Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your plus-sized beachwear shopping experience.

• Understand your body type – the majority of plus-size women fall into either the pear or apple-shaped categories. To best accentuate your curves, you’ll want to choose plus-size beachwear that works with your body type.

  If you’re pear-shaped, that means that you are fullest around your legs, thighs and rear. So look for swimwear that emphasizes your upper body, such as skirtinis or tankini sets that have bright-colored tops.

  If you’re apple-shaped, you tend to carry your weight in your abdomen and should consider plus-size beachwear that draws the eyes away from your stomach. Many plus-size swimsuits have built-in shapewear and some have ruching on the sides to slim your figure. Also think swimdresses and printed one-piece suits as they flatter your figure.

• Look for comfort and coverage – no one wants to feel encased in a suit they can’t move in, or over-exposed in swimwear that shows a bit too much skin. One-pieces or blouson styles give you freedom to be as active as you want while keeping everything under control. Tankinis also let you mix and match colors and prints for maximum beachwear versatility.
• Choose your colors – a design rule of thumb is if you want to emphasize a specific part of your body, select swimwear that features bright colors in that area; if you want to de-emphasize an area, then go for swimwear that is darker in that area.
• Learn what to avoid – for most plus-size women, strapless tops and boyshorts do nothing for your figure. The strapless top may not provide as much support as you need and you will most likely spend the entire day trying to pull it up. Boyshorts cut right at the biggest part of your thighs and will only make them look larger. Other unflattering plus-size beachwear looks are horizontal stripes and two-tone bathing suits that visually split your top and bottom halves in the middle.

Now, full-figured women have more swimsuit choices than ever. Take a look at our wide range of plus- size beachwear made in the USA at BeallsFlorida.com.