Complimentary Bathing Suits for Every Body Type – 10+ Expert Tips

Key Takeaways

• From high-waisted bikinis for pear shapes to empire waists for apple figures, learn how specific items can balance and leverage your physique.
• That’s not all! Explore fabric secrets, color tricks, and fit hacks that work for every body type, helping you make informed choices regardless of body type.

What Is Your Body Shape?

You’ve probably heard this a trillion times, but understanding your body shape does help tremendously in finding clothing that fits well and makes you feel at home with your body. This is especially true regarding swimwear, where we often feel exposed and vulnerable.

To determine your body type, take basic measurements of your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips, and look at the ratios between them for a hint. For example:

• Pear shape: Your hips are wider than your shoulders
• Hourglass shape: Your shoulders and hips are about the same width with a defined waist
• Rectangular shape: Your measurements are similar all around
• Etc.

Take necessary measurements of your body

Nevertheless, these categories are just… categories. Your body is a masterpiece, don’t let those unrealistic standards tell you otherwise. Instead, find the perfect swimsuit for you with expert tips in the following sections!

Discover the Best Swimsuit for Your Body Type

The fashion world is finally catching up, with more and more brands nodding to diverse body shapes. This gives way to a broader selection of swimwear—a good sign for us hot girls summer!

Different body shapes

Pear Body Shape

As the name suggests, pear-shaped bodies have hips wider than the shoulders along with a defined waist—just like, you guessed it, a pear!

When it comes to finding flattering bathing suits for body types like this, you want to balance things out and accentuate your best features.

• High-waisted bikinis: The high-waisted bottom conceals the hips and thighs while highlighting your tiny waist. Pair it with a striking top to bring attention upward and create balance.
• Tankinis with ruching: Tankinis combine the coverage of a one-piece with the versatility of a two-piece. Look for designs with ruching around the stomach to cover up the belly if necessary. A V-neck top can also lengthen your torso and even out your proportions.
• One-piece swimsuits with cut-outs: Swimsuits with side cut-outs or a plunging neckline may offer a more balanced form while simultaneously providing the kind of coverage and support many pear-shaped ladies seek.

Swimsuits for pear-shaped girls

Straight Body Shape

Straight or rectangular body shapes mean similar shoulder, waist, and hip widths, giving a slim and athletic look. When picking swimwear for this type, we are going for extra sexy curves!

• Bikinis with ruffles or embellishments: Shirts with ruffles or frills give depth to your chest. Meanwhile, bottoms with side ties or ruched features can make those hips juicier.
• Push-up tops with hipster bottoms: Similarly, this combo adds volume to all the right places.
• One-piece suits with tightened waistline: This design is flattering and suitable for a variety of beach activities, simultaneously help your waist look slimmer and appealing.

Best bathing suits for rectangle body shape

Inverted Triangle Body Shape

If you have an inverted triangle body shape, your shoulders or breasts are more prominent than your hips—a typical physique among swimmers and dancers! In this case, balance your upper body with your narrower bottom half.

• Bottom-enhancing styles: Ruffled or skirted bottoms can widen hips. Coupled with bright colors or patterns, they create an iconic duo that attracts the eye downward, balancing the shape already.
• Halter tops: They support a larger bust while also highlighting your shoulders in a complementary way. If the suit has adjustable ties, use them to make it comfortable and hug your body.
• High-cut bottoms: Swimsuit bottoms with a high cut on the legs can lengthen your legs and draw attention to your lower body, helping to balance your body proportions.
• Solid tops with printed bottoms: Wearing a solid color on top and a print on the bottom can help shift focus downward to create a more balanced look.

Styles for inverted triangle bodies

Hourglass Body Shape

Lucky you, hourglass beauties! With its balanced proportions and defined waist, your figure is often seen as conventionally ideal. This is not to say any body type is better, but an hourglass figure does open up a world of favorable options, from vintage-inspired one-pieces to mix-and-match bikinis.

