We are being promised a heat wave this summer.......hoorah! With the prospect of exposing our bodies this summer I am sure people are starting to think about extra body skin care and getting their figure toned for exposure. It can feel a bit daunting after being covered up all winter long so to help you feel better make sure you have the correct swimwear to flatter your body as best as possible. Following is a guide on how to look fabulous in the sunshine this summer.

Choosing the correct colour

Wearing the most flattering colour in swimwear will have a huge impact. The correct colour will look great whether you have a tan or not and can even make you look browner.

Think about the depth of your colouring, lighter colouring such a blonde hair, light brown hair, light eyes will mean that light colours will be most complimentary. If you have deeper tones then go for stronger colours. Even if you have very dark hair and very white skin, a dark bikini will look great. It will match the high contrast of your colouring and look striking.


Also consider the undertone to your colouring; if you have a warm skin tone which is a yellow/golden base then yellow based colours will be best. If you more of a blue or pink base then blue based colours will suit you better. This is will really impact the colour of your skin, the correct tone will make your skin look great whether it’s tanned or not.

Finally when trying on bikini’s assess if the colour is too bright or too wishy washy on you. We either have a soft colouring, which will suit muted colours or we can take bright colours that stand out. If your colouring is soft and you wear a bikini that it too bright, you will only see the bikini, it will be too over powering.

Prints and details

Pay attention to the size of the print, it needs to be the same scale as your body. For example if you are 5ft4 or below, and very petite a small print will be best, if you are very tall and are well built go for larger patterns. This is important because if you are small and wear a big print, it will over whelm you on the other hand if you are large and wear a delicate pattern it will actually make you look bigger. Patterns can be very slimming so do experiment with them. Prints with darker backgrounds are usually more slimming and make sure the pattern does not make the eyes focus on the wrong area.

Scale also applies to the thickness of the straps and ties. Avoid thin ties such as string bikinis if you have a large scale.

Details such as bows, ties, belts and embellishments are great for drawing attention to the parts you like. For example if you have a pear shape then details on the bikini top will draw the eye away from your hips. If you have a fantastically flat stomach then belted styles will draw attention to show this area off.

What is the correct style for my body shape?

Pear shapes/ wide hips – You need to avoid lines going across the widest part of your thighs. Go for slightly higher cut styles. This will help to elongate you legs. Wear something attention grabbing at the bust line. Keep the bottom of the bikini or swimsuit dark and matte. Try strapless styles which create a horizontal line on your upper half which will help to balance your hips.

Curvy/full bust – Look for built in support from cups or under wire. Try a halter neck with built in support which will be good for shaping. Use low necklines and vertical stripes to elongate your figure. Avoid belted styles unless you have a small waist and long body.

Small bust – String bikinis will look great if you are not looking to enhance your bust other wise go for tops with some padding. Bright colours and/or details will give the illusion of a larger bust. Avoid suits with too much structure and obvious padding in the bust.

Tummy problems – Avoid anything that cuts across your stomach such as a belt or horizontal lines. Look for v necks and vertical lines to help visually slim the body. Details around your neck line will draw the eye away from your stomach. Tankini’s are perfect for covering up your tummy and swimsuits are still in fashion this year which is great news if you are worried about this area. Patterns will detract attention away from any bulges too.