The Best Swimsuits for Your Body Type

By Nicole Brewer - DietsInReview.com

Swimsuit season is here, and with it, the oftentimes frantic quest for the right suit for your body type. Celebrity stylist and former Biggest Loser Contestant (Season 7) Nicole Brewer offers simple tips for shopping for swimwear that fit your lifestyle and your curves!



Real women have curves, so choose your swimsuits like you would your clothes. Look for silhouettes that flatter your body. Think about your shape first, your size second - that way you'll be drawn to suits that will accentuate your assets and downplay the rest. If you're plus size, shop for swimwear like you would your shape wear. You may not want to cut corners - there's too much at stake. Consider making the investment in supportive fabrics with Lycra® and Spandex, as well as built-in bras that work to shape your body beautifully. You'll quickly discover that it's totally worth it!

Whether you're top heavy, bottom heavy, or have a full midsection in between, view the slideshow below to see my picks for the best bathing suits for any body shape.

I've also got a few key tips from my stylist's notebook you should keep in mind while swimsuit shopping:

Let the activity dictate the swimsuit. Be sure to have a slew of swimwear that includes a style best suited for posing on the beach, swimming in the ocean, water aerobics in a chlorine pool, lunch on the boardwalk, or relaxing in a hot tub…you get the idea.

Shop for great shapes. Waist cinching wrap swimsuits, empire waist styles, surplice necklines, sexy halters, simple swim dresses, sporty tank styles, and tankini separates - (two piece suits, best when sold separately, especially if your size varies, then you can mix and match based on your body type and create a swimsuit and change it up whenever you want!).

Be sensible about your support needs. Your perfect suits must hold you in comfortably without restricting your movement. There are so many options with built-in bra support, so you won't have to sacrifice style. The trick: make sure the tops of your suits are as flattering as your best bra.

Use color to contour your curves. Black is slimming, but if you have a pale skin tone, black won't necessarily flatter. Your best bet is to choose a variety of colors that flatter your skin tone.

Customize your details. Look for eye-catching design elements like ruching, shirring, sweetheart necklines, keyholes, strategic color blocking, vertical piping, and embellishments. Also, check out metallic accents, neckline hardware, and delicate print motifs that work to enhance, distract, and create illusions.

The secret to having your best swimsuit season ever is to play up your assets with strategic design details that work with your curves, not against them. These personal style solutions promise to make shopping simple - Just look for great shapes and smart details and find swimsuits that work for your body type. Be sure to try on a variety of styles and sizes until you find the right fit. You never know until you put it on!

View the slideshow to see Nicole's picks, then see more at DietsInReview.com:

Nicole Brewer's Fashion Tips for Looking Fierce During Weight Loss

7-Step Guide to Conquering Your Swimsuit Meltdown Moments

How to Dress for Your Body Type