Rather have root canal than try on swimsuits? We hear you. (Those fluorescent overhead lights! Those fun-house mirrors!) But the worst part of the process is the number of duds you have to try on before you find your Holy Grail: a suit that makes you feel amazing. Here’s our cheat sheet of all the “swimsuit superpowers” to look for when you’re ready to shop…
Rushing
SUPER POWER: Gathered fabric wraps your torso in comfort and looks great.
Swimsuits For All Tropiculture Vigneto Control Wrap Swimsuit, sizes 10-24, $98; swimsuitsforall.com.
Ruffles
SUPER POWER: A top with a ruffled overlay is pretty without being frilly.
SO flounce halter bikini top, $32, and hipster bikini bottom, $32, sizes XS-XL; kohls.com.
Halter Neckline
SUPER-POWER: A tie-behind-the-neck top provides extra support for a large bust and draws the eye up, putting the focus on your face and décolletage.
Target MAR by Vix swimsuit, sizes XS-XL, $54; target.com.
A-Line Tankini
SUPER-POWER: An empire tankini top with a slight flare skims over your midsection and elongates a short torso. The matching skort also provides extra coverage.
LL Bean Tidewater Swimwear Tankini Top, sizes 4-18, $50, and Tidewater Swimwear Skort, sizes 4-18, $50; llbean.com.
Color Blocking
SUPER POWER: Strategically placed color panels visually slim your shape.
Land’s End AquaSport Scoop One Piece Swimsuit, sizes 6-18 regular, 2-16 petite, $69, 16W-26W, $79; landsend.com.
Cut Outs
SUPER-POWER: Open areas add a dash of sexy without revealing too much—especially when they’re covered by transparent mesh.
Miraclesuit Jena suit, sizes 6-16, $160; everythingbutwater.com.
Geometric Prints
SUPER POWER: Allover patterns keep the eye moving, making you appear sleek and shapely.
Always For Me, plus sizes 14W-26W, $95; alwaysforme.com.
Built in Underwire
SUPER POWER: This lingerie-like top provides extra structure and comes in bra-cup sizes.
Cleo Swim by Panache Lucille tankini top, sizes 30-38 D-H, $78; classic brief, sizes XS-XXL, $36; barenecessities.com.
Diagonal Patterns
SUPER POWER: These visual details lend your torso a longer silhouette.
Reebok suit, sizes 8-18, $125; macys.com.
Control Fabric
SUPER POWER: Super-stretch, shapewear-like fabric holds you in for a slimmer look all over.
Land’s End Beach Living Scoop Tankini Top with Control, sizes 2-18 regular, 2-16 petite, $69, and 14W-26W, $75; Beach Living High Waist Bottoms with Control, sizes 2-18 regular, $39, and 14W-26W, $49. Both at landsend.com.
Extra Coverage
SUPER-POWER: With its fuller-coverage length, a swimdress or skirt slims upper thighs by hitting at the leanest part of the leg. And the attached bottoms underneath won’t show any VPL (visibile panty lines)!
Chico’s swimdress, sizes 8-16, $129; chicos.com.
RELATED: Get Glowing Skin