Fashion magazines may even complicate rather than facilitate the process by featuring girls with amazing body shapes, who still look good even on wetsuits. Although you may still have to try on several swimsuits to find the perfect one, you may follow this general rule to shorten your stay inside cramped changing rooms: Conceal your flaws and flaunt your assets. If you succeed in doing this, get ready to turn some heads at the beach.

Large busts

You need to divert attention away from the bust area so have it amply covered. Avoid most triangle tops as they offer minimal coverage. Go instead for halter or tank tops - the former to show off that sexy cleavage, the latter to draw away attention from the top area. Choose a suit with underwire cups to provide support, and wider straps to balance your figure. Bandeau tops are also fantastic in minimizing large busts.

Small busts

Try push-up, padded tops if you want to make your bust look bigger and your cleavage more enhanced. You’re also lucky to be able to wear tiny triangle tops that can provide the necessary lift and support to small busts. Not to mention that it’s really sexy. Also go for halter tops as these draw attention towards the arms and shoulders rather than the bust area. As for prints, horizontal stripes make the bust fuller.

Long body

Vertical stripes give the impression of a long torso so steer clear of this. Go instead for horizontal stripes and hoops with strong bright colors. Boyshorts are perfect especially if you have a flat tummy and you’re concealing cellulite and stretch marks on upper thighs. You may also opt for skirt-style swimwear so as to cover a greater part of your legs. High legs and low necklines give the impression of a shorter body length.

Short legs or torso

Legs appear much longer with a swimsuit that is cut high on the thigh. You attain the same effect with scoop briefs. Boyshorts are a no-no as they will be unflattering to you by highlighting your short legs. You can also draw attention away from your lower torso by putting emphasis to your top. This can be done by wearing a printed top with a plain bottom.

Big tummy

Go for a one-piece rather than a bikini to conceal the stomach area. If you still prefer a two-piece, tankinis are your best bet. They’re able to cover the unflattering belly and when worn in dark colors even have a slimming effect. High cut legs also achieve the same effect by giving the impression of a longer body. Also go for concealing elements such as a sarong which can be draped around the waist.

Pear-shaped (big hips and thighs)

Draw attention upwards by having a top with interesting prints while leaving the bottom with a rather plain design, making sure that it has a darker shade than your top. Instead of loud prints, you can also go for details such as beads, hoops and knots on your top. Avoid boy-shorts as these will give emphasis to your hips, contrary to the popular notion that they cover the hip area. Instead, go for low-rise, hip-skimming bikini bottoms.

No waist

You have to create the appearance of having a curve, so go for bikinis rather than a one-piece. Also opt for a hipster bottom as this will be able to show more of your hips. Provide emphasis to the hip area by side ties, rings and ruffles. Avoid stripes but go for strong, dark colors. Black is a favorite during summer but you may go wacky and choose dark purple or red swimsuits.

Broad shoulders

Avoid tube tops as this will only emphasize your wide shoulders. Instead go for swimsuits that have thick straps, wider necklines and are of darker shades. You can also wear a bottom which has a louder color and pattern to draw attention to that area.

Skinny

Horizontal stripes can give you a fuller body shape. Also go for bright (yet light) colors.

Plus-sized

In contrast to people with skinny body types, dark colors are good for you as these have slimming effects. Black is actually a favorite color among people having this body type. Vertical stripes take a few pounds off you. A V-neckline is also ideal for this body type as it draws attention to the sexy cleavage.

Hourglass (narrow waist, balanced hips and shoulders)

You are lucky. Really, you’re the envy of most women. You can wear anything you like and it will look good on you. Bold prints, however, put emphasis on your curves so you should do well by going for these. After all, you always have to flaunt what you have.