Most women dread it, but we all have to do it if we want to enjoy a beach holiday … I’m talking swimwear here, girls. No need to panic though, Style Birmingham Editor Lisa Piddington offers advice for all shapes and sizes.

CURVY GIRLS: Tankinis and swimsuits work best as they cover the wobbly bits, and opt for colours and patterns on a dark base. If you’re tempted by a two tone suit, then go for dark bottoms and a lighter top, while bold florals and prints can distract the eye and camouflage your stomach. Ruched suits are great for disguising lumps and bumps, while features on the bust line will draw attention upwards.

Pictured: This magenta swimsuit from Evans has a very flattering leg line, ruched sides and bust detailing. It costs £25 and is available in sizes 14 to 32.

BIG BOOBS: Chose something with a little more added support to keep your boobs in the right place (otherwise you’ll attract quite a crowd at the beach volleyball tournament). Bold patterns are a great choice and are bang on trend, while colour blocking can work well to highlight other parts of your body. Go for a style with a plunge neck or balcony shape that will help to elongate your figure but still allow you to show off your cleavage. Avoid bandeau styles as these only accentuate help to maximise a top-heavy figure.

Pictured: From the Floozie by FrostFrench collection at Debenhams, the bikini top is £16 while the matching pants are £12.

SMALL HIPS: Light colours work really well on smaller frames, as do modern metallics and small ditzy prints. If you want to add curves, chose boys shorts for an instant hour-glass figure, while bikini bottoms with side ties can add and accentuate curves. Cut-out swimsuits, where the cutaway is at the waist, will create a flattering effect.

Pictured: We love this golden bikini – perfect for the slender beach babe. From Accessorize the halter top is £14 and the belted bottoms are £14.

SMALL BOOBS: Large prints will help distract the eyes away from a flatter chest, especially if they are teamed with matching bottoms, while patterning that follows the shape of your breasts will visually enhance the contours. For a sexy style, opt for a bandeau top, either with or without straps, to add a little extra ruching and turn you into a Baywatch beauty in an instant.

Pictured: Great value and great shape from Matalan, bandeau bikini top, £5, and co-ordinating bottoms, £4.