Swimsuits for every body
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019
Choosing the swimsuit that works for your shape is really about emphasizing and minimizing different body parts
Long torso
Try a tankini top that’s cut generously long. Here, stripes give the illusion of a shorter torso. (If the measurement from your shoulder, over your breast, under your crotch and back up to the back of the same shoulder is higher than 63 inches, that’s considered a long torso.)
Halter top, $103, and sash bottom, $73, Seafolly.
Long torso
A long tankini top with adjustable side ties lets you customize length.
Top, $48, and belted bottom, $30, Silhouette Solution.
Long torso
This empire-belted, halter one-piece is made for a long torso.
$88, The C Collection.
Generous bum or thighs
Go for skirted bottoms, like this tankini offers. And be honest about your size. Everyone thinks they’re a size 10, but the average size in Canada is between a 12 and 14, says Debbie Younder, director of sales for Baltex.
Top, $105, and bottom, $98, La Blanca by Rod Beattie.
Generous bum or thighs
A moderate-cut leg can flatter more than high, French-cut leg styles.
Top, $55, and bottom, $30, Be Creative.
Generous bum or thighs
This bikini with skirted bottom still delivers high style.
Underwire top, $45, and bottom, $50, Be Creative.
Ample tummy
Prints can be surprisingly forgiving. “Sometimes, solid suits can make you look bigger,” Younder says. Tropical print one-piece with shirred sides.
$130, Tommy Bahama.
Ample tummy
Opt for swimwear with a very strong lining to offer tummy control. This one-piece features “slimming power” fabric and diagonal stripes.
$94, Fantasizer.
Ample tummy
Shirred or cross-over bodice styles are flattering. One-piece with criss-cross bodice.
$150, La Blanca by Rod Beattie.
Big bust
Halter tops that pull up the bust while accentuating your shoulders are also a good bet. Halter one-piece.
$140, La Blanca by Rod Beattie.
Big bust
Suits with underwire, soft or removable cups can help play down the appearance of large breasts. One-piece with wrap front styling and soft cup bra.
$92, Fantasizer.
Big bust
Look for sturdy, adjustable straps that will help you get the uplifting fit you need, such as the ones on this bikini with a D–cup underwire bra.
Top, $40, and skirted bottom, $40, Silhouette Solution.
Small bust
Moulded cups, such as the ones in this “Booster Bra” one-piece, can help enhance your bust.
$142, Seafolly
Small bust
Look for underwire bras with removable push-up pads. This embroidery-trimmed bikini has removable padded inserts for extra boost, for instance.
Top, $20, and string tie bottom, $17, H&M.
Small bust
This brightly patterned two-piece with push-up bra pumps up the volume.
Top, $39, and hipster bottom, $39, Christina.
Small bust
This brightly patterned two-piece with push-up bra pumps up the volume.
Top, $39, and hipster bottom, $39, Christina.
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