Watch CBS News

Fitting A Swimsuit To Your Bodytype From An Expert

Photo Credit: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Shopping for a new swimsuit can be daunting to even the most confident woman. If you love the pool and the beach, but you're still wearing an old suit because you cannot bear the frustration of shopping for a new one, Modcloth's Modstylist Chelsey has some tips on finding the perfect suit to fit your body shape.

ModStylist Chelsey
ModCloth
2250 Roswell Drive #1
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
(888) 495-9699
www.modcloth.com

Shopping for clothing and especially swimsuits can be a daunting task. ModCloth's ModStylists take the pain out shopping by offering personal advice via email or phone for customers wanting to add ModCloth's retro and vintage style to their wardrobe. ModStylist Chelsey studied Fashion Retail Management at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and has been with ModCloth since August 2009. "Customers can fill out an email form to make a date with a ModStylist" says Chelsey "we offer advice on everything from gifts to sizing and can help customers create a wish list of items to purchase throughout the season." Here Chelsey gives some great advice on how to choose a swimsuit that will have you flaunting your assets all summer long.

Hourglass
Sometimes gorgeous curves come with a bit of a tummy. If you want to show off the curves but hide the tummy, Chelsey recommends a one piece with ruching around the waist. "A lot of people think that a one piece swimsuit isn't sexy" says Chelsey, "but a one piece with ruching, like our Bathing Beauty suit is sexier than you think." The ruching draws the eye away from the tummy and onto a curvy waist. A retro-looking one piece will have you looking pin-up perfect at the pool.

Pear Shaped
If you are smaller on top and larger on the bottom, a halter top style one piece or two piece with a slightly lower cut leg will help. The halter top will draw attention to the bust and shoulder area and give a proportionate look between the upper and lower body ModCloth's Beach Blanket Bingo Suit is a great choice and the two piece has a slightly higher waist that is flattering to the tummy area as well.

Petite
If you are petite, try a monokini. These one-piece suits with side cut-outs can give the illusion of height and add curves. The monokini can also show off a great waist, legs and shoulders. ModCloth's Rectangle'd up in Blue Monokini is a great choice for a petite frame. Don't be afraid of color, either. A bright color and some pattern will add definition to a smaller frame.

Related: 2013 Spring Fashion Tips From A Pittsburgh Fashionista

Boy Shaped
To add curves to a stright figure, try a pemplum style suit. Pemplum tops, jackets and dresses are all over the runways this year and the look translates very well to a swimsuit. A little flirty ruff around the waist will create the look of a curvy waist and fuller hips. ModCloth's Beauty on the Shore one piece also has a halter neckline which is flattering for both small chested and large-chested ladies.

Plus Sized
If you are plus-sized, the same rules that make a swimsuit flattering for an hourglass shape generally apply. A one piece suit with ruching will help to flatter the tummy and hips. It's important to make sure that the suit allows for good support on top. A halter style or style with wider straps will help to keep everything in place. ModCloth's classic styles such as Bathing Beauty and Beach Blanket Bingo are available in plus sizes and are very flattering to many body types.

Related: Best Places For Discount Designer Jeans In Pittsburgh

Best Of Pittsburgh Screen Shot - 300x225

 Head to CBS Pittsburgh's Best Of page for more local tips on family fun, shopping, nightlife, food, culture and more!

Jennifer Stockdale is a native of the greater Pittsburgh, PA area. She is a restaurant marketer and wine enthusiast and one of the hosts of the East Coast Wine Geeks Podcast. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.