Apple. Pear. Spoon? You would be forgiven to think that this article is a discussion on the fruits for the upcoming season. Instead, I am talking about what swimsuit you should buy that is most flattering to your body shape.

It’s a daunting task of picking out a swimsuit. Every year is the same, the looming feeling of dread, the plunging self-esteem, denial and procrastination. Every summer we promise ourselves: “I’m going to start getting bikini ready in the winter”.

Let’s get real here, there is too much gnocchi to be eaten and no matter how early I start I will never have Kate Upton’s body.

But…

I still want to look and feel amazing when I’m having some fun in the sun. When I finally muster up enough courage to head to the store I have one problem… I don’t know which fruit I am. I’m kind of a pear but I definitely don’t look like Beyoncé. So maybe I’m an apple? Anyway, I have no idea. So today, I want to use language that we actually use when we describe ourselves.

Whether you want to hide the jiggle, smooth back fat or provide some extra oomph in the boob department, or even lengthen the torso, I’ve got a swimsuit for you.

Big Boobs

Your swimsuit should fit as well as a good-fitting bra. Cup sizes are a must here. The snugger the fit the less likely you’ll flash the lifeguard when you dive into the pool. You need all the support you can get, so this means underwire. Underwire, underwire, underwire. Can I say underwire just one more time?

To help support your back and neck look for tops with thicker straps. Repeat after me… String bikinis are not my friends. If you want to minimize the focus on your chest avoid frills and embellishments.

Enhance your waist so avoid tankinis or anything baggy that will hide that gorgeous body.

Small boobs

For a boost in the breast department, a padded top with moulded cups and underwire will give you a helping hand. If you’re wanting to further balance out your shape, mix and match a bright top with some frills or embellishments with a dark, solid bottom.

The ladies with smaller busts can also wear those itty-bitty triangle bikinis that we see on the likes of Jessica Alba and Miranda Kerr, in fact these will create the illusion of curves.

Also, lucky for you having smaller boobs also mean that you can wear those fabulous bandeaus tops – I’m incredibly jealous!

Big bum

And as my niece likes to call it “my beautiful, big bum…” Ladies who are blessed with a larger derrière can often find it difficult to find a bathing suit bottom that isn’t too revealing.

To accentuate those curves, look for a fitted swimsuit with a defined waist and a high percentage of Lycra/spandex.

If string bikinis and high-waisted cuts are words that you don’t feel comfortable with, opt for fuller coverage in a solid colour.

If you love to mix and match look for a top that has patterns or frill – this will draw the eye upward.

Little booty

We all want what we don’t have and if you have a little booty you probably want a bigger one.

To draw attention to your hips, showing a little tush with skimpy bottoms or a small skirt is the way to go, high-waisted bikinis will also help accentuate the area.

Again, this is where you get to have fun with frills and patterns. Ruching is also something else you can use to give the illusion of a bigger booty.

Athletic, boyish: straight up & down

These lovely ladies should be on the look out for the more feminine styles of bathing suits that will enhance your frame and add some curves.

Bright colours, frills, cutout styles, halters and beautiful patterns are what you should be trying on.

If you have a smaller bust, padded tops will give you that extra boost. Try and avoid block colours, as this will detract from your curves.

Pot Belly

Yes I said it. Pot belly. You know that little (or big) pouch that jiggles. Well, let me fill you in on a little secret. It’s actually easier to hide than you think.

Bikinis unfortunately expose the stomach area so keep your eyes peeled for fabulous one-pieces with ruching and/or tummy control that help to conceal the belly.

There are so many beautiful one-pieces on the market now that you will have no problem finding something that you love. Look for swimsuits with low necklines as these draw the eye up away from your stomach towards your beautiful smile!

Thicker thighs

If you fall into this category, you want a swimsuit that draws attention away from the bottom. Bikini or one-piece the choice is yours – it’s all in the colour and style.

Prints, patterns, horizontal stripes and ruffles are best on the top half, as they focus the attention on this area. For the bottom, look for something in a solid colour. A little skirt may also boost confidence.

If you’re looking at one-pieces, pick out those with a sweetheart neckline and a block colour on the bottom half. Colour blocking is a great way to detract the eye.

Avoid trying on any high-waisted bikinis, or boy leg pants – trust me, they won’t do you any favours.

Short torso

Adding length to a shorter torso is easier than you might think.

A halter neck top will emphasise your bust area and draw attention to your neck and shoulders. Pair this with some low-rise bottoms and you’ll create the impression of litheness.

Back fat

You can be a size 10 and still have the dreaded back bulge. You should be avoiding swimsuits with thin straps that dig in. Look out for bathing suits with higher backs and thicker straps.

Tankinis are a great option if you’re wanting to mix and match but for something a little different, try on a couple of flattering one pieces that will smooth and lumps and bumps.

Remember the most important part about choosing the right swimsuit is confidence. Wear what makes you feel great not what the latest Instagram post is telling you to wear. How you feel on the inside is just as important as how you look on the outside.

And one last thing… don’t forget that sunscreen!

See you at the beach!!