So, you've been eating nothing but probiotic yogurt and guzzling gallons of water in a drastic effort to maintain that impossibly flat stomach of yours. Or perhaps you haven't. But no matter what you've been doing for the past six months, even if it’s included cuddling with Orville, chilling with Ben & Jerry or getting “Lay”d, your butt is getting into a bathing suit!

No more – ‘But my gut and butt are in a rut’ – you are going to look sexy this summer regardless. Most of us assume that an ‘itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini’ is the go-to swimsuit reserved only for those with itsy bitsy measurements. The great thing about that last statement being mostly true is that the trends for Spring 2009 aren’t those ‘yellow polka dot’ bikinis.

One-piece, two pieces, three pieces – they’re all in style. The creativity that designers are bringing to their lines is unlike anything that we’ve seen before and the quality is absolutely stellar. Canadian based label SHAN suggests keeping your eye out for exclusive prints, designs and quality fabric. A great fit is also key – every woman, every silhouette, can find a suit that will fit them perfectly.

One-Piece/Shoulder Suits


Featured: Angelina, by SHAN

The one-piece swimsuit is no doubt a winner for all body types, but ladies with more curves will ultimately rule this look. A larger bust and wider hips are what give Rosa Cha’s (top left) and SHAN’s (middle) suit the shape shown. If you’re on the thinner side with a small bust, Hervé Léger’s bandage swimsuit (top right) helps to create the illusion of curves (just promise to not try sun tanning in this particular number). Expect to see a wide range of one-shoulder pieces from numerous designers for both one-pieces and bikinis.

Two-Piece Suits


Featured: Marion, by SHAN

Believe it or not, there is a conservative approach to wearing a bikini. Aqua Di Lara’s two-piece suspender swimsuit (top left) is ideal for ladies trying to hide stretch marks, love handles or that horrible tattoo of a barbed wire fence you got years ago. For a perfect fit, SHAN’s Marion bikini (middle) has moderate coverage and with 100% Italian fabrics you won’t be disappointed with the longevity of this suit. A one-shouldered bikini top with barely-there bottoms by Rosa Cha is far from tacky in sea foam green.

Monokini Suits


(l-r) Drama (by Gottex), Alicia (by Poko Pano Couture), Hervé Léger

Everyone was acquainted with the monokini last year and you’ll be happy to know that they’re going on strong for 2009. The first suit by Gottex isn’t a monokini in the traditional sense, but considering two strategically placed flowers, a solid black bottom and a lot of alluring mesh are all that keeps you modest, this suit belongs in this category. A strapless design by Poko Pano Couture is incredibly sexy and ideal for ladies with a moderately sized chest. And you guessed it, Hervé Léger is the master of the final suit – you may not want to get wet, run vigorously or suntan while wearing this piece.

Although we make fun of celebrities for wearing bracelets, necklaces and rings to the beach, we can’t deny how fabulous they look. Be wise - don’t wear your Cartier watch or your Chanel earrings while body surfing the Pacific – just buy some cheap chains and bangles, and top it off with a pair of sunglasses. SHAN also offers a gorgeous line of ready-to-wear dresses and tunics as a quick and stylish cover-up solution.

The most important advice when wearing a bikini this summer – be confident. Even if you’re feeling fat, full bottomed or flat chested. Rock that swimsuit with an upright posture, a fun attitude and make people feel lucky for getting to see you practically naked without even buying you a drink first.

by Marayna Dickinson