Summer is here, and it's time to hit the beach, the lake or even the local pool.  Women and men alike often dread baring as much skin as is required to enjoy some fun in the sun.  Why?  They don't know how to choose the right swim suit.

Well, not to fret. There is a good style for everyone, if you know how to choose the right swimwear for your particular body type.  And if you're a good shopper, there should be a good choice within your price range.

Women's Swimwear:  Flatter Your Figure

Every woman knows that the clothes you wear can make the difference in whether you look shapely or not.  Bathing suits are no different.

When it comes to making that all important swimsuit decision, often anxiety and confusion abound.  The good news is that you can look great in a bathing suit, if you just choose a suit that will make you and not the mannequin or the hanger in the store look good.  That means you have to know your body type. 

Take a good look at yourself.  Be honest.  When you put on the right suit for your body type, you will be amazed at how you look not only to yourself, but also to those sun gods waiting to catch a wave with you.

Hourglass Figures:  If you are that lucky, Dream Girl with a perfect balance between your shoulders and hips, with a waist smaller than your shoulders, then you have it made.  You can't go wrong with any bathing suit selection you make. 

Pear-Shaped Body Type:  This body type shows small shoulders with larger hips; notably, the woman's waist is larger than her shoulders.  Choose a one-piece bathing suit with a design that creates the illusion of a waist line.  And if you need it, go for one with tummy control; that will even be more flattering.

Apple-Shaped Body Type: This body type boasts broad shoulders with small hips. You can achieve a great balance if you choose a two-piece bikini or tankini with a solid top and a patterned bottom.

Torso Trouble:  If you have a short torso, you're an ideal bikini candidate. Try patterned tops with solid bottoms and bikini bottoms that sit low on your hips.  If you don't want to bear that much skin, then try a solid one-piece suit with vertical lines or a low neckline that will lengthen the body.  Avoid boy shorts, skirted bottoms, printed bottoms, horizontal patterns and swimsuits that have a belt, because this will make your torso appear even shorter.

If you have a long torso, you will want to make a different choice; try a tankini or a two-piece to break up your midsection.  If you can find a suit with cut-out detailing, this will be even better.  You'll want to avoid vertical stripes and high-neck bathing suit tops.

Tummy Terror:  The dreaded pouching in the midsection makes many women shy away from donning a swimsuit.  If you have a bulging tummy, you will want to choose a one-piece swimsuit with high waist or a tankini with wider shoulder straps.  Suits with piping and detailing, which give the illusion of a waist, and suits with diagonal lines and patterns are desirable.  For best results, try to find a suit with built-in tummy control. 

Waist-Not, Want Not:  If you don't have a noticeable waist, you may want to try a belted one-piece suit or a style that crisscrosses in the front. Two-piece suits that create a horizontal line may also create the illusion of a waistline. 

Top Light:  Women with a smaller bust-line should choose a suit that enhances any existing cleavage.  A halter top bikini that has a seam right below the bust line could be a good choice.  But also a push-up style or a lightly padded top can work.  Avoid horizontal stripes or patterns, as this can make you appear really flat-chested.  Consider a swimsuit with ruffles or a horizontal neckline or even some texture that will draw attention away from your bust-line, if you feel self-conscious, but always remember, to many men less is best!

Top Heavy:  Whether your bust is natural or enhanced, you'll need good support to keep the girls up.  Wide strap bathing suits will provide you with the back support you need.  Those often have foam cups or built-in bras, which are ideal for women with larger chests.  There are also tankinis, which can offer more coverage and are very trendy.  If you're self-conscious about your larger bust, you may choose a dark solid at the bust level with a lighter color below to draw attention downward.
 
Bottom Heavy:  Many men like big butts (and those that do, don't lie!).  But in a swim suit, a larger bottom is best shown with a skirt-style swim suit or a boy-short style.  These options also work if you have big thighs because they provide more coverage and provide a more balanced appearance, as can high-cut bottoms.  Wear tops that enhance your upper body, including, halters, padded bras and push-up styles; depending on your bust size you may even go strapless.  If you're self conscious about your larger bottom, you may choose a dark solid on the bottom with a lighter color up top to draw attention upward. 

