As the summer months are fast approaching, we'll all be getting back to the beach, water sports, or lazing around the pool, enjoying the African sun while tanning or merely handing out in something comfortable. Get back that swimwear shopping confidence: it's all about getting away in style with the perfect swimsuit option. And we're here to help you choose one!

Pick up the right swimsuit

The ideal bathing suit is whatever swimsuit fits your body comfortably and snug, but not too tight. Be careful with those smaller sizes: if it doesn't sit well like a second skin, consider a size larger, but not too loose either.

Always go for comfort, fit and quality first. You should be sitting and moving comfortably in your bathing suit. Try on different types of swimwear until you find a good fit. Don't compromise. Move around in the swimsuit - squat, bend over, jump. Make sure that it sits well no matter your movements.

Before you head to the counter, check the quality of the fabric, the way it stretches, paying attention to the thickness and lining of the swimwear. You want to buy a durable bathing suit, aside from choosing the perfect colour and fit. Now, what about the style?

Find your ideal swimwear style

A great swimsuit flatters your body curves by revealing your best assets and covering your problem areas. When shopping around, your main options are one-piece full bathing suits, two-piece swimwear or bikini, and dress-style or tankini.

The full bathing suit

One-piece swimwear is excellent for full-on coverage if you're quite self-conscious about your torso or belly. You can wear a one-piece bathing suit confidently when swimming or playing water sports, too.

One-piece swimwear needn't be boring, either. You can find various models from deep v-neck cuts to low-back and side cut-outs, depending on which part of the body you want to show off.

Choose dark colours, built-in padding and support to minimise a fuller chest or otherwise go for light colours, bold accents and patterns. Also, high-waist bottom cuts elongate the legs, making you appear taller.

Bikini

The two-piece bathing suit is a desirable alternative if you are confident showing off your midsection. You can either buy a same-pattern set or mix and match your top and bottom parts separately, so you can have various colours and patterns that flatter your figure.

Bikinis come in all shapes and styles, so how do you pick the best option for your body?

• If you have small breasts, you'll want to add depth with padding, ruffles and patterns that accentuate the chest area and keep the rest of the outfit simple. You can rock out easily a string bikini and strapless top.
• If you are full-chested instead, opt for a simple top with no padding but good support and thick straps, such as a halterneck and racerback.
• If you want to cover and smooth the waist and hip areas, a high-waisted bikini bottom or a skirted bikini is essential.

Tankini

The typical dress-style swimwear is more forgiving on your waist and hips if you desire the look of a two-piece bikini without flaunting your midriff. It's an excellent option for pregnant ladies, too.

The tankini is highly versatile by showing just the right amount of skin with a loose-fitting tank top. You can completely cover your belly and bottom with a longer tankini or, if you feel a little bit daring, go for a smaller length to reveal part of your waist and hips.

Finally, select a tankini that drapes nicely over your breasts (see above how to wear tops according to chest size).

Now you're ready to shop swimwear for your body shape, size and style.

Upgrade your swimwear

Shapewear Shop is the one-stop online store for swimwear and shapewear in South Africa. Browse through a wide selection of styles, colours and sizes to find your ideal swimwear.