Bikini babes

If you're still feeling a little self-conscious you can also choose a cover-up to wrap around your waist and thighs or opt for a knee-length kaftan which can hide a million sins.Choose from a range of Cia Maritima cover-ups. The leopard tunic is our favourite.

...with a tiny top
With less need for support and structure the sky is the limit for tiny tops. Go for padded tops if you are seriously intent on adding volume and accentuating a bust shape but, if like Kate Moss and Paris Hilton, you are happy to flaunt your lack of cleavage you can pretty much wear any style: bandeaus, halters, string, balconettes - try them all to see what works best for you. A decorative finish grabs even more attention so go for frills, ties, buckles, and bows. Have fun and just avoid anything on the large side so you don't look baggy!

With the pick of the bunch you can pretty much go for any style, so we've chosen our favourite bikini: The Ondademar Tuereg string bikini with hand embellishment and wooden bead detail.

TOP HEAVY

...with large breasts
If you've got it, you can now flaunt it on the beach too. Gone are the days where bikinis come with obvious and unflattering scaffolding. Lots of quality ranges now offer D-cup and above sizes with most coming in halterneck and underwired styles such as bandeaus with removable halter straps. If you think you need separates search out a swimwear specialist who will help you to find styles that suit a larger top and smaller bottom or even offer tops and bottoms separately.

Our favourite D-Cup style for summer 2007 is this timeless nautical bikini from Vix.

...with wide shoulders
Narrow your shoulders with a bandeau or delicate string bikini. Try to choose straps that are wider apart and give your shoudlers proportion. Balance them out by bringing attention to your bottom half with a thick waistband, ruched sides or embellishments. You could try a mix and match bikini with brighter bottoms to achieve this effect. Stay away from plunging necklines and halternecks that bring attention to your V-shaped top.

We recommend the Salinas Piraja bikini - underwired bandeau with removable straps that are wide apart and ruched side bottoms with mix-match bottom print.

STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN

...with no curves
Use your long lean frame to get away with styles that others shy away from. Stand out with hipster bottoms with embellishment and side details, such as rings, bows or ties. You can also wear the boy short with belt feature and show off those lean legs - no other shape can pull it off. Halternecks will maximise shape if you've a bit of bust. For girls with no chest a string top or bandeau is the way to go. You don't need support and so can choose from a wealth of bold patterns, colours or beading details.

Our favourtie is the Salinas reversible tatoo bikini with a neon pink reverse it fits perfectly with this summer's neon fashion trend.

...with long bodies
Flaunt your slender shape with all the trimmings. Side rings, bead detail, ties, bows and frills will shorten and flatter your shape, and ruffled skirts are fabulous on your figure. Horizontal stripes were made for your shape and try to be bright as dark, solid colours are a definite no-no.

We recommend the best-selling Vix Carol bikini - the horizontal stripes will flatter in all the right places.