thong and panties

Swimsuit-shopping may never be painless, but if you know what suits will look great on your shape, it can be bearable.

Here, the best styles for different body types:

If you're pear-shaped... Try a tank suit with a bright color block on the top half. This will draw the eye up, minimizing your lower half. High-cut legs work well to make your legs look longer and leaner. Also, look for two-piece suits where the tops and bottoms are sold separately, since you might be a size smaller on top.

If you're petite... A triangle-top string bikini will look great on you, as will a sportier two-piece with boy shorts and a bandeau top. Or go for a simple tank in a bright color or medium to small print.

If you're straight up and down... A tankini or bikini with boy shorts is surprisingly flattering, as the shorts give your hips a bit of width. Or go for a tank with a belt or detail like a cutout at the waist, to give the illusion of a shapelier middle. Small bust too? Try a suit with details or patterns on top, which can make a small bust look fuller.

If you're big on top... Try an athletic-inspired suit, or one that has a not-too-low scoop neck in front. Look for suits with built-in bras for support.

If you're curvy or plus-size... Forget the plain black tank! Instead, go for a one-piece with a deep V-neck to show off cleavage, a halter top to maximize your feminine shape, or a two-piece with an adjustable string-tie bottom (you can customize the fit so it doesn't pinch or pull). Separately sold tops and bottoms can also help you get a perfect fit.

If you have a bit of a tummy... Try a strapless tank in a dark color with a subtle tone-on-tone pattern. Or go for a trendy style this season: a shirred tank, with camouflaging gathers across the belly or to one side. A suit with details down the sides also takes the emphasis off your belly.

Now get out and find the suit that flatters you the most!

Labels: Perfect Swimsuit

Women everywhere have always been faced by the existential sunbathing dilemma: to hide or not to hide? How much is too revealing and how sad is not showing enough? But due to the recent revolutionary efforts of swim wear designers from all across the fashion world, there is bound to be one just perfect for you. You don't have to resort to extreme flaunting nor do you have to cover up like an uncomfortably wrapped burrito either. With this fairly new genius take on bikinis, you can't go wrong. Next to the bikini and the one-piece maillot, the tankini could as well be the next great addition to the wonderful world of swimsuits. Thank God for the Tankini!

This hybrid of the tank top, the one-piece suit and the bikini has proven to be one of a girl's best friends. Who would've thought tank tops could be so hydro-fashionable? It captivates onlookers and soon-to-be supporters of the movement with its ability to hide unwanted skin surface area and minimize flaws in the middle section, yet still manage to exude the sexy factor. If you aren't a big fan of showing off too much skin or are still a little apprehensive about flaunting your God-given assets, then it would be a good idea to take this direction. Next to the skin-baring eye-catching string bikini comes the comfort and charm of the tankini.

As with any other kind of bathing suit, there is a lot of variations to the tankini as far as fit and style are concerned. Some tops are meant to reach down to the hips to meet the bikini bottoms and provide full tummy coverage. Other tankini tops cut off mid-waist or just around the upper hip area to show a little ab action. For a more ruffled and wild tankini experience, a Ruched number would be perfect. It provides for a slightly more form-fitting top and suits women who want a tailored look. If you're interested to get this elegant whim, you can check out the DKNY Dark Teal Green Ruched Tankini. It is made utterly fabulous by its shiny stretchable ruched nylon top highlighted by its sexy v-neck cut, adjustable shoulder straps, full bottom coverage, and sufficiently padded shelf bra. For an irresistible 40% off discount, you can purchase the gorgeous item for only $61.00 at www.bluefly.com.

I would suggest getting a camikini for more breast support, which is almost like a tankini except the top looks more like a camisole or undershirt. It boasts of ultra comfort and supreme hold. The Nautica Palm-print Soft Cup Camikini and Hipster Swimsuit, for example, will surely turn you into the hottest babe at the beach. Its camisole top has easy-rest straps, soft cups, and an elastic back to ensure a delightful yet relaxed summer experience. Its blue and yellow palm-leaf print trimming camouflages undesirable love handles and back flabs making it the ideal suit for women with weight concerns. This gem should be available in sizes 0 through 16 on www.overstock.com and if you find the desire to buy one, you get to save over $56 from the online purchase.

Since tankinis are basically two pieces of brilliant couture, it would be fun to mix and match solid or printed tops with other bottoms that you might already have. They are versatile and pocket-friendly that way. You could start with the Starlet Halter Top from the *Vitamin A* swim wear collection which is made with a super soft fabric finish. It has no padding or under wire, but proves to be one hell of a supportive tankini top even for the moderately top heavy. Pair it with your favorite khaki shorts, swim suit bottom, denim skirt, or low-rise jeans and you'll surely turn heads at the beach or on a blissful and elegant evening around town. Get it for only $84 on instyleswimwear.com. So before you take that in-door summer sabbatical, bid adieu to the yummy lifeguards on duty at the beach or stick to your very own inflatable pool. Do consider the tankini for one second. It would not just save your social life but it can actually feel pretty good once you're wearing it.

Labels: Bikini, tankini