10 Swimsuit Styles for 2018

Highlight your assets at the beach or pool this season

by Lois Joy Johnson, AARP, May 10, 2018

En español | Body confidence is all that stands between you and a great new swimsuit, so don't let a little piece of fabric get in your way. Stand in front of a full-length mirror and take a good look: front, side and rear views. Find something to celebrate — maybe it's your fabulous breasts or a peachy backside, a narrow waist or sexy shoulders, a toned back or long legs — and focus on suits that play up your special stuff. My AARP 2018 body positive swimsuit guide has perfect picks for all.

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PHOTO BY: Target, Swimsuits for All

Sexy Shoulders

Off-shoulder tops and dresses have been your jam all winter, so keep that neckline going at the beach or pool. Ruffled off-shoulder styles such as the Dreamsuit by Miracle Brands Slimming Control Off the Shoulder Blouson One-Piece Swimsuit in black ($65, target.com) and the GabiFresh X Swimsuits For All Kingdom Swimsuit ($76, swimsuitsforall.com) are more glam than the usual strapless suit. Need extra support on top? The Dreamsuit has built in foam cups and a blouson design, the GabiFresh comes in size 10 to 24, D to F cups. Done!
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PHOTO BY: Target, Swimsuits for All

Generous Bosom

Adjustable tie-neck halter suits with deep V lace-up necklines such as the Ava & Viv Plus-Size Lace-Up Halter One Piece ($40, target.com) and the Ashley Graham X Swimsuits For All VIP Safi Swimsuit ($77, swimsuits for all.com) control cleavage display and lift. Get realistic shaping with soft cups — no more uncomfortable underwires for us! The Ava & Viv comes in size 14 to 26W and the Ashley Graham comes in size 4 to 16. FYI: Both cover with no cup spillage.
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PHOTO BY: Target, Swimsuits for All

Bountiful Bootie

Two-piece suits offering individual top and bottom sizing make a tush terrific and guarantee a balanced fit. Choose one with a new retro-inspired high-waisted brief such as the Costa Del Sol Plus-Size Scallop Bikini Top ($35, target.com) and Bottom ($35, target.com) or the Diva Black High Waist Bikini ($44, swimsuitsforall.com). Add a bra or halter-style top — but stick to black for a classic, classy suit that'll last.
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PHOTO BY: Target, Target

Trim Waist

If you've still got one, flaunt it! That narrow space between bosom and hips is a prized feature. Emphasize it with a defined color break in a one-piece suit such as the Beach Betty by Miracle Brands Women's Slimming Control Colorblock Halter One Piece ($60, target.com) and the Clean Water Cross Back Striped One-Piece Black and White Swimsuit ($45, target.com). Suits with a solid black bottom, contrast waist and top are a new look that does it with no belts or wraps needed.
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PHOTO BY: Swimsuits for All, Target

Sculpted Back

Upper-body strength training with those little pink 3-pound dumbbells and resistance bands really paid off. Highlight the toned look with bare low-back tanks like the Swimsuits for All Psychic Tank Swimsuit ($54, swimsuitsforall.com) and the Clean Water Women's Strappy Tribal One-Piece ($50, target.com).
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PHOTO BY: Target, JCPenney

Nonstop Curves

Be a diva. Your full figure might be a size 8 or 18, but embracing your voluptuous shape — breasts, hips, bootie, thighs, belly and all — is a sign of pure body love. Just eat healthily, exercise daily and slip into a bright geometric or floral print suit that matches your upbeat attitude. Halter styles such as the Clean Water Geo Print Halter One Piece ($40, target.com) and tanks like the Robby Len by Longitude One Piece Swimsuit Plus ($59, jcpenney.com) have just enough spandex for smoothing without squeezing.
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PHOTO BY: Always for Me, Target

Elegant, Lean Lines

Opt for a modern swim dress such as the one-shoulder Jessica Simpson Plus-Size Under the Sea One Piece Swimdress in White ($142, alwaysforme.com) or the Aqua Green Women's Side Tie Swim Dress ($50, target.com) for quiet sophistication. If you're naturally thin or thinner than usual due to weight loss for any reason (and yes, you can still be a plus-size but more angular), go with the flow in a breezy suit that gently drapes and moves.
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PHOTO BY: Swimsuits for All, Target

Long Legs

You won the lottery because great stems are a genetic gift you can't buy or create. Suits cut higher at the side of the leg-line, like the Swimsuits for All Chlorine Resistant Exploded Floral Sports Swimsuit ($46.20, swimsuitsforall.com) and the Ava & Viv Women's Adjustable Back, Plus-Size One-Piece ($40, target.com), add inches to make the most of them. Add low-wedge flip-flops if you really want to be a show-off.
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PHOTO BY: Target, Target

Posture and Personality

Do you stand up straight and carry your body like an ex-supermodel or red-carpet celebrity? Poise gets a five-star body-love rating right there. It merits a fresh statement swimsuit with strategic mesh inserts such as the Aqua Green Mesh Inset One-Piece in Black ($40, target.com) and the Ava & Viv Women's Mesh Cut Out One Piece in Black ($40, target.com).
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PHOTO BY: Target, Walmart

Beautiful Skin Tone

Whether your complexion is a golden shade of honey, pale alabaster or rich ebony, make it glow with an eye-catching red suit like the Merona Women's Shirred Macrame Strap One Piece ($35, target.com) or the Simply Slim Women's Plus Size Slimming Shirred Glam Sheath One Piece Swimsuit ($34, walmart.com). It brightens like a red lipstick ... only totally head to toe. Who can't use that?
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PHOTO BY: Getty Images

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