Choosing the perfect bikini can feel overwhelming since many styles, cuts, and fabrics exist. However, if you take the time to understand your body shape and what looks best, finding the right suit is possible. Your body type significantly affects which fits will flatter your figure.
This article breaks down the five most common female body shapes – pear, apple, hourglass, athletic, and size. It explains which suits, patterns, and features emphasize each shape in a swimsuit. Knowing your body type helps narrow down the options so you can select a swimsuit that flatters your figure.
1. Pear Shaped Body Type
Pear-shaped women carry more weight in their hips and thighs but have a smaller top half. When shopping for swimsuits, picking styles that show off your best parts and create balance is essential.
Bandeau and halter tops are very flattering for pear-shaped women. The way these tops are shaped draws attention upwards to make it seem like you have curvier shoulders. Solid color tops without bold patterns work best because they only attract attention in a tiny area.
For the bottom, high-cut bikini briefs or hipster cuts are ideal. These styles hit at the narrowest part of the waist to create the look of longer, leaner legs. Avoid low-rise bottoms that sit lower on the hips since they can make your lower body look wider. Ruffles and details along the hips also help even out proportions. The Zebra Bikini uses a high-cut brief bottom with ruffle trim along the hips for this effect.
2. Apple Shaped Body Type
Women with an apple shape carry more weight around their stomach, with fewer curves in their lower body. When choosing swimsuits, pick styles that create shape and curves.
Underwire tops with push-up padding will lift and separate the bust. Tops with adjustable tie straps in the back let you customize the fit for comfort. Draped cup styles also look good. For bottoms, high-leg cuts or boy-short styles will make you look longer.
Consider darker, solid colors like navy or black tops and bottoms, which will draw attention upward. Bright colors and bold patterns should be avoided as they can draw the eye to more expansive areas. Ruching or panels on the sides of tops and bottoms will also create curves. Opt for decent coverage instead of very revealing cuts, which may highlight your middle section.
3. Hourglass Shape
Women with an hourglass figure have a balanced proportion of curves through their bust, waist, and hips. You can likely pull off almost any swimsuit style! Focus on cuts that highlight your smallest part – the waist.
Bandeau, halter, and underwire tops all work depending on your bust size. String bikinis or tops with tie fronts draw attention to the waist. For bottoms, V-cuts, Brazilian cuts, or high-leg styles will emphasize your curves. Bold colors and vibrant patterns can also set off all your assets. Feel free to mix and match prints, solids, and cutouts.
4. Athletic Body Type
For women with toned, athletic builds, swimsuits should be balanced with lean muscle definition. Opt for simple cuts without extras that could minimize your shape.
Look for bandeau, halter, or strapless styles on top in bright solids. These won’t disrupt defined shoulder or back muscles. On the bottom, Brazilian or cheeks cuts with side cutouts showcase the definition. V-cut bottoms also work or opt for a monokini. Padded or patterned suits aren’t necessary, but an underwire can provide shaping and support.
5. Hourglass Plus Size Body Type
For hourglass plus size bodies, underwire tops with ruffle or lace accents draw the eye upwards, which is flattering. Other excellent features include tops with draped necklines. A gentle v-neck or scoop neck lays softly on the bust to enhance cleavage without extra padding. Plunging necklines can also look beautiful if not too revealing.
For the bottom half, cheeky cuts with higher sides on the hips suit fuller hips well. Choosing solids, flower prints, or abstract patterns in darker shades that don’t stand out too much is best. Avoid anything too bright or with overly large designs.
Waist-cinching details are also crucial for hourglass shapes. Look for high-waisted bottoms with a tie on the side or ruffle trim at the hip line. Ruching along the side panels of a one-piece is another slimming technique. These extras highlight a curvy, feminine shape instead of making it look broader.
With silhouette cuts and fabric treatments that accent natural curves, plus-size women of all body types can feel confident showing their figures in flattering swimwear. It’s all about knowing how to dress individual body shapes.
6. Pear Shaped Plus Size Body Type
If you’re pear-shaped with a fuller lower body, find styles that balance proportions. Bandeau tops emphasize upper curves, while a modest high-waisted brief draws the eye upward.
Solid-coloured swimsuits let you shine without distractions. Textured fabrics like lace provide coverage yet skim curves. Accentuate slimmer bust and shoulders with tropical prints, then let lower colors stretch freely. One-piece maillots with illusion necklines and flared hips work magic, too – cutouts draw focus where you choose.
Conclusion
The most important thing for finding a great swimsuit is picking styles that show off your best parts through strategic choices. Look at your body type and signature shape, then choose cuts, colors, and matching details. Focus on fit and creative ways to draw attention to your positives instead of problem areas.
Stay true to your normal size for support and comfort. Still, try silhouettes that enhance your natural curves. Most of all, pick pieces that match your personality so you feel good wherever you wear the suit. With so many options, every woman can proudly show beauty by the water this season.