Here are the best styles of bathing suits for your not-so-perfect figure including try-on tips to get the right size and fit.

Good Fit Guide

The general rule of the thumb for bathing suit size: try on one suit larger than your dress size, and then adjust depending on the style and how it looks on you.

Try-on tips: Pull on the suit as you would a panty (when trying on a one-piece suit, fold it in half at the waist when pulling up). Lean forward after pulling on top – or as you pull it up – so bust fills out bra. Then adjust straps, leg line, and crotch. Check the following:

Straps – can you easily slip your thumb under them? If not, get the next larger size. Are they too loose? Try a smaller size.

Top – the right fit will give support, separation, and coverage – without cutting or binding, or should fit as well as your bra.

Crotch – check for coverage. If the suit cuts or binds, rides up, try a large size – or a different style.

Action test: Move around in the suit. Raise your arms, bend, sit down, squat, or jump. Does the suit stay put or does it shift or ride up and bind at the legs, underarms? Try other sizes till it is a comfortable fit. Between the two sizes large and small? Choose the larger one.

How to Take Care of Your Suit

Bathing suits are exposed to combinations of potentially damaging elements – perspiration, sunlight, salt, chlorinated water. To keep them looking good, follow the instructions on the care label. Unless label specifically recommends using water, never use bleach. Rinse thoroughly, roll in towel to remove excess water, and hang out of direct sun or heat to dry (never use dryer). Good ideas: If you plan to sunbathe after a swim, shower out the salt or chlorine from your suit as protection from the sun-fading. Also have at least two suits if you are swimming every day so each gets a rest between wearings.

Heavy Waist

Look for blouson styles that skin over the waist and hide it. Also good to try are suits with fool-the-eye (slimming) stripes, diagonal or mitered designs that divert attention up the bustline or down on the thighs.

Full Hips

Avoid styles that nip in the waist – they emphasize the hips; also horizontal stripes. Look for skirts or boy legs for good coverage; dark colors that minimize dimension; details that draw up the eye.

Tummy Bulge

Choose one-piece styles that emphasize the long, vertical line of the figure, or ones with darker (de-emphasizing) top, or hip-level belt or other detail. For adequate support, wide shoulder straps are essential.

Small Bosom

Look for styles that add body and volume to the bosom, like ruffles, shirring or banding, or a bright contrast in color combination or pattern.

Jason Ladock

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