Nothing says ‘holiday’ like a new bikini or swimsuit – or three. With so much swimwear variety, it’s difficult to select just one piece for your suitcase.

Narrow down your search using your body shape to paddle through the sea of options.

From tropical prints to jewel brights, this season’s trends have been translated into swim-friendly options; all you have to do is decide on the most flattering style for optimum pool posing.

Time to dive into the season’s hottest swimwear.

BOTTOM MARVELS

Pear-shaped figures can employ clever trickery to balance out proportions and boost body confidence.

A common mistake is resorting to boy short bikinis, which can emphasise the area. Instead, opt for full pants that give good rear coverage but have a flattering cut to lengthen your legs to the max.

Choose a swimsuit or bikini with a darker colour on the bottom half - the optical illusion will instantly slice off inches. If you prefer complete coverage, try a sleek skirt attached to your bikini bottoms or swimsuit. It’s retro styling with in-built camouflage, as it skims right over your lumps and bumps.

CURVE CREATORS

Athletic or boyish figures can plump for curve-enhancing cuts, ruffles, and prints to create the illusion of a bigger bottom and bust.

If you’re looking to boost your chest, try bold prints, horizontal stripes, or cups with cleverly placed ruffles and frills. The same principles apply if you want to exaggerate your bottom.

Padded or push-up bikinis will help create a cleavage. Treat the process like a bra fitting, ensuring you’re wearing the right fit with straps in the correct place to maximise your assets and comfort levels.

Extra detailing, like tie sides or ribbons on hips, can also give your frame a fuller-figured look.

TUMMY TAMERS

Swimsuits now rival bikinis in the sexiness department and many of them offer hidden support that slim you in all the right places.

High-tech layers between the lining and outer fabric will hold in tummy overhang that you want to hide. Ensure that you try on for size, as they may feel snugger than usual, depending on the intensity of the support.

If you prefer to show a flash of skin, look to a tankini set or bikini with high-waisted briefs that supports your middle section.

Coloured panelling will make your tummy appear instantly leaner. Look for swimwear with black solid panels running down the sides to break up statement prints.

WAIST WHITTLERS

The hourglass figure is ‘the’ elusive swimwear shape. If you’re lucky enough to flaunt a Coca-Cola bottle body, accentuate by wearing block colour bikinis or swimwear in jewel brights, to keep your top and bottom half in perfect proportion.

If you don’t fit into this category, cheat! Use panelling and streamlined detailing to cinch in your waist.

Give your bust that old school Hollywood look by choosing underwired, halterneck styles to give your chest an uplift.

If you want to exaggerate the retro styling, try a longline bikini top – it’s the closest thing you’ll get to a corset in swimwear that will give you a posture to be proud of around the pool.