The Perfect Fit

Taking advantage of one of those Fall cruise or travel specials?  Good for you!  Faced with the dreaded task of not only shopping for a swimsuit, but buying it off-season?  Don't worry.  Whether you want to hide or flatter, swimsuit separates are still available to help out every figure.

Pick a Top

• Small Bust:

 - Enhance a small chest with a lightly padded halter top, triangle bikini or a demi cut with an underwire.

- Look for suits that offer texture, like ruffles or smocking.

- Bold prints or colors will flatter.

- Avoid straight across bandeaux or strapless tops.

- Provocative necklines, like plunging V, sweetheart or curvy, will draw eyes upward.

- Horizontal stripes will help widen an area.

• Large Bust:

- Soft cup bras offer extra support, and underwire styles are the most secure.

- For additional support, consider an X, Y or V style on the back of the swimsuit.

- Wide straps and small armholes make for a sturdier top.

- Consider smaller patterns on top, rather than larger.  A diagonal pattern or crossover fold of fabric will help balance the chest.

• Too Much Tummy:

- Wear a printed top, or one colored lighter than the bottom.

- Tankini tops cover the tummy area, but can be pulled up when lying in the sun.

- Choose suits with at least 15 percent spandex to minimize problem areas.

Choose a Bottom

• Hippy Hips:

- Pick a skirt bottom, or one that covers the hips instead of sitting below them.

- Choose vertical stripes, or a dark, solid color.

• Short Legs or Torso:

- Short legs gain length with a bottom suit cut high on the hip.

- Vertical stripes create an illusion of height.

- Try low-rise bottoms to elongate the torso.

A Great Match

Patterns and colors are useful in flattering a shape and hiding its flaws, but when combining separates also consider matching your skin tone.  Dark colors complement a dark tan leftover from summer, while medium colors work well with pale skin.

Comfort should always be an important factor - no one wants to be preoccupied with keeping their suit in place while at the beach or pool.  Ordering your separates online gives you the chance to try on the suit in the privacy of your own home and return ones that aren't right for you.  A good fit will not pinch around the legs or under the arms and will not ride up while walking or moving.  Keep in mind that swimsuits will stretch, not shrink; so always find a suit made of better quality using a high percentage of the best nylon and spandex material.  And, if you can, go for fabrics that are resistant to chlorine - they'll last longer!