How to Choose the Right Bathing Suit Colour and Pattern

You can look great in a bathing suit if you’re any size. All you need is the right style! If you’re self-conscious about your body and the extra weight you gained over the winter, there are simple things you can do so you feel comfortable and relaxed at the beach, especially in terms of the colour and pattern.

Steps

1. 
   1
   Go to a bathing suit store that has a variety of different bathing suit colours and styles.
   
   
2. 
   2
   Find the right style of bathing suit for your body. Remember to shop for your body type and not be seduced by trends or styles that might not suit it.
3. 
   3
   Make your waist look smaller by choosing and trying on a one-piece bathing suit if you have small hips. Look for a bathing suit that has a print or design across the torso. When you buy a bikini, try low-rise bottoms. They will draw attention away from your waist making your hips and waist seem wider.
   
   

Method 1

Colour and pattern

1. 
   1
   Look for a bathing suit that has a solid colour on the top and a printed pattern on the bottom if you have a big bust. This will take the attention away from your bust and bring attention to a smaller waist. If you want something a little more sexy, V-neck bathing suits show-off a bigger bust.
2. 
   2
   Spring for a tankini that has a bold print on the top if you have big hips. Match it on the bottom with a solid colour. The pattern will focus attention on the top half of your body. You can also wear a solid skirt for extra coverage at a pool party if you feel uncomfortable.
3. 
   3
   Don't buy a bathing suit in a colour that is too similar to the colour of your skin tone. You'll look naked, and it won’t look flattering. Always get another person’s opinion on a bathing suit if you’re unsure of a style or colour.
   
   

Method 2

Decoration

1. 
   1
   Look for padding if you have a small bust. Make sure the padding isn't larger than your chest. Any kind of decoration like beading or anything fancy can enhance the look of a larger bust, so try on many of these styles.
     

Tips

• Don't go shopping alone! Bring a close friend that will tell you whether you look good or not in the bathing suit. Someone you can trust will tell you their honest opinion. They will also be there to help with sizes and styles.
• Don't try on bathing suits that may be a bigger size than your regular clothing size. Bathing suits are cut differently than your clothes, so it is smart to bring a few bathing suits within your size range and different styles into the fitting room.
• Consider using a self-tanner before going shopping for a bathing suit. You will likely have a tan when you wear it.
• Don't be afraid to buy more than one bathing suit if more than one style looks good on you. Bathing suits are hard to find, and when you find a good one, you should buy it.
• Get help from the employees. If selling bathing suits is their business, then accept their help even if you may be uncomfortable. They’re just trying to help you, not judge you. They know what they have in their store and what will work for you and your body type.
• Take advantage of the space in the dressing room! Move around in the bathing suit to make sure it’s comfortable to move in. Try bending over, lifting your arms, and stretching to ensure that the bathing suit stays in the right place.