Hitting the beach this winter and want to have fun stunning in the sun? Turn heads with a knockout swimsuit that makes the most of your figure. Flatter your hot spots and downplay trouble areas with the right suit for your body type. Read on for the best suits for each figure, with inspiration from the celebs who wear these looks best.

String bikini
The most important thing when it comes to a classic itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny bikini is confidence.

Celeb inspiration: Beyoncé knows how to work the style if you’ve got bootylicious curves (a solid hue, chic circle detailing in lieu of “string” ties). But whether you’re boyish (a la Paris Hilton), buxom (like Scarlett Johansson), or have muscular washboard abs (like Eva Longoria), you can totally rock a bikini!

Best for: Curvy, skinny-mini, and muscular body types all look great in a bikini (opt for underwire in the top if you want more support. Very busty women might prefer a halter bikini top).

Rethink the look if: You’re feeling flabby, not firm. The bikini shouldn’t be cutting into your flesh or you’ll have unflattering "rolls." Not hot.

 

 
Bandeau bikini
The bandeau top is a fun, flirty and youthful look, and a bit more casual than the others. The cinching in the middle flatters petite busts.

Celeb inspiration: Kate Moss shows that even a boyish figure can flaunt some serious curves in the right bikini.

Best for: Skinny, boyish figures; small busts

Rethink the look if: You’re a more womanly type; the bandeau top won’t provide enough support and you could pop out!

 
Halter bikini
The halter bikini top is super feminine but also provides extra support for serious beach workouts. Beach volleyball or surfing are less likely to result in wardrobe malfunctions.

Celeb inspiration: Jessica Alba shows off her assets in this sexy stripped halter bikini.

Best for: Curvy shapes; large or medium busts; those with smaller busts should look for halter bikini tops where the fabric lies flat, and doesn’t have darting, which you may not be able to fill out. If you’re on the shy side, halter tankinis offer tummy coverage.

Rethink the look if: Fat rolls are visible between the halter top and bikini bottom.

 

 
Peekaboo one-piece
One-pieces can be just as sexy as their less-is-more bikini counterparts, especially if you opt for a sassy little number with openings or cutaways that flaunt some skin.

Celeb inspiration: Mischa Barton’s flirty pink suit has a peekaboo slit right up to its empire waist, and a whimsical heart print for levity

Best for: Boyish figures where it can create the illusion of curves; toned curvy types (skip frills and ruffles in favour of sleek cuts and a solid colour).

Rethink the look if: Your torso is anything but taut.

 

 

Vintage-style swimdress
If you want something a bit different, going old fashioned with a vintage-style swim dress is just the thing. As granny says, sometimes it’s nice to leave something to the imagination.

Celeb inspiration: Jessica Simpson, a babe not known for understatement, proves that sometimes modesty can be smokin’ hot.

Best for: Curvy hourglass figures (including plus sizes). Opt for a tight skirt like Jess’s if you’ve got a toned butt, go with a looser style if camouflaging is your goal.

Rethink the look if: You’re stick thin (you could end up swimming inside the suit!).

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