Dreading swimsuit shopping? You’re not alone.
I’ve spent years helping women find swimwear that makes them feel like a million bucks. Here’s what I’ve discovered: there’s no such thing as a “problem area” – just swimsuits that don’t work for your unique shape. In this article, you’ll discover how to choose the best swimsuit for your body type!
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Unlock Your Body Type Secret
Body Type Calculator
Before you buy anything, you need to know what you’re working with.
Most women fall into one of these categories:
- Hourglass: Your bust and hips are roughly equal, with a defined waist
- Pear: Your hips are wider than your shoulders and bust
- Apple: You carry weight in your midsection with slimmer legs
- Rectangle: You have little waist definition with straight proportions
- Inverted Triangle: Your shoulders and bust are broader than your hips
Your body type isn’t about size – it’s about proportions. A size 4 can be an apple shape just as easily as a size 24.
Hourglass: Show Off What You’ve Got
- Composition: 78% Recycled* Polyamide/22% Elastane
- Bust Support: Full support without cups or padding—great for any chest size
- Rear Coverage: C Coverage is our fullest coverage available
Got curves in all the “right” places? Lucky you. Your mission: highlight that enviable waist.
What actually works:
- One-pieces with belted waists or cut-outs that showcase your middle
- Wrap-style suits that follow your natural curves
- Bikinis with supportive tops and mid-rise bottoms
Game-changing pick: Summersalt’s “The Sidestroke” ($95-105) uses diagonal seaming to highlight curves while providing serious support for sizes 0-24.
Avoid like the plague: Shapeless suits that hide your waist or uneven detailing that throws off your natural balance.
You want to see my recent article on the best bathing suits for older ladies .
Pear Shape: Balance Is Your Best Friend
- FIT AND COMFORT – This one piece swimsuit offers a sleek and firm fit, with shirred seams that subtly conceal areas of concern, creating a lean, sculpted appearance. Its shoulder straps and comprehensive back coverage provide a secure swim experience.
- SIZING – Runs true to size. Please refer to our Size Chart for specific measurements to achieve the perfect fit. Plus sizing available.
- FEATURES AND DETAILS – Thin over the shoulder, adjustable straps. Sleek scoop neckline. Straight back. Removable cups. Lined. Side and midsection shirring detail. High-cut sides, and full coverage bottom for a secure fit.
Smaller on top but blessed with curves below? You’re in good company – about 40% of women share your shape.
What actually works:
- Attention-grabbing tops with ruffles, bright patterns, or embellishments
- Clean-lined bottoms in solid, darker colors
- High-cut leg openings that make your legs look miles long
Game-changing pick: La Blanca’s “Island Goddess” collection tops with eye-catching details paired with simple bottoms (sizes 4-24W).
Avoid like the plague: Boy shorts or ruffled bottoms that add visual weight to your lower half.
Apple Shape: Strategic Structure Is Everything
- Look 10 lbs. lighter in 10 seconds® with Miraclesuit. Our exclusive Miratex® fabric slims and slenderizes without panels or linings for total full body shaping & control.
- Miratex® fabric provides all over body control, shaping and slimming your figure with over twice the shaping power of regular Lycra. Underwire bra lifts and shapes your bustline while remaining so comfortable, accentuating your best features but never revealing too much.
- Adjustable straps let you customize the fit to your exact specifications. Feminine flyaway slit dress over a full control swimsuit.
Carry weight in your middle? The right suit will create definition while highlighting your best assets.
What actually works:
- One-pieces with ruching across the middle (it’s like magic)
- Strategic color blocking that creates the illusion of a waist
- V-necks and plunging necklines to draw the eye upward
- Tankinis that flow over your midsection without clinging
Game-changing pick: Miraclesuit’s “Rock Solid Twisted Sister” ($199 – 210) with Miratex fabric that provides triple the control without uncomfortable panels (sizes 8-24W).
Avoid like the plague: Horizontal stripes across your middle or skimpy bikinis without proper support.
Be sure to see our recent feature on the best tankinis for women over 50.
Rectangle: Create Curves Where You Want Them
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED ROXY – Inspired by waves, adventure, and beach life, this women’s ring bandeau bikini top blends modern style, functionality, and comfort for a chic summer essential.
- UPF 50+ SUN PROTECTION – Stay safe under the sun with built-in UPF 50+ fabric, shielding your skin from harmful UV rays during extended beach outings and water activities.
- ECO-FRIENDLY FABRIC – Made from soft, recycled nylon with elastane, this sustainable bandeau top combines comfort, durability, and environmental responsibility.
