Look Slimmer in Your Swimsuit

Swimsuit shopping is right up there with bra shopping for the majority of us — not our favorite thing to do. Unflattering dressing room lights, all our self-identified “flaws” revealed, and a lack of styles that flatter. We found a number of suits that defy the odds and work in our favor, plus we have a few must-do tips when looking for your next swimsuit.

Above Photo Credit: Nordstrom. Swimsuit, Robin Piccone

A couple of maybe obvious tips but we’ll state them anyway…

–DON’T try on swimsuits when you feel bloated after eating or drinking a lot the night before.

–DON’T worry about the size on the label, worry about how the suit looks on you. Swimsuits always run small anyway and you want to make sure the fabric skims your shape and doesn’t cause extra bulges. The tighter it is, the more bulges. This goes for anything really. Swimsuit sizes are different than regular clothing and you generally need to order or buy 1 to 2 sizes up from what you normally wear. For example, if you’re normally a size 6, many times you’ll need a size 8 or 10 for optimum fit and that’s okay.

–DO take time to put on self-tanner the night before or get a spray tan. You will be happier with your overall look.

–DO choose a room with good lighting that doesn’t cast shadows or make your skin look pasty. Online shopping and returning has gotten so easy that you can order and try them on at home.

Here are several swimsuits we found that flatter.

Slimming Solid Colors. Nothing is more slimming than a one-piece and many have extra heavy-duty spandex that helps you suck it all in. Yes, swimsuits with skirts are matronly, so just say no. Instead if you need some coverage, throw on a cute cover-up, summery pants or surfer shorts for a more sporty look.

Miraclesuit (Similar in Black and up to Size 16) // Miraclesuit (up to Size 16) // Lisa Marie Fernandez (On Sale!)

Supportive Two-Pieces. Often the problem with two-pieces is that they don’t offer any support and little to no coverage, especially if you are running around after toddlers or playing frisbee and enjoying water sports with your bigger kids. There are styles that still can work in these scenarios or throw on a rash guard or cover-up when you aren’t sitting to avoid any chance of wardrobe malfunction.

Tommy Bahama (top has bra sizing) // L*Space (fringe is haute!) // Becca (love the boho crochet)

Pretty Pattern Play. Prints are not only playful and fun, but they can also work to your advantage and help elongate and slim your figure. Look for patterns that are vertical in direction instead of horizontal, and with darker tones in the areas you want to appear smaller.

Mara Hoffman (On Sale!) // Clover Canyon // Trina Turk (On Sale!)

Sexy Surfer Girl. Rash guards are totally on-trend, cover up skin we’d rather not expose and a life-saver, literally. They are sun-safe and help save our skin from pre-mature wrinkles, age spots and skin cancer. Having a rash guard to wear over all of your suits when you’re planning to be out in the sun for any length of time is simply smart.

Commando (goes with ANY suit!) // We Are Handsome (built-in rash guard) // Orlebar Brown (love the palm print)