How to Look Good in a Bikini

Last Updated: July 6, 2022 References

Whether you want to look good for a beach party or you are trying to get ready for bikini season, the desire to look good in a bikini is common for many women. Wearing a bikini can be intimidating, especially since people spend most of their time fully clothed. Luckily, with a little effort, the right fitting suit, and a confidence boost, there are ways for you to look your best so you can focus on having fun in your bikini.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Preparing Your Body

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Eat foods that will reduce bloat. A few days before you plan on wearing a bikini, reduce the amount of carbs and salty foods you take in, such as frozen meals and processed foods. Also, try not to eat gas-producing vegetables such as onions, beans, and broccoli, which may bloat your gut. Instead, try eating cooked spinach, celery, asparagus, and tomatoes, which may actually help you lose water weight because they are diuretics.^{[1]
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2
Drink a lot of water. Keeping your body hydrated will not only make your skin look great, but it will prevent water retention that leads to bloating. Drinking water can stimulate your body to release fluids that will create a thinner appearance. You should be drinking at least eight glasses of water each day to stay hydrated, but more if you are sweating or performing physical activities. ^{[2]
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- If you find it hard to drink plain water all day, liven up your drink with a slice of cucumber, a few blueberries, or a lemon.
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3
Shave all the right spots. The day before you go swimming, be sure to shave your legs, armpits, and especially your bikini area. Shaving the day before may help prevent stinging if you will be going into a chlorine pool or hot tub. Always shave with shaving cream and a sharp razor that has a moisturizing strip to help prevent razor burn.
- Opt for a professional to give you a bikini wax a week before you plan to be in a bikini to remove all signs of hair. These treatments can be expensive, but they will keep you hairless for your bikini.^{[3]
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4
Add in a fitness regime. Whether you do yoga, go jogging, or lift at the gym, find a way to get your heart pumping. Cardio workouts are one of the best ways to shed the pounds to prep for bathing suit season. Exercising is not only good for the outside of your body, but it is vital for your heart to stay healthy. So find an activity that you love and gets your body moving so you can look and feel your best.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Finding the Right Fit

1
Experiment with different styles and fits. Bikinis come in many different colors, patterns, styles, and cuts that all serve to flatter the body differently. If you're not comfortable with a certain fit, don't be afraid to ask a sales associate to help you find the right size and style for your body type.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Catherine Joubert
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.} Try not to concentrate on the tag size, as sizes differ from brand to brand and style to style. Keep in mind, mixing and matching bikini tops and bottoms can help you find the best look.^{[5]
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2
Wear a forgiving top. Every woman is made differently, and this means you have to figure out what your body needs from a suit to look its best. Finding a bikini top that is supportive, and will be flattering, is key to looking great in a bikini. Here are some tips to follow:
- If you are small on top, try tops that have padding or an underwire to accentuate what you do have. You should also look for adjustable straps around the back and shoulders so that you can tighten the top appropriately. Ruffle tops, tri-tops, or bandeau tops are also recommended for you.^{[6]
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- If you are bigger on top and need extra support, be sure to look for tops that have underwire and wide shoulder straps.^{[7]
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  Erin Micklow
  Professional Stylist
  Expert Interview. 23 April 2019.} These will fit more comfortably than thinner spaghetti straps. Halter tops may be flattering on you as they highlight cleavage. Stay away from strapless bandeau tops and tri-tops.^{[8]
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- If you have wider shoulders, try to balance out your look by playing up the bottom and keeping the top subtle. Wear bright colors, fun prints, and embellishments on your bikini bottom, and look for a top that has wider shoulder straps.^{[9]
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3
Compliment your legs with the perfect bottoms. Fortunately, bikini bottoms come in many different cuts and styles that can flatter your unique body type. Whether you want to lengthen your legs or add dimension, there is a style for you. Here are some tips to follow:
- If you have shorter legs or a shorter torso, find a suit that will elongate you. Try a suit that is cut high on the thigh, which is meant to make legs appear longer. This look works on curvy hips and straight hips. Vertical stripes can also help to visually lengthen the body.^{[10]
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- If you have a longer body with even longer legs, try suits that have embellishments at the hips and bust. Swimsuits that come with jewels, ruffles, ties, and bows help add dimension to fill you out. Find patterns that have horizontal lines instead of vertical, and look for bright colors.^{[11]
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4
Create curves for a narrow body. If you lack curves on the top or bottom, find a suit that creates some. High-waisted bottoms, bikinis with ruffles and bows, and strapless suits are a great look for you. Try wearing a solid color on the bottom with a fun printed or embellished top to create the illusion of an hourglass figure. Stay away from wearing the same solid-color on the top and bottom and don't wear vertical lines.^{[12]
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Find a suit with proper coverage. If you are big on the bottom, try a mini-skirt bikini bottom for great coverage. If you want to wear ruffles or bows, save that for the bikini top. Look for bottoms that are smooth and will not add volume to your bottom half. Also, stay away from loud prints and bright colors.^{[13]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Enhancing Your Bikini Look

