by Kay D. Sadell

Created on: March 24, 2009   Last Updated: March 26, 2009

The weather outside is warming giving us a much needed hiatus from the dreary days of winter. Sights and sounds of spring are among us; but there is one small chore that can quickly bring you down... shopping for a new swimsuit. No matter if you are small or large, I have seen the most secure of women frazzle while trying to find the perfect swimsuit. Hopefully this article can ease the pain with a few helpful pointers in finding the best swimsuit to compliment your body.

The most important factor in purchasing a swimsuit is knowing your body type. Most of us fail in finding a flattering swimsuit simply because it is not a compatible with our body type. No matter what your size is you will fall into one of these 4 basic body types:

-Hourglass shape is when the hip and bust are equal in size and your waist is small. Swimwear that accentuate the waist along with all over pattern is best for this shape.

-Round or Apple shape tend to hold more weight in the stomach and bust area, while your hips and legs are quite narrow. Halter as well as V neck tankinis in dark colors are best to flatter this body style.

-Pear shape body types normally start smaller on top in the bust area and become more round in the bottom and legs. Two Piece swimsuits with light colors on top and a dark skirt is a great way to compliment your body type.

-Straight, also known as athletic, consisting of a straight body with little to no curves. Horizontal stripes and bold colors create the illusion of more curves which can greatly help out with this body type.

By doing a bit of homework online you can find plenty of websites to help you find what is right for you. A few good places to start would be Lands' End and Khols. Both of these websites provide you with detailed information on your body type as well as examples of swimwear to emphasize your best features. Once you gain a good perception of what suits works best for your body type, head out and try some on that fit your budget as well as your style. You don't have to break the bank when buying swimwear. Most places from Target to Macy's carry reassembling suits, but they can also have a huge difference in price. When bargain hunting places like Ebay can be a great place to purchase exactly what you want for a fraction of the price so be sure to shop around! With a little bit of time and patience you will be confident and beach ready in no time!

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