Beach baby

Summer is here and while some of us relish the prospect of weekends spent laying at the beach, for others, the thought of baring all that pasty winter flesh is enough to induce a rather severe panic attack.

But fear not, there's nothing that a little waxing, nail polish and fake tan can't fix.

The perfect swimsuit.

Whether it's one of this season's sexy one-pieces, a bikini or a tankini, there's a swimsuit out there that can help you make the most of your assets. Whether you're well-endowed, pear-shaped, flat-chested or sporting a beer belly, there are styles that will make you look hot.

This summer, the bandeau bikini is experiencing a huge revival, as are flirty little floral numbers.

Colour blocking is huge and nautical stripes are gaining popularity too.

Construction and Cut.

Colour
Darker colours, large prints or block colours will play down a heavy chest.

Similarly, horizontal stripes will enhance natural curves, so if you're boy shaped or lacking in the chest region, this season's nautical trend will look great on you.

Similarly, prints that follow the line of your breast will enhance contours and any details, embellishments, frills, or ruching will add some bulk to your top half.

Just remember this golden rule: any detail on the bustline will draw attention away from a bottom half and vice-versa.

Cut
If you're short, a one-piece style with a deep v-neck or plunging neckline will elongate your figure.
Boy shorts will give the illusion of curves, providing more of an hourglass figure. Side ties on bikini bottoms will also create this widening affect.

For the top-heavy girl, a halter top with thick straps will lift and support breasts while creating flattering cleavage. If you want to make your chest seem smaller, wide-set straps will separate but still provide lift.

Spaghetti straps and bandeau style swimsuits without neckties will accentuate the top-heaviness. If you're full figured, the most flattering style is a tankini, as it disguises bulges and lengthens legs.

Many bikini tops come with removable breast padding.

So if you want to create curves, go for a shaped cup or a tie-front top.

If you're feeling a bit frumpy, a suit with a high percentage of Lycra will smooth out any bulges.

Choose a bottom that falls below your stomach rather than cutting right across it and if you're going for a tankini top, make sure it meets the top of your bottoms.

Always choose a bottom with high-cut legs.

Whilst it may not always be the height of fashion, the high cut is guaranteed to lengthen the appearance of your legs and stop the swimsuit from cutting across an unflattering part of your body.