• Classic bikinis: Two-piece suits with triangle tops and hipster bottoms can beautifully showcase your natural curves. Look for styles that provide adequate support for your bust.
• High-waisted bottoms: These retro-inspired bottoms can accentuate your already narrow waist while providing coverage for your hips. Pair them with a supportive top to complete a well-rounded look.
• Underwire tops: For those needing more breast support, bikini tops with underwire can provide lift and shape while still complementing your curves.
• Cut-out swimsuits: One-piece suits with strategic cut-outs can highlight your waist and add a touch of allure without sacrificing support or coverage.
• Belted one-pieces: Swimsuits with a belt or wrap detail at the waist can emphasize your natural curves and create a stunning silhouette.

Generally, focus on styles that keep your natural waist-to-hip ratio. Avoid suits that are too loose, as they may hide your curves. Similarly, extremely high-cut legs or very low necklines might throw off your balanced proportions.

Apple Body Shape

Apple-shaped figures, or round body shapes in informal settings, typically carry weight around the midsection, with slimmer legs and arms. The key to finding flattering women’s bathing suits for body types like yours is showing off the best features while ensuring everything feels comfy and stays in place as you move around.

• Empire-waist swimsuits: These styles cinch just below the bust, flowing gracefully over the midsection. They emphasize the upper body while skimming over the tummy area.
• Ruched one-pieces: Swimsuits with ruching or gathered fabric across the midsection can smooth and flatter your belly area. Look for designs with diagonal ruching for an extra slimming effect.
• High-waisted bottoms: When choosing bikinis, opt for high-waisted bottoms that sit at your natural waist. These can provide tummy control while accentuating your curves.
• Dark colors or patterns: Solid dark colors or suits with vertical patterns can have a slimming effect. Don’t be afraid to play with bold prints – just ensure the pattern size matches yours. Big patterns for lean bodies, and small patterns for plus sizes.

Flattering swimwear for apple body type

Spoon Body Shape

This body shape is similar to the pear shape, apart from these subtle differences: Hips larger than the bust, often creating a “shelf-like” appearance. Defined waist that may carry some weight in the lower belly and upper thighs. Typically more petite upper body, with a small to medium chest.

When choosing bathing suits for this body type, the goal is to balance your proportions while emphasizing your most robust features.

• Two-piece sets with attention-grabbing tops: Bold patterns, ruffles, or embellishments on your bikini top draw the eye upward, helping to balance your fuller lower half.
• High-waisted bottoms: These can help smooth the lower belly area while complimenting your waist. If you want extra support, look for items with ruching or control panels.
• Tankinis with flowy tops: A loose-fitting tankini top can engulf your midsection while skimming over your curves. Pair it with a well-fitting bottom for a comfortable, cutesy look.
• Skirted bottoms or swim dresses: These items provide extra coverage for the hips and thighs, so you can look yummy and feel comfy at the same time.

Best bathing suits for spoon body shape

6 Tips for All Body Types

Some universal tips that can help everyone look and feel their best regardless of shape are:

• Focus on fit: The most flattering bathing suits for body types should fit well, feel comfortable, and stay in place as you move. Suits that are too tight or too loose are a no-no. Moreover, you can (and should) adjust ties, straps, and removable padding to better fit the suit.
• Consider your activities: If you’re into water sports, look for styles with more support and coverage.
• Experiment with different styles: Don’t limit yourself to what you think you “should” wear, we advocate body positivity in this house! Try on various styles to see what feels best.
• Pay attention to fabric: Look for quality materials that offer good support and keep their shape when soaked. We highly recommend blends of nylon and spandex (also known as Lycra or elastane). Higher-quality suits often feature a mix of about 80-90% nylon and 10-20% spandex.
• Use color and patterns to your advantage: Dark colors and up-and-down stripes can make you look slimmer, while bright colors and side-to-side stripes can make certain areas look bigger or fuller.