The Best Swimsuit for Your Body
Sierra, 25 | Body Type: Long torso
Bathing Suit Drama: Since once-pieces rarely fit her tall frame, Sierra usually sticks with bikinis. But she needs to be mindful of proportion, as anything skimpy—like her flimsy
before suit—looks even skimpier on her: "I like suits that aren't too revealing," she says. "You can be sexy without showing too much."
Happy Ending: A striped bikini top adds curves to Sierra's straight figure, while high-waist bottoms visually shorten her torso. Bonus: The retro-inspired look is a big trend this season.
Top $23, and bottom, $23;
OldNavy.Gap.com
Randi, 38 | Body Type: Plus size
Bathing Suit Drama: Randi likes prints, but the wrong one can make certain body types look bigger than they are. "I have a short torso, thick legs and a little pouch in my lower stomach I call Sheila," she says.
Happy Ending: This one-piece works because the animal print's sophisticated tonal palette is more flattering than the contrasting colors in Randi's
before suit. Control fabric made with Xtra Life Lycra—smooth in the stomach area and ruched on the sides—increases the slimming factor. "I love the way this suit makes me feel," Randi says.
$154;
SorellaSwim.com
Birgit, 53 | Body Type: Small bust
Bathing Suit Drama: Birgit dreams of a suit that can enhance her shape—and it definitely isn't the
before number pictured here. The poor fit makes her top half look small and, even worse, droopy.
Happy Ending: A structured maillot with push-up cups and flirty contrast piping carves out a perky bustline and creates the illusion of an hourglass shape. "It's simply perfect," she says. "I love the elegant design, and the colors and lines make me look curvy."
Red Carter, $179;
NeimanMarcus.com
Brittany, 24 | Body Type: Boyish frame
Bathing Suit Drama: Brittany can have a hard time finding suits that fit her athletic build properly: "Tops are too small around my back and too loose in the cup. Bottoms cut into my cheeks."
Happy Ending: This floral tank's deep V-neck and strategic seaming visually enhance the waist, while lightly padded cups build Brittany's bust. "It definitely made me appear to have more curves, and I love the colors!"
Kenneth Cole Reaction, $107;
LordandTaylor.com
Ashley, 29 | Body Type: Big bust
Bathing Suit Drama: Finding strong bust support with enough coverage is tricky for Ashley. "Triangle tops, bandeaus and demi cups just don't work for me," she says. "I need a halter top or a top sized like a bra."
Happy Ending: A cheery pink two-piece with hidden underwire, bra sizing and ample coverage up top, along with a bikini brief bottom that can be purchased separately, ensures the perfect fit. "This is the whole package!" says Ashley. "I feel sexy and comfortable."
Panache
top, $59, and
bottom, $36;
HerRoom.com
From the
June 2014 issue of
O, The Oprah Magazine
