Sage Salzer, 31

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Before: A skimpy tankini leaves Sage's midsection bulging; the splashy print makes her bulk up even more.

After: Black always knocks off a few pounds, but this one-piece isn't just safe, it's positively snappy: White bands at the bust capture the eye, moving scrutiny away from her bottom half. "I want to embrace my curves," Sage says. "I don't want to think in terms of "when I lose 10 pounds" but find what looks good now."

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 Thyias Walsh, 35

Before: "Boy shorts had just come out. I'm a slave to fashion, so I had to have them," says Thyais - even though her shorts are unattractively tight at the waist and legs.

After: The vivid tank emphasizes Thyais's narrow torso, while high-cut legs on dark brown bottoms make her "thighs seem leaner". 

Confidence trick: Bring a pair of heels when you shop for swimwear - they flatter legs and inspire better posture.

Ann Carletta, 44

 Larissa Laurel, 29

 Linda Sue Contant, 60

Before: An unsexy bra top. A skirt that obscures gorgeous legs. This two-piece is seriously aging, although Linda insists, "Looking older doesn't worry me. At 60 I'm not going to wear a thong!"

After: "There are benefits to not being "full-busted," she says. "No sag." And the freedom to wear a deep, voluptuous vee: This halter-neck sets off superb arms and shoulders; light-colored shirring showcases her waist and draws the focus upward.

 Malissa Dean, 38

Before: "I was a tall, chubby girl who got teased a lot, so I used to cover up," Malissa says. "Not anymore!" But the flimsy, zero-support bra is no match for her lush figure.

After: The stylishly open back of this underwire maillot has a strap for extra uplift. "I usually go for patterns and colors because I never thought a black one-piece could be sexy. But I was blown away when I saw myself in this - even my legs looked longer."

 Datania Gregg, 30

Before: All that bare midriff does nothing to give Datania's straight-lined body a more nipped-in look. Besides, the suit is too small: The bottoms cut into her hips, and she spills out of the top.

After: Similar pattern (black backgrounds are more slenderizing than paler prints), svelter shape: This maillot has seaming to mold Datania's torso, plus shirring and a shelf bra for a bust-minimizing effect.

 Yan Xi, 34

Before: Yan doesn't exactly worry about looking fat, but she's "so flat-chested" that she thinks her bottom is out of proportion. This squared-off tankini top bisects her midsection, making her seem shorter and even less generously endowed.

After: A string bikini (Tomas Maier, $395) is spectacular on Yan, elongating her body, playing up her curves, and showing off slim, athletic legs.