Smooth sailing - Look Great

Shape, May, 2002 by Julie Hill

Fit Clinic Before you shop for a swimsuit, take our bikini-season oath: "I, devoted Shape reader, promise not to let a piece of nylon and Lycra reduce me to grimaces and groans." To find a suit you can move in that's still sexy and sensational, you need to shop smart. Try the following styles, proven to flatter your body type. Whatever your shape, the more active your suit lets you be, the better you'll look in it.

* Busty Soft-cup halter style tops and tanks with high armholes: La Blanca, Malia Mills, Robin Piccone

* Bottom-conscious Surf trunks, high-cut legs, dark solid colors: Water Girl, Toes on the Nose, Lands' End, J. Crew

* Curvy Camikinis, V-neck bikini tops: Calvin Klein Swimwear, Anne Cole, Anne Klein, Lisa Curran Swim

* No curves Lightly padded tops, fabric with sheen, low-rise high-cut bottoms: Ralph Lauren Sport, Eres, Zu, Rebecca Jewel, Nautica Swim