Best bathing suits for your body type

Sarah Bernard
·Host of The Thread

Finding the most figure-flattering bathing suit possible-- and all the trial and error that entails-- is one of my least favorite summer rituals. So we thought we'd help your search this season by getting some advice from Jennifer Lopez's style team, Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn. The duo have great advice for which suits look best with which figures, and we provide affordable click-to-buy options. Enjoy!

Everyone has aspects of their body they like less than others--even supermodels. The key here is balance and knowing how to fool the eye. Higher cut bottoms elongate legs. Ruffled tops add volume to small busts. We've got some great options below for each
body type.

Pear Shape

Look for suits with high-cut bottoms. You don't want to be cut off at your widest point. A top with a deep V will attract attention to your sexy upper body.


Gap, $71.90.
Gap, $71.90.
Forever 21, $19.80.
Forever 21, $19.80.




Tall and Thin

Toss out athletic-style tank suits and opt for frills and romantic detailing to give the illusion of a more shapely figure.


UrbanMinx.com, $39 each piece.
UrbanMinx.com, $39 each piece.
Quiksilver, $88.50.
Quiksilver, $88.50.
Victoria's Secret, $29.
Victoria's Secret, $29.





Apple Shape

Ruching is your best friend. A suit with side details like a tuxedo stripe or sequins will also make tummy bulges less apparent.


Kohls, $46.80.
Kohls, $46.80.
Target, $34.99.
Target, $34.99.
Shape FX, $54.00.
Shape FX, $54.00.


Big Bust

Shop for bathing suits as you would for a bra. Look for underwire or a thick-banded bikini. A supportive fit is key.


Tommy Bahama, $89.00.
Tommy Bahama, $89.00.
Asos, $44.
Asos, $44.
Aerin Rose, $89.
Aerin Rose, $89.



Small Bust

Say "no" to bandeau tops. Try a ring-top halter or a triangle cut with ruffle trim to add volume to your chest area.


Topshop, $43.00.
Topshop, $43.00.
Victoria's Secret, $36.00.
Victoria's Secret, $36.00.
Lucky Brand, top: $68; bottom: $54.
Lucky Brand, top: $68; bottom: $54.



Full Figure

Avoid anything with strings-- it won't have much support. Pick your best feature and accent it. If it's your decolletage, an embellished plunging V-neck will draw the attention upward.


It Figures, $79.99.
It Figures, $79.99.
Target, $24.99.
Target, $24.99.
Old Navy, $54.94.
Old Navy, $54.94.

Have you done your bathing suit shopping yet? Let us know what you picked by posting on our Facebook wall.

Big thanks to Rob and Mariel, to our Thread viewers who made terrific models and to Battery Gardens for a fabulous location.

For behind-the-scenes Thread news, follow me on Twitter @hostofthethread