Swimsuit shopping is no one's idea of a good time, but these tips will help take the edge off. (Getty)(Getty)
If a flattering swimsuit is the only thing holding you back from enjoying a pool party with your friends or a beach day with the fam, it's time to tackle that. After all, nothing is more refreshing on a hot summer day than a dip in cool water. To help you on your hunt for a bathing suit you look and feel good in, I spoke with Dani Read, head of design for the Italian lingerie and swimwear brand Cosabella. She spends most of her days thinking about how to accentuate a woman's best assets in barely-there fashion, so who better to ask for swimsuit shopping advice?
Read's first tip? Before you add a single bathing suit to your shopping cart, take a look at the label. "Sun, salt and chlorine are very hard on materials, so I always choose fabrics with durability in mind," Read explains. Her recommendation? Look for swimsuits that "provide shaping compression, offer 50+ UPF sun protection, have vibrant fade-resistant color and quick-dry features, and are designed to be anti-pilling."
Next comes choosing the right silhouette. "Prioritize fit and comfort over trends," Read says. "Everybody is unique, and finding a swimsuit that fits well and makes you feel confident and comfortable is key. Having a few great-fitting styles can be far better than having tons of ill-fitting trendy swimsuits or bikinis. By experimenting with different options, you can find the perfect style that works for your body shape and personal preferences."
Not sure where to start? Check out Read's top fit tips for women with different body types below.
Try a swimsuit with wider shoulder straps. "Look for swimsuits with special features that will enhance, support and lift your bust," Read explains. "Adjustable straps will allow you to customize the fit, and wide straps will help distribute the weight more evenly for ultimate comfort."
Who says supportive swimsuits can't be a flirty and feminine? This under-$35 find from Kohl's has a flattering wrap silhouette and playful ruffles along the neckline that make it feel anything but matronly. The straps are also adjustable, so you customize the fit to your liking.
Available in six colors, this timeless V-neck swimsuit doesn't just have wide straps that offer plenty of support. The bodice also has beautiful pleating that's forgiving around the midsection.
Available in sizes XS-XXL and more than 20 colors, this Amazon favorite has adjustable straps so you can find a comfy, supportive fit. Shoppers say they're "impressed by the quality of the fabric" and that it's "very flattering!"
The beauty of this bright pink bathing suit? Those side ties aren't just a stylish design element — they actually work to cinch your waist and smooth your tummy for a more flattering fit. Yes, please!
You don't need a six-pack to strut your stuff in a bikini. This versatile Lands' End style has shaping tummy control built into the waistband that offers lots of support. Choose from five different colors in sizes 2-18.
More than 75% of the shoppers at Amazon who rated this stylish one-shoulder bathing suit gave it five stars. "It has a classy style with just the right amount of tummy control, making me feel tucked in without any discomfort," said one buyer.
Check out more of Amazon's best tummy-control swimsuits.
"Perfect fit and well made," one shopper commented. "There is nothing about this suit that I don't like. It is very comfortable."
In addition to the flattering high-leg cut, this suit has lots of other winning features. The fabric is enhanced with UPF 50 sun protection, there are sewn-in cups for shaping and support and the back offers full booty coverage. It's available in four different prints in sizes 4-18.
Say it with me: All bodies are bikini bodies. This high-cut Michael Kors style will make your legs look longer, and can be matched with any white or black swimsuit top.
If you're hesitant to try a high-cut style, this Amazon pick is the way to go. It's not too expensive, and the sides are adjustable so you can cinch it as low or high as you'd like. One shopper commented, "Totally love it. Looks sexy but not too revealing. Soft and comfortable."
Not convinced this tropical print suit will, well, suit you? Here's what one reviewer had to say: "I really like this suit. I'm bottom-heavy and really like the coverage this suit provides! The sash across the front is also very flattering on me! The colors are just as vibrant as they look in the picture."
Want to invest in a swimsuit you'll have for years to come? This La Blanca style is a major steal at 40% off, and a total investment piece. The brand is known for its top-notch quality. (To keep your bathing suits in the best condition, always hand wash and air dry them.)
How fun is this eye-catching geometric print two-piece? The bottoms offer plenty of rear-end coverage, and they have subtle ruching around the waist to flatter your midsection. More than 6,000 shoppers have given this bikini a five-star rating.
Available in six colors, this timeless V-neck swimsuit doesn't just have wide straps that offer plenty of support. The bodice also has beautiful pleating that's forgiving around the midsection.
You don't need a six-pack to strut your stuff in a bikini. This versatile Lands' End style has shaping tummy control built into the waistband that offers lots of support. Choose from five different colors in sizes 2-18.
Say it with me: All bodies are bikini bodies. This high-cut Michael Kors style will make your legs look longer, and can be matched with any white or black swimsuit top.
Want to invest in a swimsuit you'll have for years to come? This La Blanca style is a major steal at 40% off, and a total investment piece. The brand is known for its top-notch quality. (To keep your bathing suits in the best condition, always hand wash and air dry them.)
"Look for swimsuits with built-in tummy-control features that will help streamline the tummy area," Read says. High-waisted bikini bottoms are another option that can be super flattering for the waistline, she adds.
Resist the urge to cover them up in a swim dress (though we've got some cute options there too). It may seem counterintuitive, but bathing suits that show a little more can actually be more flattering. "Swimsuits with high-cut legs can visually elongate the legs and complement a curvy figure," Read explains.
Don't limit yourself to solid-color swimsuits. "Playing with bold prints and patterns can draw attention away from certain areas and create a more balanced look," Read says.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
