The days are heating up and it’s time to sizzle in a new bathing suit for the summer! But women often stress about finding one that best “suits” their body. A classic and flattering swimsuit is a key item in any well-rounded summer wardrobe, but finding the best swimsuit for your body type can be an exhausting and frustrating task if you head into the dressing room unprepared or thinking that nothing looks good on your body. The good news is that you can avoid disaster by simply getting to know your body and which swimsuits enhance your best assets before you even head to the store. That way you’ll know exactly which swimsuits to try on, and which ones to steer clear of. You’ll be amazed at how easy and actually fun swimsuit shopping can be! Here are some easy guidelines to finding the right one for you based on your shape.

Hourglass
If your hips and shoulders are the same width and your waist is well defined, you’re an hourglass. Hourglass body types look great in all swimsuits, but bikinis especially play up your signature curves. If you’re an hourglass with a small bust, opt for a swimsuit with plenty of padding, ruffles, and embellishments up top to enhance your chest. If you have a larger bust and minimizing is your goal, look for a v-neck swimsuit with less detail up top.

Triangle
If your butt, hips, and thighs are wider than your shoulders, you’re a triangle. Triangle body types look best in strapless or bandeau tops because they widen your shoulders so they’re balanced with your hips. When selecting which strapless top to try on, make sure you choose one that will enhance your bust area with padding, embellishments, and ruffles so the eye is naturally drawn upward, taking the focus away from your bottom half. If you’re self-conscious about your butt, ask the sales person to bring you a bottom with thin straps and a higher cut that won’t pinch at the hips.

Inverted Triangle
If your shoulders are wider than your hips, you’re an inverted triangle. The goal here is to narrow your shoulders so they’re balanced with your hips. You can accomplish this by choosing a v-neck swimsuit with straps to cut the shoulder line. You also want to widen the hip area, so go for a sexy hip hugger with lots of embellishments and details on the bottom.

Rectangle
If your shoulders and hips are the same width and your waist isn’t super defined, you’re a rectangle. You look great in bikinis, so play up your figure with fun patterns and colors that put you in a good mood. If you prefer to be more covered up, a one-piece with a belt or strategic color blocking around the waist will give you killer curves.

Diamond
If you tend to carry weight in your midsection, you’re a diamond. This is the one body type that can be found in combination to the others. A sexy one piece or a funky tankini are perfect for diamond shapes, or anyone with a little bit of a belly. When shopping, look for a swimsuit with a belt or wrap effect around the stomach to conceal, slim, and give the illusion of sexy curves. Avoid loud swirling patterns and detail on the midsection area.

So strip your sweaters off and slip into a new bikini with confidence simply by knowing your body type. Not sure which shape you are? Sign up for my newsletter and get a FREE downloadable Body Type Booklet to find out! You’ll also get guidelines on what clothes flatters your figure and what clothes to steer clear from.

This article originally published on World Lifestyle.