We women like to believe that we can wear bathing suits and achieve the look of Baywatch fame. But just one look at our full-length mirror is enough to bring us crashing down to earth. After all, we don't rely on any sort of cosmetic enhancement to make us look like stars.

Unfortunately, how we feel in our swimsuits will also dictate the kind of experience we will have at the beach. If we're confident about our bodies and about what we're wearing, we can enjoy swimming, playing beach volleyball and sunbathing. However, if we generally feel uncomfortable about how we look, then that's going to put a damper on what would otherwise be a fun time. Thus, choosing the best swimsuit that hide your flaws and accentuate your traits is an absolute must if you want to forget all else but simply concentrate on having a fun time.

The basics of choosing swimsuits that slim down your figure lies in three things: color, details and material used. Let's discuss each in more detail.

One of the first things to look at in buying a slimming swimsuit is color. Since dark colors minimize, choose those in solid shades. Black, navy blue, dark brown-- these are good color choices for an overall slimming effect. Moreover, if there's a particular part of your body that you want to put focus away from, use these colors. For example, if you want to draw attention away from your midsection then find a style that utilizes a dark shade there. While dark colors minimize, lighter shades draw attention. So if you want people to focus on your bust, a lightly-colored top and a darker shade in the bottom will serve you just as well.

Another area to look at is in the details. Shirring at the midriff hides a flabby tummy. Vertical necklines, stripes and other details on the upper portion of your swimsuit draw attention there and hide problem areas below such as your hips and waist. If you want to buy a suit with prints, make sure that the prints are proportional to you body size. If you're petite, don't opt for very large prints since this will "drown you out." Surplice swimsuits are those that feature a wrap-around bodice that's great for hiding your belly bulge. However, take care not to overdo any hiding. For example, don't try to go for boy shorts for your bottoms unless you really have a big problematic butt. Bikini bottoms that show a little more skin actually make you look leaner since it elongates your legs.

The kind of material used in the suit is another consideration in your choice of slimming swimwear. Swimsuits made of spandex are great for holding in the excess fats. There are even other, more modern materials, that triple this thinning potential using various styles, clothing material used and technology. A combination of cotton and spandex also makes a swimsuit more comfortable to wear but may not provide as much in the form of slimming you down. There are already so many available makes made of different materials that can help you greatly in your quest to look good in a slimming bathing suit.