Another one of my favorite plus size swimwear retailers, AlwaysForMe.com, has launched a campaign to promote a brand new line of figure flattering swim suits for curvy women called “Slimmer in Seconds” swimwear. This collection of plus size bathing suits uses special construction and fabric, in addition to eye-fooling details to create the illusion of a slimmer, and shapelier silhouette. Now that’s what I think every swim suit should be doing!

“Women everywhere, whether they are plus size or petite, want a bathing suit that makes them look good and feel great, reports AlwaysForMe.com founder, Susan Barone. “There is a great deal of thought and engineering that goes into suits that fool the eye and flatter the figure while remaining stylish, and more importantly, comfortable.”

Barone offers the following tips for women to consider as they formulate their swimsuit purchases this season:

• If you are bigger on the bottom than the top: pear shaped figures benefit from calling attention to the top half of the body, drawing the eye upward. Try a one piece suit with a patterned top and solid color bottom like Always For Me Chic Collection Ocho Rios suit, or opt for a solid one piece with a deep neckline to elongate the face and neckline like Always For Me Chic Collection Twist Front Solid Bandeau. Two piece suits also work well for the triangle shape, especially skirted versions that float prettily over the legs in a variety of lengths. Look for a suit with detail that calls attention to the area directly under the bust. It is often the smallest part of the body.
• If you are bigger on top than on the bottom, your inverted triangle shape works best with solids and/or solid tops and patterned bottoms. Bust and side shirring are wonderful illusion makers, creating a slimmer silhouette and drawing the eye toward center for a narrower look. For larger busted women, be sure to look for suits with underwire support, all around control and thicker straps. And, if your legs are one of your best features, showcase them in any of the adjustable skirt length tankinis like the Always For Me Chic Collection Athena or Goddess styles.
• If you are a rectangle shape and want to define your waist or create curves, then take a look at bathing suits with details like piping, rouching or Princess seaming like those seen in the Always For Me Chic Collection lingerie style swim mini. Side detailing such as shirring, striping, or embroidery can draw the eye toward center to define the waist line and create an hourglass shape.
• If you want to tame your tummy and control the abdominal area, look for suits with full liners for all around control, or spot control panels where you need it most. Also consider suits with diagonal inserts, side shirring, darting, or Princess seams. Suits with tummy control slim the mid section and create the illusion of a flatter stomach. Side shirring, wrap styles and cross over bodices can add texture that helps conceal bulges. And don’t rule out a print when considering a suit that supports and controls. Color blocks (like those on the Always For Me Chic Collection Kingston one piece ) and small, repeating patterns can fool the eye and seamlessly shape the silhouette.

Barone offers a final suggestion for plus size swimsuit buyers. “Be sure to look at the back of the suit when you try it on. You’ll want to look your best coming and going!”