Suit Yourself: Sexy swimwear that flatters the figure

The love-hate relationship most women share with their bodies nearly reaches the point of divorce during the daunting task of shopping for swimwear. If your beach body is feeling a little bashful, check out these slimming, trimming, lifting, and lengthening swimsuit options for summer, targeting the most common "problem areas" for women.

Though it's true that everyone gains and loses weight in different ways, for the most part "we drop weight from the extremities to the core, gaining it first in the middle and losing it last in the middle," said Beverly Hills-based celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson, who has been shaping and sculpting the fitness industry - and bodies like that of Jennifer Lopez - for 17 years.

It's no wonder then, that there are countless swimsuits aimed at enhancing or minimizing the abs. When belly bulge puts a damper on bikini plans, don't entirely discard the idea of a two-piece. Tankinis are a great option for disguising a less-than-perfect tummy.

Solid colors are better than patterns, but if you must go graphic, go for all-over prints that won't look stretched or distorted with matching bottom.