Written by Wendy Mak

OK here's the deal when it comes to swimwear.

I'm at the age where I can't just throw on any old 2-piece bikini and rock up to a beach anymore.

Like a lot of you out there I now need to think about my swimwear - and consider which'll actually hide my tummy, hips and thighs (which in my experience, are usually the major areas of concern for a woman).

While I've seen lots of great posts recently for on the best 2013 swimwear trends for different shapes, it kind of kills me that the swimsuits suggested as "flattering for the tummy" (or slimming in general) all look like something my nan would wear!!!

So in this post I wanted to find the best swimsuits to flatter my wobbly bits, but still cool and trendy for this 2013 summer down under.

Here's my top 3 picks!

1. The body shaping swimsuit

Miraclesuit swimwear is the swim god's gift to womankind.

Boasting all the slimming and shaping qualities of shape wear but in swimmers, it's pretty hard to beat on the flatter-scale (of course there are loads of other brands as well such as Nancy Ganz). However, most slimming suits I've seen make me feel old just looking at them, much less wearing it.

But not this one!

This retro-style suit & print pattern is all the rage this season, so you'll definitely be on trend. It's got that uber-cute Sophia Loren, European feel to it. (Like I need to have big oversized sunglasses, a pool-boy and call everyone "dah-ling" when I wear it).

Detachable straps means you can choose to wear it strapless, side ruching (soooo flattering for lumps and bumps) AND the generous, 60's style bottom (see the back view below) means you get some great bottom coverage without having to wear boy short pants.

Miraclesuit BarcelonaFront view - click here to view on Birdsnest

Miraclesuit BarcelonaBack view - click here to view on Birdsnest

2. The elongating swimsuit

Yeah, I know. One piece swimsuits are traditionally just boring, one-coloured ruched numbers.

But I found you a super-cute one. It has a cute geometric print (very in style at the moment) to camouflage lumps, the little blue stripes elongate the tummy area while the stripe running across the tummy creates the illusion of a waist.

The twist style top creates a focal point upwards away from the bottom half and you can wear it strapless or as a halter.

And the back is just oh-too-cute!

Aqua Blu Hello Sailor One Piece Click to view on Zodee.

Aqua Blu Hello Sailor One PieceClick to view on Zodee.

3. The good old "eyes-up" trick

Many of you know about my good-old "eyes-up" accessorising technique - and it's the same with swimmers. If your bottom half is the worry, then keep the eyes focused upwards using a striking top half.

This is an especially useful trick if you don't want to wear a one-piece and prefer a bikini style.

My other tip is to ensure you choose a bikini bottom with a side-tie. This way you can adjust the tightness so that is sits nice and low on your hips and doesn't "dig in" and give you any "hip bumps" (who needs that, right??!!).

PS. Note that the above tip on keeping your bottoms nice and low to avoid "spillage" doesn't apply to jeans or pants - in those you want to keep the rise nice and high to tuck everything away.

Ginja ruffle swimsuit - click to view on Swimwear Galore

Got a great swimsuit?

Seen one you love in the shops? Share your swimsuit secrets (and fears!) with me in the comments area below because everything is more fun with friends!!

With summer loving,