Hide those imperfections with a suit that really fits

End your shopping frustrations by trying virtual shopping on the Web.
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
Too many trips to the bakery? All is forgiven. All can be hidden, too, if you know the right kind of swimsuit for your body type.
Here, Jodi Randolph, head designer of Venus USA, gives you the skinny:
UBoyish figure/small chest: Pick a top that ties in the front in a size smaller than you would normally get.
Or just fake it. Some suits have enhancer bras with molded foam cups and supportive underwires. Additional padding is available with removable push-up pads.
Look for adjustable straps. Demi-cup tops make breasts look fuller. "If a more sporty look is your game," says Randolph, "get a bandeau top with side stays and hidden foam cups that add shape to an otherwise shapeless silhouette."
Mix and match. Wear a top with a graphic print or horizontal stripes. Keep the bottom solid; anything to move the eyes upward.
ULarge hips: "No boy-leg shorts for you," says Randolph. A slightly higher leg, such as the standard moderate bottom, gives ample coverage with a slenderizing cut on the leg. A cute wrap in a solid color can also disguise your hippiness.
UBig bust: Underwires aren't just for bras. A wide band under the bust will keep you held in tight. For more modest types, the tankini has a built-in shelf bra for support and minimizes the bustline by drawing the eye down the body with the longer styling of the top, she advises.
UShort waist: Stay with low-rise to mid-rise bottoms. "High-cut bottoms or high-waisted bottoms make your torso look even shorter," Randolph says. "The added torso length of the low-rise makes you look long and lean."
ULong torso: Wear your suits up on your hips, which lengthens your legs and takes attention away from your long waist. Sorry, stay away from trendy low-rise.
UBig butt: Again, keep the eye moving upward. Ruffles and fun prints like polka dots will dizzy up the beach's peanut gallery. A Lycra wrap will move with you. White is not your friend.
In a pinch, board shorts can shield rotund rears. Buy them a size larger than you would normally wear.
UBelly: Unfortunately, tankinis tend to bunch you up. Caveat: A long tank (past the bellybutton) with subtle ruching can camouflage a lot, like your stomach. Pin-tuck details can play tricks on love handles -- and eyes.
A halter-style (tied about the neck) one-piece elongates the torso and creates a slimming effect. Get one that's color-blocked as to keep onlookers' eyes unfocused on that one problem body part.
Seek out suits that offer inner construction including tummy-control panels.
"And yes, the color black still is the ultimate slenderizer," says Randolph.
XNeed more solutions? Lands' End (www.landsend.com) and J.Crew (www.jcrew.com, click on Swimfinder) have areas on their Web sites that enables shoppers to "try on" swimsuits virtually.