1
Moisturize your skin. Lotion can help revitalize and moisturize dry patches to make your skin look vibrant. Apply a body lotion from your shoulders down to your toes before you put your bikini on. Make sure you rub the lotion all the way into your skin using gentle, circular motions.
2
Apply a spray tan. This is a great way to make you look thinner, and cover up any bruises or blemishes. Simply head to your nearest drug store to pick up a spray tan product. To apply, exfoliate your skin with a wash cloth, and then rub or spray on the tanner. Be sure to follow the directions on the package for proper application.^{[14]
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- If you do not want to give yourself a spray tan, try going to a professional. Most tanning salons offer spray tan services. Keep in mind, they can be expensive.
3
Wear a bikini cover-up. A great way to feel more confident, and add style to your bikini look is to wear a cover-up. These come in a variety of styles, such as a cotton jersey halter, a fringe wrap skirt, or a lace kimono. They are the perfect thing to wear when you are not swimming, but just hanging out near the water because they allow you coverage without having to get completely dressed.
4
Accessorize with a hat. Sun hats are a great way to protect your skin and look super chic. Try looking for a straw hat to match your bikini vibe. Regardless of what some may think, everyone can pull off a sun hat, especially when it is being worn with a bikini.
5
Create the look of a slimmer waist. One way to slim down your waist is to lift the breasts by either wearing a bikini top that has supportive underwire, or by using waterproof medical tape. To use the medical tape, start with the tape under the arm, and bring it inward, pulling the tape so that it lifts your breasts and pushes up your cleavage. You will want to use about three pieces of tape on each side for a secure hold.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Feeling Confident

1
Give yourself a compliment before you head out. It is best to be in a positive mental state before you leave your house in your bikini so when you arrive at your destination, you are ready to have fun. Hiding in a corner, walking around slouched over, or deciding that you can't reveal yourself in your bikini after all will only keep you from having the great time you deserve. Before you leave the house, look in a mirror, and try saying the following:^{[15]
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- "I look great in my bikini, and I am going to have fun today!"
- "I am a very attractive woman and I deserve to feel good about myself."
2
Stand up straight. Having proper posture creates flattering lines that will help you look more confident. Simply pull your shoulders back and bring your head up, to look leaner and taller. Imagine your navel being pulled up into your spine to help you pull in your abdomen. Try to remind yourself throughout the day to keep correcting your posture if you find yourself starting to slouch.
- Even when you are sitting down, you should be practicing proper posture by sitting with a straight back, your shoulders pulled-back, and your chin up.
3
Remember that people are focused on themselves. If you are among others in a swimsuit, chances are they are way more concerned about their body than they are yours. Most women have concerns about their bodies and appearance just like you do, and they are also probably looking for ways to look and feel their best in a bikini. If you can let go of your insecurities, and just have a good time, your positive vibes may rub off on those around you to create a more positive atmosphere.
- When you arrive to your event or gathering, focus on everything except your bikini. Think about the friends you are there to meet and laugh with, the relaxation you want to achieve, or the new memories you are going to create. Concerns about the way you look in a bikini should be at the bottom of your list of things to think about.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you pose in a bikini?

Traci Halvorson
Modeling Agent
Traci Halvorson is a Modeling Agent, Former Model, and the Owner of Halvorson Model Management (HMM) in San Jose, California. HMM is a full-service, licensed talent agency representing over 300 professional models and actors. With over 25 years of experience in the modeling industry, Traci specializes in scouting, managing, advising, and launching modeling careers in the Bay Area. Traci holds a BA in Public Relations & Business Management from San Jose State University and also specializes in Marketing, Image consulting, and is a certified Life-Career Coach.

Traci Halvorson

Modeling Agent

Expert Answer

Stand with your hands on your hips, with your hips shifted to the left or right—this creates the "S" curve. It's a very flattering pose, especially in a bikini.
Question

I have been invited to a popular boys and girls pool party but my close friends can't make it. Should I go?

Community Answer

If you want to go, you should go. It sounds like a good opportunity to hang out with some new people.
Question

How can an 11-year-old look good in a bikini?

Littleaveragegirl

Community Answer

Just pick a color that compliments your skin tone and don't worry about your body, chances are it looks amazing.

Warnings

When you're at the beach, remember to apply sunscreen which is suitable for your skin. You want a sunny glow, not a tomato colored burn!

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