(Family Features) When you head out to the pool or the beach, does your swimsuit make you look and feel your best? If not, you’re not alone.

In fact, according to a recent survey of more than 1,000 women, conducted by Lands’ End, eight out of ten women (83 percent) confessed to having worn the wrong size swimsuit. The survey also found more than half of respondents (54 percent) purchase swim bottoms in a size that is too big hoping for more coverage, while a third (34 percent) have squeezed into a suit that is too small because a larger size was not available.

“With so many advances in swimsuit design, high-performance fabrics and a full range of available sizes, there is no reason why any woman should experience muffin top or saggy bottoms,” said Suzanne Bryant, vice president of design, Lands’ End.

To help you make a splash this summer, Bryant offers these tips for finding the swimsuit that’s right for you.

When it comes to finding the perfect-fitting swimsuit, the goal is to accentuate the positives and minimize the anxiety zones.

Minimize or Enhance Waist and Tummy
Strategy: Define a waistline, create some curves.
. Find great waist-defining details such as princess seams, draping and shirring.
. Suits for this shape will feature a shirred waist, lines and prints and special detailing that will help to define a waistline.
. These same details draw attention to the waistline and can create the illusion of a smaller middle.
Minimize Hips and Thighs
Strategy: Draw eyes up and away from hips.
. Triangle shapes should look for suits that slim the lower torso and draw attention to the upper torso with shapely necklines, bust detailing and shirring.
. Details to look for include: surplice or V-necklines, empire-style waist, darker colors on bottom, patterns on top.

Enhance Bust Area
Strategy: Create a fuller-looking top half.
. Find supportive built-in bras to offer support and bust enhancement.
. Flattering top styles include halter, v-neck, scoop neck and shirred tops.

Minimize Bust Area
Strategy: Provide bust support with good coverage.
. Higher necks are a must when trying to minimize the bust.
. Look for back straps and supportive bras built into swimsuits.
. Quality fabrics will also aid in coverage and camouflage top areas.

Lengthen Legs
Strategy: Higher leg openings to create the illusion of longer legs.
. Choosing a suit with a two-inch leg opening will instantly lengthen legs.
. Side-tie bottoms are great for adjusting the leg openings to a desired height.

Finally, Bryant says, “Do love your body — but don’t stress about your suit. Get a good fit and balance your body proportions and you’ll feel great in a swimsuit that complements your figure.”

Learn more about swimwear styles and see the latest flattering designs at www.landsend.com.

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