Hey there! Summer is just around the corner, and I know we’re all excited to hit the beach or lounge by the pool. Choosing the best bathing suits for your body type can be a bit challenging, but I’m here to help make the process a breeze. Just like our favorite celebs, such as Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, or Taylor Swift, who always seem to rock the perfect swimwear, we too can find styles that flatter our unique body shapes. In this article, I’ve provided a buying guide to help you through the different types of swimsuits and how they can complement various body shapes. So, grab your sunscreen, and let’s dive into the world of swimsuits and body shapes to find the perfect match for you, just like the stars!
** I may earn a commission when you purchase through a link on this page. **
Understanding your body shape
Before diving into the world of swimsuits, it’s important to understand your body shape. Knowing your body shape can help you make informed decisions when shopping for swimwear, ensuring that you find the most flattering and comfortable styles for your unique figure. There are five main body shapes, and each one has its own set of characteristics.
Pear-shaped body
First, let’s talk about the pear-shaped body. This body shape features wider hips and thighs, with a narrower waist and shoulders. Think of celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, who are known for their curvy, pear-shaped figures. If you have a pear-shaped body, you’ll likely find that your lower body is more prominent than your upper body, and you may have a defined waistline.
Apple-shaped body
Next up is the apple-shaped body. This shape is characterized by broad shoulders and a fuller waist, with relatively slimmer hips and thighs. Celebrities like Catherine Zeta-Jones are great examples of the apple-shaped body. If this is your body type, you might notice that you carry more weight in your midsection, and your legs may be one of your slimmest features.
Hourglass-shaped body
The hourglass-shaped body is known for its balanced proportions, with a well-defined waist and similar measurements for both the bust and hips. Celebrities like Scarlett Johansson and Salma Hayek are famous for their stunning hourglass figures. If you have an hourglass-shaped body, you’ll likely find that your bust and hips are proportionate, and your waist is noticeably narrower.
Rectangle-shaped body
The rectangle-shaped body, also known as the straight or athletic body shape, is characterized by relatively equal measurements for the bust, waist, and hips. Celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Gwyneth Paltrow showcase this body type. If you have a rectangle-shaped body, you might find that your figure is more straight up and down, with little definition at the waist.
Triangle-shaped body
As a triangle, or pear-shaped, individual, finding the perfect swimsuit means balancing proportions and accentuating my best features. To highlight my upper body, I opt for swimwear styles like halter-top bikinis, bandeau tops with ruffles, or pieces with bold patterns or embellishments on the top.
This approach helps create a more proportionate silhouette by drawing attention away from my wider hips.
When it comes to bottoms, I choose solid colors or simple patterns in darker shades to minimize focus on my hips. High-waisted bottoms and skirts offer a flattering, streamlined appearance while avoiding side ties, ruffles, or other embellishments helps keep the attention on my upper body.
By experimenting with different swimsuit styles, I’ve found options that allow me to feel confident and fabulous in my triangle-shaped body during beach or pool outings.
Inverted triangle-shaped body
Lastly, we have the inverted triangle-shaped body. This body shape features broader shoulders and a fuller bust, with narrower hips and a less-defined waist.
Celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Renee Zellweger are examples of the inverted triangle-shaped body. If this is your body type, you’ll likely find that your upper body is more prominent than your lower body, and you may have a relatively straight waistline.
Discover Your Perfect Bathing Suit Style: A Body Type Quiz
- Which best describes the shape of your shoulders?
- A. Narrower than my hips
- B. About the same width as my hips
- C. Wider than my hips
- How would you describe your waistline?
- A. Well-defined and smaller than my bust and hips
- B. Not very defined, similar width to my bust and hips
- C. Slightly defined, but not much smaller than my bust and hips
- Which best describes your hips and thighs?
- A. Wider than my shoulders and bust
- B. About the same width as my shoulders and bust
- C. Narrower than my shoulders and bust
- What is your bust size?
- A. Smaller than my hips
- B. About the same size as my hips
- C. Larger than my hips
- How would you describe your overall body shape?
- A. Curvy with a well-defined waist
- B. Straight with few curves
- C. A mix of curvy and straight
Results:
Mostly A’s: Pear or Triangle Body Shape
- Look for swimsuits that draw attention to your upper body, like halter tops or bandeau styles. You might also want to try high-waisted bottoms or skirted styles to provide more coverage and create balance.
