Strong suits: Professional fitters give our reader models a swimsuit makeover

We knew we wanted to do a swimsuit-makeover story but weren't sure we could find local women brave enough to pose nearly naked in the newspaper. So when we published a call for volunteers and saw zero responses two days later, we were disappointed ... but not shocked.

Imagine our surprise when we learned a software glitch had merely hidden the actual number of applications — more than 600.

You go, girls!

We salute you all, but in the end we chose our models (and after a grueling photo shoot with a stylist, wardrobe changes, high heels and cleavage, they have earned that title) based on a range of ages, sizes and their perceived "body issues."

Each model met with a local swimsuit fitter, then posed in her current and professionally chosen suits (which we bought for them).

Here's what we learned.

Model: Andrea Kiehle, Sammamish, 26, administrative assistant.

Clothing size: 4.

What she told us: "Being in a swimsuit is the only time my body feels secretly sexy and slightly awkward at the same time."

Her body issue: Smaller bust.

Fitters: Sarah Steere and Christy Pudduck, owners of Coastal Surf Boutique on Alki.

New suit: Billabong's Starfish bikini, $74, in fuchsia.

Why it works: The adjustable halter top (with removable boob-boosting pads) works much better than a minimizing bandeau, Steere said. Plus, there's more material in the straps, said Pudduck, adding a little more weight topside. And yes, the suit enhances Andrea's amazing stomach.

Why Andrea loves it: "The belted bottom makes me feel like a Bond Girl!"

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Model: Kelly James, Seattle, 30, educational policy officer (who gave birth to her second child only three months ago).

Clothing size: 8.

What she told us: "I always feel that a swimsuit highlights the flaws of my figure, making me feel shorter or highlighting the extra weight at my middle or not providing enough chest support."

Her body issue: Post-baby tummy, larger bust.

Fitter: Teani Graver, regional manager of Swim In at Northgate Mall.

New suit: Miraclesuit's Debutante, $125, in black.

Why it works: The cleavage-celebrating V-neck accents James' fabulous assets, Graver said, while the high-grade Lycra material and diagonal gathering at the waistline minimize her stomach. The sophisticated suit also is a nice change of pace from Kelly's old Speedo, and while black isn't always as minimizing in a swimsuit as it is in pants, this silhouette suits Kelly well.

Why Kelly loves it: "It's a one-piece, but it's not too 'old.' It's a lot more cleavage [than I'm used to], but I like it."

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Model: Betsy Rogers, Seattle, 42, personal chef (who lost 40 pounds in the past year).

Clothing size: 12.

What she told us: "I haven't tried a swimsuit on since the weight loss, but for once I'm looking forward to bathing-suit season!"

Her body issue: It's all new!

Fitter: Terry Ahern, special-events manager and fashion-show producer for Macy's.

New suit: Longitude, $78, in a tropical print and black.

Why it works: Since Betsy is a little more narrow on top, Ahern chose a pattern to add the illusion of upper fullness. The diagonal cut gives Betsy "a tiny belly," while the darker bottom narrows her lower body. The long line works well since Betsy's tall, and it also provides valuable support for women who are, say, not in their 20s. Plus, the colorful pattern matches Betsy's sense of fun and energy.

Why Betsy loves it: "It's fun and flirty, and I love the colors."

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Model: Erika Cowan, Seattle, 39, purchasing agent.

Clothing size: 14.

What she told us: "Still luscious, but I can't find my waist anymore!"

Her body issue: Short torso, AWOL waistline.

Fitter: Terry Ahern, special-events manager and fashion-show producer for Macy's.

New suit: Miraclesuit's Oceanus, $116, in black.

Why it works: The suit enhances Erika's "wonderful décolletage" while minimizing her midriff, said Ahern. The diagonal cut creates a waistline as it trims her tummy, and the suit's vertical lines help elongate her torso. A solid color adds proportion to Cowan's shorter torso and lavishly long legs.

Why Erika loves it: "I have a great rack! As long as I minimize my waist and hips, no one's going to notice anything below that!"