Clockwise from top: A shopper smiles at a bikini store; white bikini with artistic print, Oberon, 3,300 yuan; yellow and black bikini with thick waistband, Aimer, 1,300 yuan; orange bikini with white pattern, Oberon, 3,300 yuan; black and orange bikini, Aimer, 1,180 yuan. [Photos provided to China Daily]

With the lunar calendar now officially pointing to autumn, the temperature in Beijing is definitely on its way down.

But while the sun might be setting, city dwellers are still keen to strip off and make the most of what is on offer - both in the sky and under their clothes. That's right, it's not time to put the bikini away yet.

As the idea of "openness" becomes more literal by the day, today's woman grows more demanding of those tiny slices of swimwear - bikinis must not only shape bodies but also make them as fabulous as possible to stand out from the beach crowds.

Yvonne Ng, spa manager of a five-star hotel in Beijing, is a massive fan of swimming and says she takes a dip four to five times a week. As a result, bikinis are a focal point of her summer wardrobe and Ng has bought three this year already.

"Bikini styles for this season in Beijing are very bright and colorful," said Malaysian Ng, who added that despite the trend, her favorite piece is still a black number with a solitary pink flower on the breast.

Ng sometimes prefers swimming suits with enough material to cover her thighs, an area she tries hard not to expose, and those with cords that can be tied behind the neck and across the back - they not only make her feel safer but also help to shape her breasts.

"I have nice breasts," she said proudly.

Chen Qimei, editor of a weekly magazine about blogging, said she only wears bikinis when on the beach. With a naturally slim figure, she prefers swimsuits that have pop art or geometric patterns rather than those with pure colors.

"While quite a lot of Chinese women prefer safe swimsuits with vest-style tops and boxer short bottoms, I am really in favor of bikinis," she said. "I'm comfortable with exposing any part of my body, outside of the bikini area."

Q+A | Wang Yang

Finding a little number that can accentuate your assets can be tricky, especially since few people want to try them on in the shop. Worry not though because METRO talked to Wang Yang, a designer with Aimer Lingerie, who has a few tips to help you pick out the right swimsuit for you.

Q: What are the highlights of this season's swimwear selection?

A: Exotic patterns, such as tropical flowers, have been widely used this season - bright colors are very popular while patterns are less common.

Q: How should women of differing sizes pick out the right article for them?

A: For women who are slim, I suggest them not to choose those with single colors as they can make you look even thinner. Flowery patterns can help make you appear more voluptuous.

Women who have some extra weight can disguise it with one-piece costumes and skirted swimsuits.

Q: A common problem for women is how to look sexy in a bikini. Any advice?

A: Don't worry. If you are a little flat, there are plenty of swimsuits in the market that allow you to put chest pads in.

Of course, if you are a bigger girl, you can also control your look with tops that help to hide some flesh from the eye in a pleasing way.

Bikinis can't work miracles though. If you want to cover your chubby belly, make sure to select a jumper skirt style swimsuit. And if you have a sizable bottom, try pieces with gradient colors - for example, dark in the sides and light at the front and back - because they can make your posterior look more petite.

Finally, to make your legs seem long and slim, pick out a one-piece costume that is cut very high.

Q: The summer might not last forever, but can our swimming costumes?

A: Yes, if you treat them well. Always wash them by hand and never use hot water, or the suit will lose its elasticity.