7 stylish swimsuits for 7 different body types

7 stylish swimsuits for 7 different body types

In sunny Singapore, swimsuit season is all year round. But whether or not you believe your body is bikini ready, there's no excuse for you not to head out to the beach for some fun in the sun. Swimwear shopping can be painful, believe me I know how it is.

I have big hips that string bikini bottoms have a gift of enlarging and somehow ride up uncomfortably. After trawling through stores and countless changing rooms, I think I've finally found the best fit for my body. A '50s pin up high-waisted bikini will downplay my hips, highlight my waist and I don't have to suck in my stomach all the time. Score!

But I haven't forgotten the girls with athletic builds (jealous!), petite ladies or those endowed with hourglass figures. I've done the legwork and found the ideal swimsuit for every type of body - yes, even yours.

BIG HIPS

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Bon Bon bikini top in Midnight Garden print, US$73 and Eiffel high-waisted bikini bottom, $66, from Papette

High waisted bottoms are a godsend to pear-shaped babes because they provide enough coverage to smooth hips. I fell in love with this Fifties styled set from Hong Kong-based swimwear label Papeete at the recent Blueprint Emporium. The Eiffel bikini bottom has two criss-cross panels up the sides inspired by the architecture of the Eiffel tower and also adds an interesting detail to otherwise plain black. The on-trend leaf print strapless top will also draw attention up, away from any heavy bottoms!

Available online at Papette www.thepapeete.com.

SMALL CHEST

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 Bikini top, $7,90, and bottom, $7.90, from H&M

If you are tiny on top, go with ruffles, embellishments and padding for an extra oomph. Don't forget horizontal stripes, bright colours and smaller patterns will also help in the chest department. I like how the hot pink ruffles of this H&M number give an appearance of a fuller chest.

Available at H&M outlets, for a list of locations, go to www.hm.com/sg/store-locator.

LONG TORSO

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Print corset swimsuit, $250, from K.Blu

Having a long body definitely helps when it comes to acing sit and reach in P.E. back in school but finding a swimsuit to keep things in proportion may be tougher - but only slightly. This corset one piece's keyhole detail and pattern-block details will break up the waist, drawing the eyes cross the body and also adding curves. The designer of Singapore swimswear label K.Blu bases her designs on Asian women - the pieces have thicker cup moulds to enhance smaller frames. Plus, this swimsuit also comes with UPF 50+ protection.

Available online at K.Blu at www.kblu.com.

SHORT LEGS

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Jungle bikini top, $46.90, and bottom, $33.90, from Etam

High cuts are the petite girl's best friend! Think string-tied bottoms that cut high up on your hips to expose more of your leg for an elongating effect. It's not rocket science, just make sure you tie the strings of this fun Etam jungle-print bikini higher or at your hip bones. Run from boy cut bottoms that will cut into your legs and make them look shorter.

Available at Etam locations at #01-31 Wisma Atria and #02-08 Raffles City.

WELL-ENDOWED CHEST

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Saint-Honore swimsuit, $290, from Jog Swimwear

Itsy bitsy triangles and strings aren't going to do it for you. Like your favourite bra, the thick straps of the Jog one-piece will keep your twins well-supported even when diving during a game of beach volleyball without any wardrobe malfunctions. The sweetheart neckline shows off a hint of cleavage the other girls will be envious of and any evidence of lunch will be hidden, thank to the ruched detail at the waist.

Available at Jog Swimwear locations at Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Hotel, Marina Bay Sands at the SkyPark, the Ritz Carlton's fitness centre, Shangri-La Hotel's gift shop, Capella Hotel's Gift Shop, One15 Marina Club's Spa, W Hotel Sentosa Cove's Gift Shop and the Jog Swimwear showroom (by appointment only at 9787 3074).

STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN

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 Caseee one-piece swimsuit, $175 from Ted Baker

If your bust, waist and hips draw somewhat a straight line, this Ted Baker floral-print one-piece will give you the curves you've always dreamt of. The illusion of curves is easily conjured with structured cups and feminine prints concentrated at the waist.

Available at Ted Baker locations at #B1-22 Ion Orchard and #01-132 Vivocity.

BIG BUTT AND THIGHS

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Floral skirt style one-piece suit, $199, from Aimer

Besides big hips, I happen to have big thighs too that I am actually proud of - they are the result of the hours spent on the treadmill. Although I have to admit, sometimes I get a little self-conscious, especially when I'm wearing pretty much nothing on the beach. The skirt of this Aimer swimsuit will provide more coverage for your bum and also conceals the largest part of your thighs. Besides, the floral pattern happens to be very Spring Summer 2014.

Available at Aimer locations at #B2-107, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Level 3 of Takashimaya Department Store, and Level 1 of Tangs Vivocity.

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