Issue date: 3/12/08 Section: Features

Media Credit: Maurice Ferguson The right swimsuit can help accentuate your body. [Click to enlarge]

With spring break only three weeks away many students are getting ready to shed those winter layers and head to warmer destinations. Spray tanning and crash dieting are considered by some as a necessity to get ready for bikini season, but they don't have to be.

A major mistake most women make when getting ready for the bikini season is not buying a swimsuit that fits their body type.

We now know that all women aren't created equal. We come in a variety of shapes and sizes and buying the right swim suit that fits your body can make you look like you've lost those pesky 10 pounds you gained during the winter months.

To select the perfect swimsuit you have to know what body type you are. Most women fall into one of five different body type categories: busty, curvy, pear shaped, slender

and petite.

So how do you know what category you fit in?

According to Shape magazine, there are characteristics that go with each one of these body types and every woman is likely to fit into one category.


Busty

This body type is more likely to be heavier on top and is shaped like an inverted triangle with broad shoulders and narrow hips. This type also has a defined waistline.


Curvy

This body type is shaped more like an apple and would have a fuller bust and a less-defined waist, with more narrow shoulders, hips and thighs.


Pear shaped

This body type is shaped more like an hourglass. The hips and shoulders are well balanced and have a well-defined waistline.


Slender

This body type is well-known as the athletic look. It is long and lean and has very little curves and the shoulders, hips and waist are all the same width.


Petite

This body type is more compact. She may have curves or be slender but they are under 5'5'' and are considered short.

Using these category guidelines, you can now be on your way to finding the swimsuit that best fits your body type.

With so many swimsuits out on the market it can be very confusing to find a suit that matches your body type.


Tank or Tankini

Women whose body type is curvy should look for this style of swimsuit. A tank is a one piece that has built-in shoulder straps and gives a basic silhouette, but if you are little more daring a tankini is for you. The tankini has built in shoulder straps but is broken into two pieces.

This fun and sporty swimsuit leaves a little bit of your tummy exposed but still has the comfort of a one-piece.

Also look for dark solid colors; they make you look slimmer and work wonders.


Triangle bikini

Women with a pear shape body type should look for this style. This bikini is the most revealing of all swimsuits and is also known as the 'string bikini.'

It ties around the neck and back and has an adjustable string underneath the bust to add extra support.


Scoop bottom bikini

This bikini helps create curves. Women with a slender body type should look for this swimsuit.

The top can be any style but the bottoms should be 'scoop.' The scoop is a basic style with a curved front that comes below the belly button. It visually creates feminine curves according to Khols.com.


High waist or hipster bottom bikini

Petite women can wear any style top but it is the bottoms that visually can make your body look longer.

To make your legs appear longer, choose the high waist bottoms which sit right below your belly button. Hipster bottoms sit right on your hips and make a short torso look elongated.

Choose a style that is comfortable for you. Either one will make you appear taller.

"I love going shopping for bikini season but only if I have worked out," said senior Dana Parson, public relations major. "And I always take a friend to get a second opinion."

Whether you are curvy, slender or petite, there is a swimsuit out there for your body type. Knowing what swimsuit you should be looking for will cut down on the hours you are at the gym and tanning salon three weeks before spring break.

Yasmine Bikul can be reached at ybikul@statehornet.com

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