Just Plain Heavy:  So maybe you've been trying to diet to get those extra pounds off, but you just haven't made your goal yet.  Don't deny yourself the pleasures of boating, swimming, etc.; just pick a suit that will flatter your heavier body type.  A well-cut one-piece or tankini can make those figure flaws disappear.  Avoid large patterns which can add pounds to your already burgeoning figure.  Dark solid colors work best for heavier women, and be sure to choose Lyrca or spandex stretch, which will give you better control. 

Of course, whatever bathing suit you choose, you should always consider what you'll be doing in your swimsuit.  If you will be surfing, swimming, jet-skiing, wind-surfing, playing beach volleyball or engaged in some other beach or water sport, you need to have a sturdy swimsuit.  Flimsy, skimpy swimwear may not be up to the task.  So choose wisely so you don't wind up bearing more skin than you bargained for while showing off your great tan.

Men's Swimwear:  Yes, Your Choice Does Matter

It used to be that there were two choices for men in swimwear:  Speedos and basic trunks.  Today there are more options than ever, mostly driven by the European market.  Thongs are even popular in some circles for men, but most American men aren't going to make that choice. 

Because many men don't give much thought to what type of swimwear looks best on them, they often make poor choices.  Depending on your body type, different bathing suits will look better or worse than others.  Making an informed choice does matter if you want to look your best. 

Average:  This is the best body type to be in terms of bathing suits.  You can choose virtually any suit and look fine, even briefs, which aren't that attractive on most body types. 

Short:  If you're height challenged, then you'll want to choose classic shorts.  If you choose longer trunks then your legs will look shorter.  Your best choice will be simple vertical stripes or solids to lengthen your body.  Avoid wild patterns because they divide your body at the waist and knees.

Tall:  If you are a tall gent, then you will want to try longer shorts, such as board shorts, which are half-length pants; they are longer than classic shorts, and are popular for surfing.  You might also choose Jammers, which extend from mid-waist to the area above the knee and are normally worn by professional swimmers.  Suits that reach almost to your knees will minimize the length of your legs and make you appear less like a beanstalk.  It's okay to choose a wild pattern if you're tall and thin, since if anything this may add a few pounds in just the right places!  But avoid those if you're a little heavier, as this will add the unwanted illusion of extra weight.

Muscular:  Speedos or briefs may be your best choice, if you have proportioned musculature.  But Speedos and briefs may make you feel like you're running around in your underwear, and that may not make you feel comfortable.  If you're not going with either of those choices, then make your choice based on your height. 

Gut Challenged:  If you have a burgeoning midsection, then you will want to choose volley-style trunks, with a drawstring waist similar to boxers.  Do not choose bright colors or any crazy patterns; dark colors will work best for you.  Make sure that your trunks are not hanging below your belly; you don't want your gut to pop over, like a pregnant mom's tummy.
 
Heavy-Set:  Choose a normal fitting trunk. Your height is more important in the choice than your weight.  Avoid over-sized trunks, and avoid bright colors and wild patterns because these will make you look heavier than you are.

Whatever trunks you choose, be sure that they are in a style and fabric that is consistent with your level of activity.  A professional swimmer or diver, for example, will wear a Speedo or Jammers, even if they are not particularly flattering because they were designed for performance.  Utility will usually win out over looks, if you're going to be engaged in major athletics in the suit, but if you're just going for fun, make a real style choice.  You'll be pleasantly surprised at the sun bunnies that will hop over to you in your right-styled suit.

Choose A Suit That Makes You Feel Confident

Men and women are often self-conscious when it comes to showing their skin in a bathing suit.  Whatever style you choose, just be sure that you are comfortable with your choice and that you feel confident in it.  Nothing is sexier than self-confidence, and what suit you choose will either make you feel like a million bucks or just a sand-dollar! 

Use Good Sense:  Essential Sun Protection

And remember to use your head when it comes to sun safety.  Avoid staying out too long in the blazing sun; wear a hat; take an umbrella to the beach; and choose the right level of SPF protection for your activity (waterproof if necessary) and time in the sun.  If your body gets burned to a crisp, you won't feel like being hugged after a day at the beach, so don't forget the sunscreen!