Make sure you look gorgeous this summer with the perfect bikini for your body shape

BIKINI season is here – which can make the blood run cold no matter how hot the sun is.

But, don’t worry, we have your back, and have scoured the High Street to pick the most flattering styles for six different body shapes. And to be sure you don’t look like a beach bum, our stylist HAYLEY FORESTER also tells you which briefs to avoid.

Boyish

Kailin, size 8

Stewart Williams

• Blue floral bikini £27, H&M –

GO FOR: Frills and ruching.

TIP: Frills, ruching and patterns will accentuate curves. The ruching detail on this brief will enhance the curve of your bum, and the high-cut sides will create shapely hips.

Off-shoulder styles also widen shoulders and create the illusion of a bigger bust.

AVOID: Bold, flat colours with no padding on curves on top, and plain simple bikinis.

Stewart Williams

• Blue bikini, £12, boohoo.com –

Apple

Poppy, size 14

Stewart Williams

• Blue pattern bikini, £22, boohoo.com –

GO FOR: High-waisted styles.

TIP: Those with a tummy should try high-waisted briefs that smooth curves and cinch in the waist.

A higher-cut style will also lengthen legs, and thick straps for support are essential.

AVOID: Smaller briefs in block colours as they will only draw attention to your lower half. Also avoid Brazilian styles, which don’t offer full coverage.

Stewart Williams

• Turquoise bikini, £4, Primark –

Pear

Jaala, size 12

Stewart Williams

• Striped top, £16, M&S –
• Blue briefs, £8, Boohoo –

GO FOR: Brazilian-cut briefs and patterned tops.

TIP: If your bottom half is bigger, balance out your figure with a mix-and-match bikini.

A patterned top draws the eye up – this striped style evens out the proportions of your shape. And a brief in a smaller cut slims the hips.

AVOID: High-waisted full styles in bright, block colours which will make you look bigger.

Stewart Williams

• Red bikini, £26, River Island –

Hourglass

Leah, size 10

GO FOR: High-cut bottoms with thick tie-up detail.

Stewart Williams

• Yellow bikini, £14, Sainsbury’s –

TIP: Hourglass figures have a small waist with hips and a bust that are in proportion.

Try a classic bikini shape that’s high-cut to lengthen the legs. A halter neck top will draw attention away from broader shoulders.

AVOID: Skimpily cut briefs with string tops. You need more coverage to accentuate your figure.

Stewart Williams

• Pink bikini, £18, New Look –

Mature

Elsa, 53, size 10

GO FOR: Full coverage, supportive briefs.

Stewart Williams

• Purple floral bikini, £24, Sainsbury’s –

TIP: As we get older our skin can lose its firmness. If you are concerned about this you could opt for full briefs that are higher at the waist and will provide support for your bum and tummy.

A fun pattern will distract the eye, and a matching supportive top will make you feel comfortable on the beach.

AVOID: Skimpy bikinis with no support.

Stewart Williams

• Coral bikini, £20, asos.com –

Petite

 Fetoma, 5ft 4in, size 8

GO FOR: A smaller frame needs a small bikini.

Stewart Williams

• Red bikini, £18, nastygal.com –

TIP: Swimwear styles that provide less coverage will create the look of longer limbs by extending the legs and torso.

AVOID: Any bikinis that cover your body up too much, such as crop top and high-waisted shapes.

These will make your legs and body look shorter.

Stewart Williams

• Striped bikini, £24, New Look –