After hiding under cozy winter layers, the thought of pulling on a swimsuit is a little scary. But once you know how to flatter your body, shopping for your next cossie will be a breeze.

 

WOMEN

 

HOURGLASS

(your bust and hips are in proportion and you have a small waist)

Flatter your curves in a matching swimsuit. A structured halter neck will support your bust while side tie bottoms will balance the look. Your slim waist means you can rock a one-piece with cutouts.

Avoid mix-and-match pieces and boy shorts.

 

RECTANGLE

(your body is slim with no curves)

Enjoy shopping for swimsuits with feminine ruffles, embellishments and bold patterns to highlight your bust and hips. A high-waisted bottom or retro one-piece will help create some curves.

Avoid straight bandeau tops and sporty one-pieces.

 

TRIANGLE

(you have a curvy bottom half with a petite upper body)

Accentuate your bust with patterns, ruffles, padding and halter neck tops. Streamline your lower half with a dark, solid colour bottom in a mid-rise or high-waisted cut.

Avoid frilly bottoms or boy shorts.

 

INVERTED TRIANGLE

(you have a bigger upper body with a small waist and lean legs)

Choose a dark colour top with good support. Your bottoms can be playful in a bold print with ruffles and side ties.

Avoid halter necks or ruffled tops.

 

To hide a tummy, try a swimsuit with ruching, colour-block side panels or a high-waisted suit with a plunging neckline.

 

MEN

Sure, guys just have to pull on a pair of shorts and they’re ready to hit the sand… but there are a few rules to remember when choosing those trunks.

  • Tall guys, choose a pair that hits right above the knee.
  • Short guys, choose a pair that hits in the middle of your thigh.
  • Bigger guys will look sleeker in dark, solid swim shorts.
  • Slim guys who want to add a little volume to their look can choose a bold print.

Stay away from oversized baggies no matter your size, but make sure you have room to move comfortably. If you have a belly, choose a flexible drawstring pair.

 

GET THE LOOK

Invest in swimwear that’ll make you feel – and look – great this summer. Your RCS Card gives you access to the RCS shopping network of over 21 000 retailers, including South Africa’s leading fashion brands.