style guide

How Not to Look Fat in Swimsuits

Can a few inches of fabric really make a difference in how good you'll look in a bathing suit this summer? Absolutely!

Five real women dare to bare and get style advice from our expert Emily Neill, who shows each one how to go from drab to fab in a bathing suit-- without hitting the gym.

Liz Linder

Christine Before
Christine has a larger bust and middle, so she should shift the focus onto her toned legs. Her attempt to cover herself with a skirt hides her shape rather than create a better one.

Liz Linder

Christine After: Look #1
The same halter top paired with a higher cut bottom transforms Christine's look, whittling her hips and showing off her legs. Keeping the original top contains and flatters her bust while masking a less-than-perfect stomach.

Liz Linder

Christine After: Look #2
Another great trick to fix a thick middle is using a faux wrap or shirred detail (this suit has both) to cinch the waist and slim a torso. Also, this high-sided suit with a deep V-neck gives Christine coverage and support without compromising sexiness.

Liz Linder

Esme Before
Since having a baby seven months ago, Esme's still a bit apple-shaped, but she has a great bust line and trim legs.

She chose this bottom for 'full' coverage, but it actually cuts her leg at an unflattering angle. Her top is too flimsy for a full bust and offers no control for her middle.

Liz Linder

Esme After: Look #1
Fitted swim shorts are a better choice for Esme. They cover the widest part of her hips, and the dark solid color adds an extra slimming effect. Also, a tank with a higher neckline and more support on the sides reigns in her bust and smooths lumps at the waist.



Liz Linder

Esme After: Look #2
Another good option for Esme is this one-piece boy-leg suit. It has lots of Lycra for bust support and eliminates a heavily stitched hem line, which can "squeeze" thighs.

Liz Linder

Pam Before
Believe it or not, Pam's had two kids! But even with her slim shape, covering up so much of her body masks any hint of curves. This swim skirt makes her bottom half look square and her thighs heavy (which they are not) because it cuts her off at the widest part of her leg and flares out.

Liz Linder

Pam After: Look #1
In Pam's case, less is more. A string bikini reveals more of her thigh to create curvier-looking hips, even on her straight "ruler" shape. And the gathering on a triangular bra top helps a smaller bust look bigger.

Pam After: Look #2
The "smaller-is-better" theory holds for this olive suit as well. The broad bottom of the bra top maximizes Pam's bust line, and the small bikini bottom reveals more thigh for a curvier shape.

Liz Linder