Everyone wants to look their best when they hit the beach or pool. Before you set out, you want to make sure that your swimsuit fits well and is flattering to your figure. But, no two bodies are alike so how do we all find a swimsuit to fit and flatter us?

It would be so much easier for the swimsuit manufacturers if everyone was shaped the same. But variety is the spice of life and the market has spoken. Once upon a time, swimsuits were basically one-size-fits-all. Then, the public cried out for variety and style... and fit! We demanded it and now swimsuit manufacturers want to meet the demand.

The good news is that no matter what your shape, there is a swimsuit that will cover the areas you want to cover while accentuating your positive features. But, you will have to do the legwork and also know which body-type best describes you.

Here are some suggestions to get you started.

Pear shape - Pears are bigger on the bottom. If you have an ample bottom, you can minimize it with a swimsuit bottom that has a fuller fit, like a swimming skirt. It hides your bottom and adds a bit of style and flare to the suit, and your look.

Large bust - Some women have what you might call a full bosom. When it comes to a swimsuit, it can be a struggle to keep 'the girls' concealed. For those women, suits with wide straps and well designed, solid cups will evenly distribute the weight of the breasts to keep straps from digging into the shoulders and provide support needed.

Heavy legs - The thighs are often a problematic area, even for women who aren't overweight. If you feel self-conscious about your thighs, you might want to opt for a flirty skirted bottom. Also, wearing a bottom that sits high up on the leg, a higher leg cut, can make your legs appear longer and leaner.

Belly bulge - Most women fret about their belly fat and muffin top. A one-piece swimsuit in a dark color is slenderizing. If you prefer a two piece swimsuit, choose a "tankini" which is a two-piece suit with a longer top. This gives you the freedom of a two-piece but still covers your belly. There are also suits with built in tummy panels and suits that have gathering through the tummy to disguise a thicker waist.

Small bust - Built in padding will help fill out a small bust and extra flounces and gathered fabric will fool the eye. Avoid plunging necklines that can show gaps in the material. Stick to higher necklines and draw attention away by enhancing other attributes like your long legs.

Now that you've found the perfect swimsuit, where are you headed this summer? Whether you're off to the beach or the pool, look your best in a swimsuit that fits, and flatters, your unique body type.