Finding the Right Suit for Summer

For the Lady's

Whether suiting up for the office or suiting up for a warm summer's day by the pool, the same basic rules apply. You always want to accentuate your best features to take the focus away from other areas. So, let's find the right suit to flatter your shape!

If you have a small bust, choose a suit that has some padding. Bikinis with a triangle top will create more curves. Tops with ruffles are a good choice as well because they maximize the appearance of cleavage. What to avoid: tube styles.

For those of you more generously endowed, look for something with extra support for the "girls". Tops with a hidden underwire are the best for providing support. Halter tops with thick straps will lift the "girls" up creating a much more flattering look. And please, avoid the triangle tops.

For all the juicy pear shapes, you can sweeten your pool look by wearing darker colors on the bottom and bright eye catching color or patterns on top. Bottoms with a high waist will also make the legs look longer and leaner. Try pairing a halter top or tankini with darker bottoms.

For women looking to tame the tummy while diving in, try 1-piece suits that have a corset like construction and wrap styles. These will help slim and hold for a great classic look.

And, if you have a rectangular athletic shape, look for suits that tie around the neck and bottoms with a high leg to create more curves. Or a 1-piece with a belted waistline can be a flattering fit as well.

Now that you look hot, Dive in and cool off!

For the Men

There are 2 basic styles of swimwear for men. (Note: this does NOT include the Speedo, which in America should only be worn by men participating in a sport that requires them.) Your real choices are surf style shorts or swim trunks. Generally surf shorts are longer and lace up the front. Swim trunks are typically a little shorter and usually have a lining.

The surf short is more popular with the younger generation. This year Ed Hardy, CHRISTIAN AUDIGIER, and Salvage have the top styles for 2009. Salvage even has some shorter styles for you more compact hunks. Surf shorts should hit at the knee and never mid-calf.

If you prefer to show some leg to get more tan, Tommy Bahama has some really nice swim trunks to show off any great pair of legs.

So suit up . . . I'll be looking for you poolside!