For those women not endowed with a Victoria's Secret physique, shopping for a bathing suit can register on the on the anxiety meter right up there with a root canal. But with today choices of different bikinis and swimsuits and the option of Mix 'n Match...it's just a matter of finding that perfect figure flattering two piece or one that hides those imperfections...coz lets face it ladies...the perfect body only exists on those glossy pages! To help you pick that perfect bikini here some tips-

** Look at yourself in the mirror, nude. Examine both your front and your back to come up with a description of your figure. Be objective rather than critical. List the the assets you want to draw attention to and those your not to comfortable with.

Choose a swim suit according to your body type...accentuating your best features and disguising your flaws:

Wide Shoulders


Do's: Balance is the key word here. Wear bikini bottoms that have lots of color and print and also sport accents at the hips such as ties, belts and sashes. Also, wide shoulder straps and square necklines are fabulous.
Don'ts: Avoid the "V" silhouette by staying away from those plunging neck lines or teeny bikini bottoms.



Big Bust


Do's: Halter-top bikinis can be a good choice by offering support, while providing some sexy cleavage too. Look for styles that are banded around the midriff and can be tied in back and around the neck. Look for structured swimsuits.
Don'ts: Avoid strapless bandeau top bikinis and tiny tri-tops with minimal coverage.



Short Legs or Torso


Do's: Play up your figure by finding a swimsuit that is cut high on the thigh. This will make your leg look much longer. Also, a one-piece suit with a plunging neckline creates a long appearance and is drop dead sexy!
Don'ts: Avoid boy shorts and skirted bikinis that draw the eye downward, making you look shorter.



Long Body


Do's: You can go wild with swimwear embellishments at the hips and bust line. Try horizontal stripes and nappy fabrics, such as stretch terry and velvet. Boy shorts are just the thing for your slim hips.
Don'ts: Avoid up and down stripes, high necklines and dark, solid colors when choosing a swimsuit.



No Waist


Do's: Create curves with a belted waistline, which will give the appearance of a whittled middle. Bikinis are good for you. Add some illusion at the hips with rings, ruffles and bows. If you're small on top, go for a strapless bandeau.
Don'ts: Avoid solid-colored swimwear or horizontal striped one-pieces.


Small Bust


Do's: You are lucky that you have the body to wear ruffled bikinis and tiny tri-tops. And as for bandeau tops, only you can wear those well. Bright colors are what you want to wear on the beach this summer, so take a risk with a color like pink.
Don'ts: Avoid bikini tops with too much fabric or have a poor fit. Opt for separate tops and bottoms.



Plus Sized


Do's: A strategically placed cut-out, or a deep V neckline on swimwear can change your image. Dark, cool colors, swirling, or V patterns are always good. Lengthen your thigh with an adjustable ruching detail at the hip.
Don'ts: Avoid too much fabric when it comes to choosing a swimsuit. Modesty is certainly OK, but too much coverage is not. Stay away from white, neon fabrics and nappy textiles.



Too Much Tummy


Do's: Check out the tankini swimsuits that are on the fashion scene today. They cover just enough, but you still have the freedom and hip factor of a bikini. A one-piece with some draping around the waist or hips can also help to conceal.
Don'ts: Avoid itsy bitsy bikinis and solid-colored one-pieces.



Pear-Shaped


Do's: When you are bigger on the bottom you want to draw peoples eyes up by wearing a pretty, eye-catching detailed bikini top. Make sure that your bottom sits well on your hips and that it is a shade darker than your bikini top.
Don'ts: Avoid boy shorts and detailed swimsuit bottoms. Keep the bottom of your suit simple.



Full Bottom


Do's: The mini-skirted bikinis are too cute and made just for you! Pick a smooth, skimming skirt that is short and sweet, but covers what it needs to. You could also go for a moderate, bottom bikini that has a 3 inch side ... very chic!
Don'ts: Avoid boy shorts, too skimpy bottoms, or lots of ruffles and details at the hips when selecting swimwear.



Athletic Shape



Do's: Show off your toned arms and shoulders with a halter bikini. If you have a boyish figure, try to wear suits with flirty details. Try bows or ties on the side of the suit that will help create visual curves.
Don'ts: Avoid solid swimsuits without pattern and detail. Stay away from swimsuits that don't have support and shape.



Hourglass


Hourglass figures have balance shoulders and hips with a smaller waist. If this is you, you're lucky because just about any classic styled bathing suit should flatter your figure. A tiny, designer bikini looks good on so few people, you should consider it your solemn duty to beautify the beach and make a few heads turn.