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THE SMART SHOPPER: Swimwear styles for all bodies

By Helen Malani, Scripps Howard News Service

Published July 2, 2008 at 6 p.m.
Updated July 3, 2008 at 1:03 p.m.

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For a lucky few, summer is synonymous with fun in the sun. For most of us, summer stirs up a primal and nearly unequaled fear. I speak, of course, about swimsuit shopping. Luckily, there are secrets to buying figure-flattering swimwear, and tons of online retailers are hopping on the helpful bandwagon.

* Banish belly bulge: Muffin tops, love handles, spare tires - no one likes displaying their tummies. Fortunately, there are proven methods of camouflage: a halter neck draws attention up and showcases cleavage. Also, consider a tankini, which can provide looser, more forgiving coverage than a snug one-piece or a teeny bikini. Landsend.com lets you shop by anxiety zone and has a nice selection.

* Boost a small bust: If you're in the "less endowed" camp and would like to emphasize what you've got up top, be free with ruffles, bright colors and other embellishments. Of course, a little (or a lot) of padding never hurts in the cleavage department. Target.com has a nice array of flirty, frilly options.

* Decrease your decolletage: If, however, your cup runneth over, choose a top with a built-in bra for structure and support. Also, select tops with straps instead of strings for stability; the best are bralike tops that allow you to adjust strap length. Figleaves.com is a great site, as it stocks sizes up to 56D.

* Trim a long torso: If you're one of the lucky women blessed in the height department, chances are that blessing comes with a long torso. Break it up with a two-toned or belted suit.

Look for one-piece suits in "long torso" lengths to ensure a proper fit and eliminate uncomfortable tugging. Cyberswim.com has a bevy of figure-friendly suits, including the miraculous Miraclesuit.

* Thin thighs: Want to flaunt a set of up-to-there gams? Choose bathing suits with high-cut legs to help visually lengthen and slim thighs. Do yourself a favor and avoid boy shorts that cut straight across; they accentuate your widest part and make your legs look shorter than they need to. Victoriassecret.com reigns supreme in the land of high-cut bottoms.

Helen Malani is the chief shopping expert for Shopzilla.com, an E.W. Scripps company.