Black, however, is still the most flattering style, she notes. No matter what style you choose, the most important consideration should be fit, advises Fuller. What surprised her most was how many women were comfortable on the beach wearing so little. Even Sports Illustrated's swimsuit models need to be conscious about fit versus their body types, adds Diane Smith, the senior editor in charge of Sports Illustrated's annual swimsuit issue. And, Smith says, the soft, flattering underwire used in 21st century suit tops is a far cry from the uncomfortable mold that one might recall from the 1960s.
Shelf bras are good for large busts, as are wide straps.
For the small-busted woman, subtle padding had been molded into suits. To make legs look longer and slimmer, opt for scooped, high-cut legs. Skirted suits are again a stylish option for women concerned about their hips. The first rule of swimsuit fashion is to learn from other women's mistakes. Wrapping your rear-end in extra fabric just draws attention to the area.