Mostly B’s: Rectangle or Straight Body Shape
- Opt for swimsuits with details that create the illusion of curves, like ruffles, cut-outs, or color-blocking. One-piece swimsuits with waist-cinching details or monokinis can also be flattering for your body shape.
Mostly C’s: Inverted Triangle or Athletic Body Shape
- Choose swimsuits that balance your broader shoulders with your narrower hips, like an off-the-shoulder top or a one-piece with a plunging neckline. You can also experiment with bottoms that have side ties, ruffles, or patterns to create more volume in the hip area.
Mixed Results: Hourglass or Apple Body Shape
- If your results were a mix of different categories, you might have an hourglass or apple body shape. For hourglass figures, look for swimsuits that accentuate your waist and maintain a balance between your bust and hips. For apple body shapes, focus on swimsuits that offer tummy control and provide coverage and support for the bust, like high-waisted bottoms or one-piece swimsuits with ruching or shirring.
This quiz is just a starting point. The most important thing is to find a bathing suit style that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Swimsuit types
Now that we’ve covered the various body shapes, let’s explore the different types of swimsuits available. Understanding the styles and features of each type of swimwear can help you find the perfect match for your body shape, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident on the beach or by the pool.
One-piece swimsuit
One-piece swimsuits, also known as maillots, are a classic swimwear style that covers the torso and typically features a scoop or V-neckline. This type of swimsuit is versatile and comes in various designs, from sporty to elegant.
One-pieces offer more coverage and support than other swimsuit styles, making them a great option for those who prefer a modest look or need extra support in the bust or tummy area.
Bikinis
Bikinis are two-piece swimsuits that consist of a separate top and bottom. They come in a wide range of styles, from triangle tops and bandeau designs to high-waisted and cheeky bottoms.
Bikinis offer the most flexibility in terms of mixing and matching sizes and styles, making them perfect for those who want to customize their swimwear to fit their body shape and personal style. Celebrities like Rihanna and Kendall Jenner often opt for bikinis when soaking up the sun.
Tankinis
Tankinis are a more conservative alternative to bikinis, featuring a tank-style top and a separate bottom. The tankini top typically extends to the waist or just below, providing more coverage than a bikini top while still offering the convenience of a two-piece swimsuit.
This type of swimwear is great for those who want the flexibility of a two-piece but prefer a little more coverage. Celebrities like Jessica Alba and Jennifer Aniston have been seen wearing tankinis on vacation.
Monokinis
Monokinis are a unique blend of one-piece and two-piece swimsuits, featuring a connected top and bottom with cutouts on the sides or back.
This eye-catching style offers a modern and sexy twist on traditional swimwear and can be an excellent choice for those who want to make a statement. Celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski and Bella Hadid have turned heads in monokinis at beachside events.
High-waisted bikinis
High-waisted bikinis feature a bikini top paired with bottoms that extend above the navel, creating a vintage-inspired look.
This style offers more coverage in the midsection than traditional bikinis, making it a popular choice for those who want to highlight their waistline while still rocking a two-piece. Celebrities like Katy Perry have embraced the retro charm of high-waisted bikinis.
Swimdress
Finally, we have the swimdress, which is a one-piece swimsuit with an attached skirt that provides additional coverage around the hips and thighs.
This feminine and modest style is perfect for those who want extra coverage or simply love the flirty, vintage-inspired design. Celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Kate Middleton have been spotted wearing swim dresses for a polished and elegant beach look.
Choosing the best swimsuit for your body shape
Choosing the best swimsuit for your body shape can help you feel more confident and comfortable while enjoying your time at the beach or pool. Let’s explore some recommendations and tips for selecting the perfect swimwear based on your body shape.
For pear-shaped bodies, the goal is often to balance the proportions by drawing attention to the upper body and creating the illusion of a narrower lower body. Opt for swimsuits with eye-catching details, colors, or patterns on the top, while keeping the bottom simple and in a darker color.
The best bikini for your body type will normally come with a halter or bandeau top. It can be especially flattering, as they emphasize the shoulders and bust.
A high-waisted bikini bottom or swim skirt can also provide additional coverage for the hips and thighs. Women often choose swimwear that accentuates their curves while maintaining a balanced silhouette.
