Summer means barbecues, family vacations, and pool outings a-plenty. And of course, that means finding a bathing suit that, well, suits your body type. Fortunately, there are tons of style to choose from, in an abundance of colors.
Whether you prefer bikinis or one-pieces, there are so many fabulous and functional looks that will make you feel confident and beautiful this season. And most of all, you can accentuate your positive features, and steer attention away from those you'd rather not focus on.
To help us slip into the best of the best, we enlisted the help of TODAY style expert Lilliana Vazquez, who found these four suits that will help you look 10 pounds lighter.
Waterfront Flaunt Bikini Top in Gingham, $49, Modcloth, and Waterfront Flaunt High-Waisted Bikini Bottom in Gingham, $39, Modcloth
Miraclesuit Madero Underwire One-Piece, $151, Bare Necessities
It's also available at Macy's.
Cross Halter One-piece Swimsuit, $120, Eloquii
Magicsuit Natalie Off-The-Shoulder One-Piece Swimsuit, $162, Macy's
This number is also sold at Bloomingdale's.
For extra expert guidance, we turned to Sabra Krock, the co-owner and creative director of Everything But Water.
Her advice: Be open to anything. And don't let yourself feel rushed. "Try on a lot and seek advice and be open to what works best for you now," she said.
If you’re top-heavy or pear-shaped:
She suggests using “prints, ruffles and embellishments to enhance an area or balance proportions. Conversely, wear unadorned darker solid colors on areas where you want to minimize attention,” said Krock. “To lengthen your torso wear low-rise bottoms and avoid tankinis, which cut your midsection, in favor of one-pieces with long clean lines.
Freya Run Wild Underwire Halter Bikini Top, $50, Nordstrom, and Freya Run Wild Bikini Bottoms, $34, Nordstrom
The underwire offers plenty of support for bigger-busted ladies.
And it's also sold at Bare Necessities.
Meanwhile, this Isabella Rose triangle bralette is great for those with smaller breasts.
If you’re more bottom-heavy, or want extra coverage on your thighs:
"Look for a clean-skirted bottom, a feminine look that offers more coverage. A skirted bottom that falls just below the largest part of your leg flatters thighs. A plunging neckline or eye-catching top draws the eye upward, minimizing the bottom. Tankinis allow you to customize the suit to your body and offer the flexibility of a two-piece with the look of a one-piece,” she said.
Profile by Gottex Enchantment Bandeau Swimdress, $100, Amazon
The skirt helps conceal your upper thighs.
Speedo Pro LT Swimsuit, $40, Amazon
If you're the athletic type, this tried and true classic is great for doing laps in style.
Reef Desert Daze Swimsuit, $70, Amazon
This striped one-piece gives you curves for days.
And if you have a smaller bust:
"Create the illusion of more curves with ruffles, bright colors, and skimpier cuts," she said. "Those with a straighter figure can create the illusion of curves on top and bottom with monokinis, ruffles, bright colors/prints, and tie side bottoms."
Volcom Simply Seamless One-Piece, $110, Zappos
The cutaways pull the focus towards your waist and away from any unwanted areas.
Nordstrom also sells this killer style.
If you want to conceal any bumps:
"Ruching and skirted suits do help to conceal lumps/bumps and areas we want to show less. However finding a suit that draws attention to the areas we want to highlight is also a great technique," she said.
Topshop High-Waist Bikini Bottom, $20, Nordstrom
These help give the illusion of a flat stomach.
Ouyilu Vintage Swimsuit, $26, Amazon
The ruching is so very forgiving and flattering, especially around the midriff.
Miraclesuit Oceanus Tummy-Control One-Piece, $166, Macy's
The diagonal seaming and subtle ruching make this a plus-sized winner.
Pick it up at Bare Necessities as well.
BCA Enchanted Bralette, $45, Nordstrom, and BCA Enchanted High Waist Bikini Bottoms, $45, Nordstrom
The color screams summer, and the playful style of this two-piece is super-flattering.