With summer coming up, many women start thinking about how to look their best in a swimsuit. For those who prefer one-piece swimsuits, picking the right style and fit can make all the difference in creating a slim, flattering look. Follow these tips to look and feel your best in a one-piece.
Choose the Right Swimsuit Style
The style of swimsuit you choose can enhance your figure or work against it. Here are some good options for looking slimmer in a one-piece:
- High cut leg openings – This style elongates your legs and minimizes hips and thighs.
- Ruched, shirred, or gathered fabric – The texture camouflages lumps and bumps.
- Dark colors – Darker solid colors are slimming and draw eyes up and down rather than to wider areas.
- Bold patterns – Busy prints distract from problem areas.
- Longer torso – A higher cut elongates the body.
- High neckline – Creates a longer, leaner look.
Avoid things like a low-cut leg opening, skirted bottoms, and horizontal stripe patterns as those tend to widen the appearance.
Get the Right Fit
Finding the perfect fit is crucial for both comfort and looks. Follow these fitting tips:
- Size down – A too-big suit will accentuate bulges and wrinkles. Size down for a smooth, streamlined look.
- Pay attention to rear coverage – Make sure the suit fully covers your rear. Anything less will emphasize this area.
- Mind the bust – Underwire and molded cups provide support. Removable padding can enhance a small bust.
- Adjust straps – Straps should fit snug but not dig in. Adjust as needed.
- Smooth seams – Make sure leg and torso seams lie flat and don’t gape or cut into skin.
Flatter Your Shape
Certain suit styles and details can specifically flatter different body types:
| Body Type | Flattering Styles |
|---|---|
| Pear shaped | High-cut legs, dark colors on bottom |
| Short torso | Higher neckline, vertical details |
| Long torso | Lower neckline, horizontal details |
| Busty | Underwire, molded cups, minimal décolletage |
| Athletic | Bold colors and prints, some décolletage |
Focus on styles that balance and compliment your individual proportions.
Accessorize Strategically
Certain accessories can enhance the illusion of a slimmer figure:
- Swim skirt – Covers hips and thighs
- Patterned pareo – Distracts from wider areas
- Cover-up – Light, flowing styles slim the silhouette
- Large sunglasses – Draw eyes up and attention outward
- Big hat – Creates shade to obscure figure
- Wedges – Elongate the legs
Avoid things like contrast-color pareos or bright jewelry around the widest part of your body. Keep the focus on slimming accents.
Strike a Flattering Pose
How you pose in your swimsuit can also create a slimming effect. Some tips:
- Stand tall – Good posture elongates the body.
- Position hips at an angle – Avoid straight-on stances.
- Lengthen your neck – Lift your chin parallel to the ground.
- Anchor one foot forward – This slims the legs and thighs.
- Bend one knee slightly – Flatter your shape while looking relaxed.
- Engage your core – A toned core projects confidence.
- Angle your shoulders back – Open up the chest and torso.
- Elongate your arms – Extend them outwards to appear longer and leaner.
Practice these tips to look poised, confident, and effortlessly slimmer.
Pick Flattering Swimsuit Fabrics
The fabric and texture of a swimsuit impacts both fit and appearance. Consider these options:
| Fabric | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Nylon/spandex blend | Stretchy and slimming |
| Polyester | Holds shape and doesn’t fade |
| Textured | Camouflages lumps and bumps |
| Matte | Minimizes reflectiveness |
| Thicker material | Provides more coverage and control |
Avoid shiny, transparent, or flimsy fabrics that cling unflatteringly. Pick textiles with structure and recovery that complement your figure.
Consider Compression
Compression fabrics have become popular for swimwear because they actively slim the body. The tight fit and stretchy material smooths bulges, trims inches, and supports muscles. Compression one-pieces also stay put during activity. Look for:
- Snug fit that doesn’t cut into skin
- Stretchy with good recovery
- Made of nylon, polyester spandex blends
- Higher necklines and leg openings
- Minimal, non-contrast seams
The ultra-tight look isn’t for everyone. But moderate compression can be slimming while still being comfortable.
Try a Tummy Control Panel
Many one-piece swimsuits feature built-in tummy control to target the abdomen and midsection. These panels or linings:
- Cinch the waist to define hourglass curves
- Smooth bulges and keep the suit in place
- Often made of nylon, spandex, polyester
- Located on the front interior lining
- May cover midriff only or extend down to thighs
Control lining flattens the stomach and slims the waist. It provides an extra layer of security when splashing around!
Try On Suits in Good Lighting
Trying on swimsuits in a tiny changing room under poor lighting does you no favors. When shopping:
- Ask to use a well-lit room if trying on in store
- If ordering online, try them at home in natural light
- Use a full-length mirror to view the entire effect
- Pose and move around to see how the suit performs
- Snap photos from all angles to spot problem areas
- Have a trusted friend give you their opinion
Proper lighting shows where a suit digs in, sags, or creates unflattering bulges. Don’t settle for a suit you haven’t seen on your body in the best light.
Look for Length in the Torso
To elongate your figure, look for suits with a longer torso length. Characteristics include:
- High cut leg openings
- Higher waist and chest coverage
- Extra fabric through the midsection
- Thinner shoulder straps
- Scoop or square-shaped neckline
A longer torso balances out wider hips and makes legs look longer. The effect is subtle but can really enhance your shape.
Don’t Forget the Rear View
Most women focus on how a swimsuit looks from the front. But the rear view is just as important! A swimsuit should:
- Fully cover your rear
- Lay flat against your cheeks
- Not dig in and create a wedge effect
- Flatter your shape without exposing too much
If your rear is a trouble area, seek out suits with:
- Ruched fabric over the booty
- Skirted bottoms
- High-waisted cuts
- Minimal rear coverage
Be sure to check the back view and ensure you feel comfortable and confident from all angles.
Conclusion
Looking fabulous in a one-piece swimsuit is all about choosing the right fit, style, details, and colors to flatter your unique figure. With so many great options available today, you can definitely find a suit that makes you feel confident and slim. The most important thing is to have fun rocking your favorite swimsuit this season!