Slim Suits! Your Body's Best Bathing Suit Ever

We recruited 12 readers, mixed up margaritas, and got them into hundreds of slimming swimsuits to find the most flattering bathing suits for their bodies. Let their research revolutionize your summer.

Flattery Law #1: Color-Block Your Bikini

Mixing two different, punchy solids is fun and body-friendly: Just wear the darker shade where you want to look slimmer. Proving our point on these pages is model Erin Tinsley, who is a gorgeous size 14--same as the average American woman.

Bikini, Lands' End, top, $50, bottom, $35; landsend.com. Sizes: top, 2 to 16, bottom, 2 to 18. Pink bracelet, Rosena Sammi, $49.99; rosenasammi.com. Blue bracelet, Wanderlust + Co, $28; wanderlustandco.com.

Video: Summer's Most Slimming Swimwear >

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.

1 of 20 Cheyenne Ellis

Flattery Law #2: Look for Retro Details

A sweetheart neckline creates pinup-worthy cleavage while still giving plenty of support.

One-piece, Old Navy, $39.94; oldnavy.com. Sizes: XS to XXL. Sunglasses, KamaliKulture, $98; kamalikulture.com.

Video: Summer's Most Slimming Swimwear >

2 of 20 Ben Goldstein/Studio D

Flattery Law #3: Go Strapless

The brilliance of this elegant suit? It draws attention up to the shoulders, a beautiful spot on everyone.

One-piece, Anne Cole Signature, $96; bonton.com. Sizes: 6 to 16. Necklace, Tiffany Chou, $54; tiffanychou.com.

Video: Need a swimsuit makeover? >

3 of 20 Ben Goldstein/Studio D

Flattery Law #4: Find a (Sultry) Skirt

Extra coverage is fine, but skip any skirt that hits more than an inch past your bum.

Bikini, Guria Beachwear, top, $74, bottom, $63; guriabeachwear.com.br. Sizes: XS to XL. Bracelet, Tiffany Chou, $130; tiffanychou.com

Video: Quick tips: How to keep your swimsuit looking new >

4 of 20 Ben Goldstein/Studio D

Flattery Law #5: Pick the Perfect Ruffle

A frill down the front is all the flourish you need to feel stylish but still look sleek.

One-piece, DKNY, $112; Lord & Taylor. Sizes: 6 to 16. Hat, Merona for Target, $14.99; target.com.

Video: Budget-friendly beachwear >

5 of 20 Ben Goldstein/Studio D

Flattery Law #6: Bare a Single Shoulder

One-shouldered suits are seductive without going skimpy. One-piece, Kenneth Cole, $107; amazon.com. Sizes: S to XL.

6 of 20 Ben Goldstein/Studio D

Classic Pear Shape

It smooths the midsection and highlights your shoulders.

"The sweetheart top makes my neckline look really pretty." --Mariella, 28

VINEYARD VINES, $115; VINEYARDVINES.COM. SIZES: XS TO XL.

7 of 20 Ben Goldstein/Studio D

Extra-Curvy Hourglass

This has an uplifting top and a tummy-friendly waistband.

"It's the ideal bikini if you're not super-skinny." --Jane, 40

BLEU ROD BEATTIE, TOP, $75, BOTTOM, $49; AMAZON.COM. SIZES: 4 TO 14.

8 of 20 Ben Goldstein/Studio D

Small Bust + Full Thighs

Stripes fill out the top half and balance the bottom half.

"This plays up my shoulders, and it's great for my legs." --Cassie, 36

Ann Taylor, top, $64, bottom, $58; anntaylor.com. Sizes: XXS to XXL.

9 of 20 Ben Goldstein/Studio D

Long Torso + Tummy Pooch

Color-blocking fakes perfect proportions.

"I love how the darker sides make me look skinny in the middle!" --Leora, 36

HOBIE, $50; HOBIESURFSHOP.COM. SIZES: S TO XL.

10 of 20 Ben Goldstein/Studio D

19 of 20 Redbook