How to look slimmer in a swimsuit

If your New Year’s Resolution of going to the gym 5 days a week and perfecting The Plank didn’t quite pan out, you’ve come to the right place ...

Marilyn Monroe showing how it's done in style!

 In summary, to feel confident in your swimwear, you need to:

• select the right style for your body shape
• get the same support you have from your underwear 
• wear one of your most flattering colours
• use accessories to deflect attention from your 'not-so-perfect areas'

The key thing to remember is not to get hung up on the size of your swimsuit, this is one item of clothing that you may have to go up (at least) one size to your usual sizing.  

Before you get started tips:

• Be kind to yourself, if you’re going to wear fake tan on holidays then make sure you apply it a couple of days before you go shopping for your swimwear.   (Before application, exfoliate your skin by mixing a handful of brown sugar with your body lotion.  Rub the mixture in a circular motion over your skin, then rinse under a warm shower, and hey presto you'll have softer skin). 
• Avoid foods that bloat you.  
• Make an appointment with your beautician for waxing, a pedicure & manicure, or do it yourself.  

If you’re not ready to strut your stuff in front of a well-meaning shop assistant, why not order online and try on in the comfort of your own home?  Remember to check the sizing details for each retailer before ordering & read the reviews from other customers to avoid disappointment.  Once it arrives, do a little bending, sitting, and swimming practice to ensure you feel comfortable wearing it.  


Best for pear-shapes

If you're pear-shaped, avoid patterns or any detailing below your waist; you always need to draw the eye up to your top half and away from your hips.  Choose a darker colour for your bottom half; tankinis are often a good choice for pear shapes as you can choose plain bottoms with a patterned / bright top. 

Pour Moi Sorento Control Tankini from Simply Be

Best for apple shapes


If you are apple shaped, a one-piece with a central panel in a darker shade will give the illusion of a slimmer shape, and choose a style with subtle tummy control panels. A plunge or square neckline will draw attention away from the midriff up to your decolletage and shoulders.

Magisculpt Bandeau Swimsuit

Best for disguising an untoned tummy

Choose a suit with shirring or ruching to help disguise an untoned tummy.  Try to wear one with a little detail away from the stomach area to attract the eye upwards, this one from Lascana receives great reviews:

Lascana Navy Ruched Swimsuit at www.swimwear365.co.uk

Best for a large bust

An underwired, or support style with adjustable straps, is essential for you to make sure the fit is as good as you would have from your bra.  The better the support in this area to lift the bust, the better your midriff, waist, and hips will also appear.  Thicker straps are a good idea for extra support, but avoid halter necks which can cause neck and shoulder ache if worn all day. 

If you are particularly large on top then balance out your figure by choosing a suit that has a patterned or lighter coloured bottom half.  

Miraclesuit - Up and Coming Caliente

Best for thigh coverage

Swimdresses are becoming more & more popular and receive brilliant customer feedback, so, rather than feeling you have to have your sarong over your thighs at all times, you can just relax and jump in the sea when the mood takes you!  This black one was designed by the queen of designer swimwear, Melissa Odabash, for Marisota. 

Slim down those thighs in a swimdress from Marisota

Best for lifting your bottom

Gravity has met its' match with Marisota's MagiSculpt Bum Lifter Swimsuit, in a beautiful coral colour that will flatter pale skin as well as a tan:

Marisota's MagiSculpt Bum Lifter Swimsuit

Choose matt not sheen

Matt fabrics are a lot more forgiving than those with sheen; I doubt you'd treasure your holiday photos wearing this shiny fabric from Asos Curve:

Too much sheen = extra weight

Cheat a little

Take a tip from the Victoria Secret models; to create the perfect illusion, apply St Tropez’s Illuminators to where the light would naturally reflect off the front of your leg, this will lengthen and sculpt.  You can apply on your collar bone and along your arms too.  Choose the rose shade if you have a paler skin tone.  

Apply St Tropez's Illuminators to arms & legs to appear slimmer

Choose a Flattering Cover-Up

A deep V-neck, opposed to a high round neck, will make your neck look longer and therefore, your whole body appear leaner.

1. Pink Kaftan - Cleo by Panache - Simplybeach.com

2. Sea by Melissa Odabash Kaftan - Marisota.co.uk

3. Black Batwing Tunic - Onestopplus.com

4. Marigay Floor Length Kaftan - Melissa Odabash

And finally, add a little sparkle

Choose sandals with a little sparkle to attract attention away from any problem areas & make you feel a little glam by the pool:

1. White gem stone embellished T Bar Sandals - riverisland.com

2. Premium Jewel Toe Thong Sandals - next.co.uk

3. Crystal Sparkle Toe Post - oasis-stores.com

4. Silver Bling Toe Post Foot Beds - Dorothyperkins.com

5. Sail Cruise Sandals - Clarks.co.uk 

6. Ladies Flat Diamante Toe Post Sandals - Ebay.co.uk 

Now that you know you'll look good, focus on enjoying your holiday!  Enjoy x