When shopping for the best swimsuit for apple shape, look for one that provides support and coverage in the midsection while accentuating your legs. I’ve discovered that the key to finding the perfect swimsuit is to create balance and highlight my best features. I like to focus on swimsuits that provide support and coverage for my bust, such as V-neck or halter-top styles with underwire or molded cups.
One-piece swimsuits with ruching or shirring details can help create a more defined waistline while plunging necklines and embellished tops can draw attention upward.
Tankinis are another great option, as they offer the coverage of a one-piece with the convenience of a two-piece. It highlights their assets and provides support where needed.
Hourglass-shaped bodies are known for their balanced proportions, so the key is to choose swimwear that maintains this harmony while emphasizing the waist. Look for swimsuits with details at the waist, such as belts or side ties, to accentuate your curves.
Both one-piece and two-piece swimsuits can be flattering on hourglass figures, as long as the top and bottom maintain a balanced appearance. Celebrities like Scarlett Johansson and Salma Hayek often showcase their hourglass figures in swimwear that complements their natural proportions.
For looking for the best swimsuit for rectangle shape, the goal is often to create the illusion of curves and a more defined waist. Look for swimsuits with details that add volume to the bust and hips, such as ruffles, padding, or bold prints.
When searching for swimsuits for athletic body types, the monokinis with cutouts at the waist can create a more curvaceous silhouette. Celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Gwyneth Paltrow often opt for swimwear that adds visual interest and shape to their athletic figures.
Lastly, for inverted triangle-shaped bodies, the aim is to balance the proportions by drawing attention to the hips and creating the illusion of a narrower upper body. Swimsuits with details on the bottom, like ruffles or side ties, can add volume to the hips, while halter or V-neck tops can visually slim the shoulders.
A swimdress can also be a flattering option, as it provides additional coverage and creates a more balanced silhouette. It complements their inverted triangle-shaped figures by balancing their proportions and highlighting their best features.
Additional tips for swimsuit shopping
When I’m shopping for a swimsuit, I’ve discovered that there are a few more things to consider beyond just the type and my body shape. To make sure I find the perfect swimwear that makes me feel comfortable and confident, I keep these extra tips in mind:
Importance of trying on swimsuits
Just like with any clothing, I’ve found it’s essential to try on swimsuits before making a purchase. Sizes can vary greatly between different brands and styles, so I make sure to try on multiple sizes to find the best fit.
I’ve learned that it’s not about the number on the tag; it’s about how I feel in the swimsuit. When trying on swimwear, I pay attention to the level of support, coverage, and comfort. I ensure I can move around freely without any pinching, slipping, or discomfort.
Considerations for fabric and color
I’ve also noticed that the fabric and color of my swimsuit can play a significant role in how it looks on my body. When selecting a swimsuit, I consider choosing a fabric that is durable and retains its shape, like a blend of nylon and elastane.
In terms of color, I like to pick shades that flatter my skin tone and make me feel confident. I’ve found that bold patterns or strategically placed prints can create a visually appealing effect and draw attention to my favorite features. It’s all about finding what makes me feel fabulous and ready to soak up the sun!
Conclusion
As we wrap up, here are some additional tips I wanted to share. Remember, finding the perfect swimsuit is not just about your body shape, it’s also about feeling comfortable and confident.
Firstly, don’t be shy about trying on different styles and sizes. Swimsuit sizing can vary greatly between brands, and sometimes it’s worth trying on a larger or smaller size to find the best fit. Make sure to move around in the swimsuit, checking for comfort and support, if you plan to be active in the water.
Fabric and color are also important to consider. Look for swimsuits made of quality, stretchy materials that keep their shape and provide the support you need. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades and patterns. You may find that certain colors bring out your best features or complement your skin tone in a way you never expected.
Finally, remember you don’t have to stick to one style. Mix and match tops and bottoms to create your unique look. By having a variety of swimwear, you’ll feel even more fabulous for any occasion.
FAQ – Best Bathing Suit for Body Type
Claudia Faucher is a full-time fitness training expert and lifestyle blogger. She is also been a certified Les Mills BodyPump instructor for the past 5 years and a fitness instructor for over 20 years. Claudia is a personal trainer and creates fitness training programs for seniors and people of all ages. She likes to use her skills and experiences to help others on their fitness journeys.