Find the perfect bikini for your body shape with our bikini guide.
In 2006 the bikini celebrated its 60th birthday. Its evolution has taken it from '50s Marilyn Monroe-esque glamour to the present day skimpy Nicole Ritchie string and in 2007 the bikini finally establishes itself as a fashion statement. Emma McLaughlin owner of bikini shop Tica London gives her advice on how to make the trends work for you.
- Apple shaped
- Bottom heavy
- Top heavy
- Straight up and down
APPLE SHAPED
...with no waist
If you don't have many curves, create some with ruffle, belt and bow details. A high waist tie-side bottom allows you the flexibility to create a high-on-the-thigh cut, elongating your legs, as well as adding curves to hips with bow ties. Opt for a strapless bandeau to shorten your torso and draw attention to your lovely long legs or go for an embellished or ruffle string top for a flirty fun look. Avoid halter tops as these will lengthen your top half.
Salinas bikinis are the best on the market for fun detailing that add curves in all the right places.We recommend the Salinas pin-up with flower tie detail - tie side and ruffle top.
...with too much tummy
If you're worried about showing your muffin-top off on the beach but still want to wear a bikini, try a tankini. Some will end just short of where you need them to, but if you get one long enough, you'll still get away with showing off your hip line.
...with big thighs
If you've got chunky thighs or short legs you want to draw attention to your middle and top half by wearing a style that elongates your legs yet shows off your torso and top half to best effect. The lengthening appearance of high-tied string bikinis will come to your rescue and can be the most flattering look. Make sure the string is tied just high enough to lengthen the legs but also ensure the waist is cut low enough to show off your stomach. A bold print string top will also help draw the eye to your top half.
Ondademar offer an excellent range of bikinis to suit this shape. We recommend the Ondademar pop-dots bikini - classic string with turquoise bead detail.
...with a big bottom
Less is definitely more with a big bum. Do not be tempted to cover the offending area with swathes of material that simply draw more attention to what you are trying to cover. Find a quality lycra bikini that will pull you in and up, yes up, in all the right places. Women the world over have been convinced by the smaller bikini bottom (no, we're not talking thongs), one that helps to lift rather than cover like Bridget Jones big pants! Opt for a bikini that has a full side, no ties, and avoid frills and shorts. Contrary to popular belief shorts only flatter incredibly long, thin pins.
We would recommend Vix bikinis for the quality of material and cut on the bottom to flatter larger bums. We recommend the Vix classic black halter bikini.
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.
...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.
...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.