We Answer Your Body Concerns with Hot Swimwear

Ah, swimsuit season. Only annual gyno appointments can rival the glee it inspires in women. But, that's only if you haven't discovered your swimsuit soulmate. That is, the suit your body was meant to be with for all eternity -- or until you can shed those love handles.

With the help of Jacqui Stafford, Shape magazine's executive style director, we've taken top swimsuit trends and matched them with typical figure concerns. Each manages to highlight all the good stuff and camouflage the parts responsible for turning you into a vampire every summer. Take a look at the swimwear that will have you deciding swimsuit season isn't so horrid after all.

Concern: Thick Waisted

Solution: Stomach Rouching

Avoid: Slinky Bikinis

A one-piece with stomach rouching will trim the inches faster than you can say “Spanx.” If you can’t find rouching, seek out diagonal stripes. If you can’t find diagonal stripes, look for a print with lots of contrasting colors. The worst thing you can do is throw on a lo-rise bikini bottom, which is like a big red arrow pointing out your stomach flaws. Your top trend: Everything purple is a do this season. Find the right shade for your skin tone and run with it.

Concern: Large Bust

Solution: Underwire Halter

Avoid: Embellishments

A lot of bikinis now come in actual bra sizes, making this part much easier for large busted women. But, you don’t get off that easy. Aside from your appropriate size, you need to understand that underwire is your dear friend. Bows, bells and whistles are your bitter enemies. The plainer the style, the better. Your top trend: Since your suit will be understated in style, go for one of the loud neon colors designers can’t get enough of right now.

Concern: Small Bust

Solution: Bust Details

Avoid: Bandeau Bikinis

“Frills, ruffles, more fabric —•any embellishment around the bust will give the illusion of volume,” Stafford says. If busy bustlines don’t suit you, try a halter, which can create cleavage on the most conservative cup sizes. Go the route of the bandeau, however, and you may as well shout “34A” at the top of your lungs. Your top trend: Pairing loud patterns for distraction. Try an animal print and a floral, both hot for summer.

Concern: Large Derriere

Solution: Coverage

Avoid: Thongs

“Personally, I think you should just own (a large bottom),” Stafford says, “but boy shorts or a French cuff can help out.” You want to make sure the bottoms don’t ride. Walk around in the fitting room if you have any doubt. The less fabric there is, the more trouble you’ll have. Your top trend: Compensate for a fold-over brief with a bandeau top. A halter with a little ethnic embellishment keeps you on top of your style game.

Concern: Boy shape

Solution: Cutouts

Avoid: Boy Shorts

Small hips and a minimal bust have found their godsend in monokinis. Grab several on your way to the fitting room, though. You need the cutouts in just the right places to get the curves going. “Cutout swimsuits cheat the eye into thinking you have a waist,” Stafford says. Your top trend: Cutouts are the hottest thing in swimwear. Be forewarned, the tan lines can get tricky.