Your Guide to Selecting a Superb Swimsuit

Is swimsuit shopping a source of stress in your life? Fret no more with these tips for picking the suit that suits you best!

If you're on the smaller side up top (a-b cup) look for embellished tops; ruffles, bold prints, fringes, anything to add some volume. If you want to add some more shape and lift go for underwire tops and light padding.

If you're on thebustierside molded cups with underwire, adjustable straps and thick halter ties are your friend. Several brands also carry lines for bustier women. If you're looking to minimize your chest avoid ruffles, crazy patterns and embellishments. If you're looking to even out your top and bottom halves go for a flirty ruffled bottom or a cute patterned bottom with a solid top.

If you're less curvy and more straight-figured the trick is to pick bold prints and flirty ruffles and embellishments to play up your figure. Opt for tie sides and monokinis to give the illusion of a more shapely figure.  Also, smaller suits with less coverage tend to make the linear figure appear curvier.

If you're pear shaped the key is to balance your proportions while getting the coverage you need on the bottom. Opt for a clean skirted bottom or a bottom with a higher cut to elongate the legs. A plunging neckline, some padding or any eye-catching top will balance out your proportions.

High-waisted two pieces, tankinis and gathered one pieces are your friend if you're apple shaped. Wrapped-style suits and shirring hide bulges while creating a more defined waist. Look for prints that create optical illusions of smaller middles and that have ruched or gathered fabric for the ultimate slim down.

For petite bodies two pieces work wonderfully. String ties allow one to adjust for the perfect fit that other suits might not provide. Also look for higher-cut bottoms to elongate the legs.

Happy shopping!