Women's swimwear.

# ifties-style panel swimsuits have a very slimming effect. If you are short don’t choose a low-cut leg brief as this can make you appear dumpy. Many 50s-styles have low-legs so make sure they curve up at the front to lengthen those pins! You can also be unlucky enough to experience a “muffin-top” effect with some low-cut styles, unless they sit high on the waist. Retro-inspired styles are perfect for fuller busts too as they provide lots of support.

# Underwired tops and halter-necks and those which are molded are particularly good for busty figures, but make sure the straps are sturdy enough to take the strain — thin, spaghetti-style straps just make breasts look even bulkier. Beware of bandeau-styles which can make you look top-heavy.

# Women who are long in the torso need to find a style which is elongated enough in the body not to appear too tight and short, and therefore has a widening effect.

# Small-busted women should go for a style which has a lot of detailing around the bust. There are plenty of embellishments to choose from this season, from oversized ruffle to supersized bows. You are one of the enviable few that can get away with wearing small prints and look great in a triangle-top bikini.

# Contrary to what you might expect, ruching and draping across the torso actually minimizes rather than maximizes. This is a fashionable way to disguise a big stomach or ample waist. This year’s Grecian-style bathing suits are elegant and slimming.

# Avoid boy shorts if you are chunky around the hips and waist, but they are good for giving definition to a boyish shape and look great on an hour-glass figure.

# Color selection is crucial. Dark colors will flatter a more ample frame as they have a slimming effect, lighter colors tend to show up every lump and bump. Whilst baby pinks, pastel blues and lemons are okay if you are the right side of 30, you may wish to go for bolder colors as you age, and nothing looks chicer (and more slimming) than a little black number, especially with a tan. Mismatched bikinis can also have a camouflaging effect – wear a single block color on the half you want to disguise, and a print or pattern on the other.

# When it comes to patterns and prints, for a slimmer silhouette go for a less fussy, medium-sized print or strong swirling ones.They can hide all kinds of figure faults. Remember that big floral patterns can have the effect of enlarging your frame and small busy prints can be ageing. Avoid horizontal stripes like the plague, unless you want to widen your figure, but vertical strips and diagonal ones create a great slimming effect. Often well chosen clever print can bemore camoflaging than a single-block color.

# Beware of today’s fashionable one-shoulder, asymetric numbers, as unless you have a thin frame, these can make your shoulders and top half look chunky.

# Cover up a wobbly expanse of white flesh with high-waisted briefs or a slimming, dark background one-piece.