportions.
Marysia Swim Antibes Scallop Bikini Top, $180, and bottoms, $180, shopbop.com
Bold Strokes
A truly stunning one-piece, this abstract watercolour print will treat your hourglass frame like the work of art it is. Anchored with thin black straps and trim, a sexy bra-top design earns sophistication with a graceful play of deep and delicate tones.
Ted Baker London Cosmic Bloom Swimsuit, $169, tedbaker.com
Visual Aide
An energetic graphic, like this kaleidoscope print, can work magic if your wish is to minimize the appearance of a body part. Just don’t sacrifice a flattering cut in the process. Look for tops with underwire support and bra cup sizing if you’ve got a larger chest (this style runs up to G!), and consider high cut bottoms if you want to conceal a tummy or compliment curvy hips and thighs.
Freya bikini top, $82, and bottoms, $53, freyalingerie.com
Tropical Punch
Fashion fact: the swimsuit with the most slimming power isn’t necessarily black. A large-scale graphic, like this contrast leaf print, can be more potent because it distracts the eye when layered over any perceived problem area. The deep V neckline plays along to elongate nicely, too.
Old Navy tankini top, $35, bottoms, $23, oldnavy.gapcanada.ca
Call of the Wild
Proof that Mother Nature knows best, a subtle snakeskin print makes this simple tank one-piece a true leader of the pack. Knotted detailing helps to emphasize the bust line, while gradations of darker tones act as panels along the torso for an elongating effect.
Heidi Klein Namibia swimsuit, US $315, net-a-porter.com
Blue Lagoon
A retro style two-piece merged with a modern mixed print does a curvy body good. High waist bottoms offer clean lines that enhance hips and thighs, while molded cups provide ample support in a 2-in-1 top (it can be worn halter style or as a bandeau). Got more in ‘the girls’ department? There’s an alternate top version tailor made for D+ cups.
La Vie En Rose Aqua Bikini Top, $43, bottoms, $35, lavieenrose.com
In a Flap
It’s important to know what to look for in a swimsuit if your cups don’t runneth over. One word: ruffles. That’s because even on darker colours they’ll do the job of providing subtle volume wherever they land. It’s also important to know that these tiny dots are actually hearts. Two words: insanely adorable.
Joe Fresh Heart Print Tankini Top, $24, and bottoms, $16, joefresh.com/ca/
Liner Notes
Think you can’t, or shouldn’t, wear stripes? Think again. A fresh unexpected hue, thin lines, and asymmetrical neckline work together to shake up the traditional print and soften the visual blow.
J.Crew One-Shoulder Classic Stripe Suit, $155, jcrew.com
Related:
• 15 Stylish Shoes That Are Actually Good For Your Feet
• Athleisure: 19 Picks That Go Beyond the Gym
• The Best Swimsuit For Your Body Shape