SWIMSUITS FOR YOUR BODY TYPE
Take the plunge this summer in a splashy suit that fits your figure
By Tammy Palmer
Runway Photography by Anthea Simms
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Michael Kors
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| Michael Kors |
Size Matters
Bathing suit shopping? Right up there with a crowded discount cruise. To help make the process a little less painful we’ve put together the ultimate swimsuit size guide. Whether you’ve got a large or small bust, are pear shaped or string bean, you’ll find a sexy maillot or bodacious bikini that fits your bod.
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FULL TOP
Herve Leger
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| Herve Leger by Max Azria |
Why it works:
• Wide straps and underwire lend added support.
• A maillot with a decorative cutout or deep v enhances your curves.
• A halter style with thick straps plays a supporting role.
• Opt for solid colours on top to play down a larger chest.
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Vitamin A
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Vitamin A bikini top, $110 and bottom, $100. Offshores, 780-757-1915.
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V del Sol
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V del Sol chain bikini, $260. At Holt Renfrew and gonebananasbeachwear.com.
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Aqua Di Lara
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Aqua Di Lara swimsuit, $255. At Melmira Bra and Swimsuits, 416-485-0576.
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SHAPELY BOTTOM
Emporio Armani
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| Emporio Armani |
Why it works:
• Strapless and one-shoulder styles accentuate the décolletage and shift the focus to the shoulders.
• Balance proportions with extra details on top such as ruffles and embellishment.
• Lighter colors on top draw the eye upward and to create the illusion of narrower hips.
• Sporty boy cut briefs or skirt suits in darker colors hide any problem areas.
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Lenny
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Lenny maillot, $244. Spiegel.com.
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V del Sol
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V del Sol maillot, $135. At Sole Swimwear, 416-368-9190 and gonebananasbeachwear.com.
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Billa Bong
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Billa Bong bikini top, $50 and bottom $45. At Aloha Bikini in Sherbrooke, QC, Swimco and Sublime.
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CURVY
Oscar de la Renta
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| Oscar de la Renta |
Why it works:
• Suits that act like corsets or with waist-whittling belts accentuate an hourglass.
• Wide straps add support while retro styles with fuller briefs provide coverage.
• Halter styles give a great décolletage.
• Ruched details around the midsection hide a tummy.
• Opt for darker color combinations.
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Melissa Odabash
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Melissa Odabash swimsuit, $230. Holt Renfrew.
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V del Sol
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V del Sol bikini, $168. At Holt Renfrew and gonebananasbeachwear.com.
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Shan
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Shan swimsuit, $295, 1-888-687-7101.
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THIN
Gucci
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| Gucci |
Why it works:
• A sporty shape with bold patterns or stripes boosts a slender frame.
• Look for delicate lingerie touches like curve-creating boning and underwire.
• Horizontal stripes and swirly patterns give the illusion of more shape.
• A richly textured suit with side cutouts adds definition and breaks up a long torso.
• A padded suit adds to your assets.
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Seafolly
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Seafolly bikini, $163. 1-800-833-2260.
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Billa Bong
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Billa Bong bikini, $80. Billa Bong stores across Canada.
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Melissa Odabash
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Melissa Odabash cutout swimsuit, $340. Netaporter.com
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PETITE
Michael Kors
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| Michael Kors |
Why it works:
• Sophisticated prints look neither too cutesy nor overwhelm on tiny builds.
• Empire waists elongate the line.
• Strapless and shoulder details draw the eye up.
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Jessika Allen
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Jets by Jessika Allen halterneck swimsuit, $210. Sandpipers.
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Matthew Williamson
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Matthew Williamson bikini, $265. Netaporter.com.
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Missoni
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Missoni woven swimsuit, $510. Holt Renfrew.
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ATHLETIC
Emilio Pucci
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| Emilio Pucci |
Why it works:
• Competition inspired racerbacks or crisscross styles stay put.
• Leg cuts are made for movement.
• Ruching and drop waists define your hips.
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Lisa Marie Fernandez
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Lisa Marie Fernandez scuba bikini, $335. Netaporter.com.
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Calvin Klein
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Calvin Klein push up swimsuit, $120. The Bay.
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Lisa Marie Fernandez
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Lisa Marie Fernandez tank bikini, $355. Netaporter.com
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