Fashion Basics

The Best Swimsuits for All Body Types

Swimsuits in flattering fabrics and clever cuts that are suited for real bodies

If the results of an informal office poll are any indication, there are few things, when it comes to clothing, that give women more anxiety than the swimsuit: First, there's this process of weeding through the multitudes of possibilities, and then there's the actual wearing of it. Finding the right suit--one that's designed for your figure--can go a long way toward quieting that anxiety. I've done the weeding to find a dozen suits meant to flatter women with different body types: those with large chests, those with a tummy they want to camouflage, those with full hips and thighs, and those with straighter shapes. So let the sun shine--I'll see you at the pool.

Swimsuits for a Large Bust

 

From left:
This tankini top is sized the way a bra is--by cup (up to G) and band (up to 38)
To buy: Fantasie Swim top and bottom: www.barenecessities.com
Defy gravity with a bandeau that features underwire, darts and silicone edging
To buy: Shoshanna top and bottom: Saks Fifth Avenue
Underwire and adjustable cross-back straps make delightfully retro tank diveproof. Comes in a D cup.
To buy: Seafolly one piece: www.seafolly.com

Swimsuits for a Tummy

From left:
Bikinis aren't off limits. Just choose a bottom with a fold-over waistband so it won't dig in.
To buy: OndadeMar top and bottom: www.ondademar.com
Busy dots keep the eye from focusing on your middle. Swimming laps? Switch the straps to cross-back.
To buy: DKNY one piece: www.zappos.com
With an extra-long ruched top, you can disguise bumps in style.
To buy: Natori top and origami hipster bottom: www.natori.com

Swimsuits for Full Hips and Thighs

From left:
Hate the sausage effect? Get a just-right, nonbinding fir with a side-tie bikini.
To buy: Trina Turk top and bottom: www.vonmaur.com
A snazzy bodice highlights your top half, while bands of blue down the sides elongate.
To buy: Robin Piccone top and adjustable side-tie bottoms: www.robinpiccone.com
High openings show legs in the best light, but the real deal is the alluring cutouts under the bust.
To buy: Kenneth Cole one piece: www.everythingbutwater.com

Swimsuits for a Straight Figure

From left:
Achieve major push-up without underwire, thanks to contoured padding.
To buy: Voda Swim top and bottom: www.vodaswim.com
Strategic seaming along the torso and molded cups lend you curves.
To buy: Tory Burch one-piece: www.toryburch.com
Get a boost from a gathered, padded bandeau and hip-checked hardware.
To buy: L Space Swim top and bottom: www.zappos.com

All of the swimsuits featured can be found here within the Twin Cities. Most people look at department stores (Macy's, Nordstrom's, Von Maur) for swimsuits but I highly recommend one of these swimsuit specialty shops:

Everything But Water in Mall of America
Swim and Sport in Mall of America
Nani Nalu at West 50th Street (50th and France): "Best Swimwear Shop in Minnesota"

Now go you find your swimsuit and I'll see you at the beach on Lake Calhoun!

Alison