Large bust

Polka dot and floral print bikini, £129, by Pistol Panties (020-7229 5286)
Red and white halterneck top, £15, and bottoms, £10, by Marks & Spencer (0845 3021234)
Green, blue and white bikini top, £45, and bottoms, £50, both by DKNY at John Lewis (0845 6049049)
Floral halterneck bikini top, £20, and briefs, £15, by Anne Louise Roswald for Evans (0845 1214516)

According to Penny Klein, the founder of the Heidi Klein swimwear boutique, “Halterneck tops give a much better shape – but choose something with wide straps so that they don’t dig into the back of the neck.” Maria Walker, the chief lingerie fitter at John Lewis, agrees: “This neckline is flattering and draws attention to feminine shoulders. Underwiring gives shape and definition.” Susannah Barron, of figleaves.com, adds: “If you have a large bust, draw the eye down by wearing a brief with detailing.” Small bust

Red and white bikini top, £30, and bottoms, £40, by Seafolly at Selfridges (0870 8377377)
Orange low-cut swimsuit, £125 by Agent Provocateur (020-7235 0229)
Blue and purple bikini top,£10, and bottoms, £10, by Dorothy Perkins (0845 1214515)
Blue and white stripe bandeau bikini, £92, by Letarte at figleaves.com

“If you have small breasts and would like them to appear fuller, look for this season’s tropical swatches,” advises Maria Walker. “Don’t go overboard on the padding, though,” says Penny Klein. “You don’t want it to look too obvious. If padding isn’t your thing but you want to create the illusion of curves, choose a style with pattern or stripes.” Susannah Baron suggests alternatives such as the twisted bandeau – “the more fabric the top part has, the bigger the bust will appear”.

Wide hips

Green bikini top, £55 and bottoms, £55 by Vix at figleaves.com
Zigzag bikini, £120, by Rosa Cha for Speedo (0115 9105267)
Pink and brown print bikini, £145, by Milly at net-a-porter.com
Purple boat print bikini top, £35, and bottoms, £29.95, by Princess Tam Tam at Fenwick (020-7629 9161)

Forget boy shorts, is the consensus from swimwear experts as the urge to swaddle the problem area will only make your hips and bottom appear wider. “Brazilian high-leg briefs are great,” says Susannah Barron, “as they cut the bottom in half. Opt for a side-tie brief, which stops any bulge. Again, a patterned top or halterneck draws the eye upwards away from the hips.” It’s also worth avoiding large patterns or horizontal stripes and shiny fabrics, which will only emphasise your curves.

Boyish hips

Cutaway swimsuit, £28, by Topshop (0845 1214519)
Turquoise bikini top, £42, and bottoms, £36, by Sunseeker at swimhut.com
Multicolour swirl print swimsuit, £370, by Emilio Pucci (020-7201 8171)
Blue bikini top, £30, and bottoms, £25, by Toast (0870 2405200)

“Cutaway styles are an excellent way of showing off the part of your body you feel most proud of,” says Maria Walker. “If you have a boyish figure, choose a swimsuit that reveals and emphasises your torso. And a bikini with a pattern or horizontal stripes creates the illusion of a womanly shape.” Susannah Barron agrees: “Anything with plenty of detailing works well here, and this body shape is perfect for pulling off a pair of boy shorts.”

Large stomach

Polkadot tankini top, £25, and bottoms, £19 by Boden (0845 6775000)
Printed multi-panel swimsuit, £190, by Missoni (020-7352 2400)
Black and white spot print miraclesuit, £55, by John Lewis (0845 6049049)
Pink magicwear swimsuit, £49.50, by Marks & Spencer (0845 3021234)

“A one-piece is best for a tummy you’d rather hide,” says Penny Klein, though Maria Walker also suggests the tankini, which is versatile – great for taller women who don’t fit the average one-piece or who want to do more than sunbathe. But Susannah Barron notes that one-pieces aren’t always the best option. “The other day a girl came in who was a size 16, but because she had balanced proportions and was fairly toned, she looked great in a bikini.”

The panel

Susannah Barron, the web editor of figleaves.com
Penny Klein, the founder of the holiday boutique, Heidi Klein
Maria Walker, the chief lingerie fitter for John Lewis

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