Plus Size Bathing Suit Shopping

Women can tend to put off buying a new swimsuit for many reasons— the exhausting search for a flattering swimsuit, ill fitting swimsuits, lack of consistency in sizes, bad dressing room lighting. For curvy women, it can be even harder. It's even more difficult to find a figure-flattering swimsuit for plus size and/or curvy women. Your may feel like you have to spend more time and energy hunting for stylish swimsuits which hug your curves, accentuating your best features while hiding your trouble spots.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for clothes— especially swimwear— is that you must keep your body type and shape in mind.

Hourglass
Enjoy your hourglass shape! If you've got a curvy shape with somewhat equally broad shoulders and wide hips, but a smaller waist, a full rear and thigh, and slim lower legs, you have an hourglass shape.

You're going to want to be on the lookout for swimwear styles which draw attention to your waist.

Shop for bathing suits with halter tops, V-necks and allover prints and side details, which highlight the curves and give good accent to the waist and legs. Show off your hourglass shape and curves— you have the most flexibility when it comes to swimsuits which flatter.

Oval
If you've never heard of an oval body type, you're not alone. Body features of an oval body type are a full bust, waist, and upper back, a less full hips and rear and a pronounced midriff with slimmer arms and legs. If this sounds like you, then you should look for suits that offer a steady balance to your body type, especially any swimsuits that can elongate your figure.

Don't forget about lift and support. Shop for swimsuits with a built-in underwire bra. Also, skirted bottoms can be very flattering and balancing, and square necked swimsuits can make your shoulders to look more narrow.

What is called a "surplice" is a great option since they'll provide a longer look, or consider blousons to draw less attention to your midriff while highlighting your legs.

Square
A square body type applies to women with a bust, waist, and hips which are all a similar size. This body type is also sometimes referred to as "boyish". Creating more curves by choosing halter top swimsuits and skirted bottoms to add the illusion of more curves. Accents such as ruffles and shirring can also fool the eye into thinking a square-shaped figure has more curves.

Inverted Triangle
The inverted triangle woman has a full bust, waist, and upper back yet have less full hips, a flatter rear, and a pronounced tummy and midriff with slim arms and legs. Does this sound like you? Then you should shop for suits that provide a steady balance to your body type, especially any swimsuits that can elongate your figure. Bathing suits featuring a built-in underwire bra and skirted bottoms, as well as wide or square necked suits can flatter the shoulders.

Triangle
As the name suggests, this label applies to ladies with more pronounced/full hips, thighs, and rear, less prominent shoulders and bust, and average to large legs, swim dresses and skirtinis can be a great way to provide balance to the figure. Shop for swimsuits which use a print or light colored top and a solid, dark bottom-this provides great balance. Another option is a swimsuit style with an embellished bustline to draw the eye up toward your face and shoulders. Swimsuits with dresses, skirts, and shorts will also flatter your figure, and other slimming designs include one pieces or swim dresses with princess seams and empire waistlines.

Inverted Triangle
Inverted triangle shaped women have a full bust, waist, and upper back yet have less full hips, a flatter rear, and a pronounced tummy and midriff with slim arms and legs. If this applies to you, you should look for suits that provide a steady balance to your body type, especially any swimsuits that can elongate your figure. These include swimsuits featuring a built-in underwire bra and skirted bottoms. Also, wide or square necked suits can narrow the shoulders.

Most importantly, remember that its most important that you feel comfortable and confident in your new swimsuit. Whether you're plus size or not, these are just loose guidelines which can help steer you in the right direction.