The Best Figure Flattering Swimsuits

Bottoms Up

By Nicole Mann Novick

A retro bikini like Taylor Swift’s brings style to the sand and offers the appearance of curvier hips.

Bottoms Up

SHOP NOW: Tori Praver Floral Rush bikini, $196

BING MORE: Retro Bikinis

Wild Thing

If you've worked hard for that athletic body, then why not show it off? Serena Williams' cutout suit offers the comfort of a one-piece with a well-deserved peek-a-boo effect.

Wild Thing

SHOP NOW: Just Cavalli cutout swimsuit, $225

BING MORE: Cutout Swimsuits

White Out

Want to show off your tan but not your bare belly? Try a white full-piece like Paris Hilton’s that offers minimal cutouts in just the right places. Here’s one that gives coverage in the stomach and hips, showing just a hint of skin on top.

White Out

SHOP NOW: Zimmerman Laughing Gull one-piece, $318

BING MORE: White One-Piece Swimsuits

Tip-Top Shape

For smaller-breasted women, such as Nicole Richie, who are still looking to conquer that triangle bikini, try a fit with more fabric. Ruching on top gives the appearance of a fuller look.

Tip-Top Shape

SHOP NOW: Vix Bia bikini halterneck top and briefs, $160

BING MORE: Halter Bikinis

Bathing Beauty

For those looking for a little coverage in the middle, but who still want to appear chic on the beach, a solid-color full-piece with extra details will slim and add style. Like Mariska Hargitay’s, our choice can go strapless or be worn with a halter string.

Bathing Beauty

SHOP NOW: J. Crew Convertible Maillot, $82

BING MORE: Strapless Maillot

Top Honors

For those who want to show off their abs, but who still prefer a bit of modesty on top, take a tip from Kelly Rowland and look for a sexy two-piece with a full-coverage bandeau.

Top Honors

SHOP NOW: Milly Bikini top & briefs, $205

BING MORE: Floral Print Bikinis

Suit Up

For smaller-breasted women looking for curves like supermodel Jessica White’s, try a bikini with an underwire top. This Panache one here can increase the bust appearance by a full cup size.

Suit Up

SHOP NOW: Panache Atlantis Swimwear Polly Plunge Bikini top and bottom, $66

BING MORE: Underwire Bikini Tops

V For Victory

Beyoncé’s choice, a V-neck one piece, lets her show off some cleavage, while leaving the rest to the imagination. The version we’ve found has extra ruching for a slimming torso.

V For Victory

SHOP NOW: L.L. Bean swimsuit, $104.95

BING MORE: One-Piece Halter Suits

Long Form

Statuesque women can take a lesson from Helen Mirren and opt for a one-piece designed with extra fabric in the torso to give them that long, sleek look.

Long Form

SHOP NOW: Long Tall Sally Ruched Front swimsuit, $55

BING MORE: Pink One-Piece Swimsuits

The Big Reveal

This style may not be for everyone, but for those fashion risk-takers such as Real Housewives star Alexia Echevarria, it's a clever cut.

The Big Reveal

SHOP NOW: L*Space Monokini, $108

BING MORE: Monokinis

Bringing It Back

Sometimes a suit offers a little bit of everything, making it a thumbs-up for all body types. This retro piece worn by Jaime King has added hip coverage as well as underwire cups for some extra lift.

Bringing It Back

SHOP NOW: J. Crew Tulle Underwire tank, $125

BING MORE: Underwire Tanksuits

Barely There

An itsy-bitsy triangle bikini is not for the faint of heart. For brave soles with bodacious bods like that of Audrina Patridge here, tighten those strings and hit the surf.

Barely There

SHOP NOW: Shimmi Triangle Bikini, $180

BING MORE: Triangle Bikinis

Bikini Babe

Women with larger breasts don’t need to forego cute separates. Choose a style that offers hidden bra-like cup sizes, so you can hit the beach like Ashlee Simpson, but with secret support.

Follow Suit

Ready to try that tiny two-piece, but feel a little more comfortable with some distraction? AnnaLynne McCord has the right idea when it comes to elegant ruffles.

Follow Suit

SHOP NOW: Old Navy Ruffled Bandeau Swim top and bottom, $42

BING MORE: Ruffled Swimsuits

NEXT GALLERY: Check out Victoria's Secret's bathing beauties