How to shop for swimwear

All About You online 03.03.2008

It's one thing to have a trusty Speedo for the local pool, but quite another to find that priceless bikini that'll make you look a million dollars on the beach says All About You fashion expert Alyson Walsh

Woman in a white bikini running in the sea We're talking confidence-boosting tricks, flattering styles, and the odd optical illusion thrown in for good measure. As this is (hopefully) the only time you'll appear in public in what amounts to your underwear, you've got to get it right. Time to get your swimwear sorted.

Figure fixers

1. Long body
Never resort to buying something two sizes too big for the extra length, it won't fit. Try Land's End and Long Tall Sally for longer length styles. Or go for a sporty tankini instead, perfect for swimming, simply roll up the top if you want to tan your midriff.
Tip: Use horizontal stripes to shorten a long body.

2. Large bust
Getting the right fit is important. Avoid skimpy cut-away cups, you'll spill out, which is not a good look. Instead go for underwiring, full cups and wider straps for extra support. Halter neck styles are good too.
Tip: Go for a tankini rather than a bikini to flatter (and flatten) a big bust.

3. Small bust
Ruffles, padding and underwiring will give you a boost, whilst bandeau style swimsuits (cut straight across the top) will emphasize what's not there. Thin straps set wide apart will make the bust area seem bigger.
Tip: Tie leg bikinis and high-cut bottoms will make your bum/legs the focal point.

4. Pear-shaped
Mix and match tops and bottoms are great if you need two different sizes. Use clever tricks such as an interesting neckline or bold printed bikini top to draw attention upwards, away from your bottom half. Avoid shorts style bikini bottoms, these may cover your bum but that's a very large expanse of fabric. An oblique or high cut is much better.
Tip: Dark colours are more slimming.

5. Big tummy
Look for a swimsuit with different coloured, vertical panels down the sides. This will streamline your shape and give the illusion of a slimmer body. Hidden control panels act like a girdle and help hold you in.
Tip: Don't be tempted to let it all hang out in a bikini.

7 golden rules for swimwear shopping

1. Splash out. Spend as much as you can on a swimsuit, good quality fabrics with lots of Lycra will sculpt your figure
2. Never leave swimwear shopping till the airport - this is fine for suntan lotion and insect repellent, but not for figure-flattering bikinis
3. Check your rear view. How you look from the back is important too. You may intend to spend most of your holiday lying flat on a sun lounger, but sooner or later you're going to have to go to the bar or venture into the pool
4. Spend time trying on lots of different styles until you find the best fit 5. Buy more than one - you wouldn't wear the same underwear everyday would you?
6. White is for tanned bodies, sunbathing and Liz Hurley only. Remember, once it's wet it's see-through
7. If in doubt, you can't beat the classic black one-piece for poolside glamour

And finally...

It's always a good idea to get a professional fake tan (and a bikini wax) a day or two before you go away. You'll feel more confident when you hit the beach sans corned beef flesh and fake tan streaks.

If you find the idea of communal changing rooms and high street shopping terrifying - try swimwear on in the comfort of your own home with mail order and internet shopping.

Good sites to try are: Lands End; La Redoute; Fig Leaves; Next; Boden; Bravissimo; Fantasie Swimwear; Marks and Spencer;