With your athletic build, you can create definition exactly where you want it.
What actually works:
- Suits with strategic cutouts that create the illusion of a waistline
- Padded tops and bottoms with frills or side-ties for added dimension
- Bold patterns and bright colors that add visual interest
Game-changing pick: Roxy’s “Beach Classics” bandeau top ($45-55) with tie-side bottoms ($40-50) creates curves in all the right places (sizes XS-XXL).
Avoid like the plague: Ultra-simple, straight suits without details that will emphasize your rectangular shape.
Inverted Triangle: Draw the Eye Down
- Stylish & Supportive Strapless Fit: Look effortlessly chic with the twist-front bandeau style, enhanced by underwired foam cups for a flattering silhouette, even in larger cup sizes—without compromising on support.
- Tailored Shape for Every Cup: Features 2-piece foam cups for D-G sizes and 3-piece foam cups for GG-H, ensuring personalized shaping and lift where you need it most.
- Stay-Secure Fit: Side boning and powermesh-lined wings offer firm yet comfortable support, keeping your top in place whether you’re poolside lounging or diving into waves.
Broader shoulders or a larger bust? Your goal is creating balance by adding visual weight below.
What actually works:
- Solid-colored tops paired with printed or embellished bottoms
- High-waisted bottoms that add volume to your lower half
- Asymmetrical designs that break up your shoulder line
- Light colors on bottom, darker shades up top
Game-changing pick: Panache’s “Anya Stripe” underwire top ($68-78) with their printed high-waisted bottom ($40-50) creates perfect balance (sizes 30-40 D-K cup).
Avoid like the plague: Halter tops that emphasize shoulder width or skimpy bottoms that don’t balance your proportions.
Over 50? Forget “Age-Appropriate” – Try These Instead
- Quality Materials: Designed with full coverage comfort in mind. Made from quality nylon blend of 77% nylon and 23% LYCRA Xtra Life Spandex. So go ahead and make a splash this summer. Hand wash.
- Bust Support: Supportive underwire bra lifts and supports. Chest pocket has removable soft-cup inserts adding lightweight smoothing comfort in front. Wide shoulder straps adjust for a customized fit.
- Modest Design Features: Nylon and spandex blend fabric provides all-over smoothing. High halter back offers additional chest support and coverage. Hip length tankini top highlights the waist.
Your body has stories to tell. Dress it in something that honors where you’ve been while celebrating where you are.
What actually works:
- Suits with built-in support where you need it most
- UPF 50+ fabric (your skin will thank you)
- Adjustable features for a custom fit
- Modern silhouettes with strategic coverage
Game-changing pick: Lands’ End’s Square Neck Underwire Tankini system with mix-and-match bottoms offers cup sizes up to DDD and regular, plus, petite, and long torso options.
Avoid like the plague: Frumpy “mature” styles that age you instantly or anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Tummy Concerns? These Features Actually Work
- Black Polka Dot Ruffle V-Neck Swimsuit: The one-piece bathing suit features a V-neck with ruffled trim details and adjustable double straps. It ensures comfort while maintaining a cute and fashionable look.
- Tummy Control One-Piece Bathing Suit: With ruched details, the bathing suit can better hide your belly, making you feel more attractive and charming. It enhances your figure, making it look more slender.
- Modest Full-Coverage Swimwear:The vintage swimsuit is perfect for those who want to look stylish while maintaining modesty. Padded cups and lining prevent see-through, ensuring comfort and modesty when wet.
The right technology makes all the difference between uncomfortable squeezing and smooth confidence.
What actually works:
- Power mesh lining that holds without suffocating
- Ruching that camouflages while flattering
- Strategic color blocking with darker panels where you want less emphasis
- Compression fabrics engineered for comfort
Game-changing pick: Tempt Me Women One Piece Swimsuit Ruched Tummy Control Bathing Suit ($29-39) combines UPF 50+ protection with four-way stretch fabric and strategic ruching (sizes XS-3XL).
Body image expert Casey Brown reveals: “A good tummy control swimsuit uses high-compression material that works like shapewear but lets you eat, drink and move comfortably.”
The Perfect Fit: Non-Negotiable Details
- Quality Materials: Made from LYCRA Xtra Life spandex this women’s plus size wrap SlenderSuit is made to last and resists breakdown from chlorine sunscreen and sweat. Nylon/spandex. Hand wash.
- So Smooth: Our amazing Slendertex fabric smooths and sculpts your figure while the chic crisscross shirring beautifully shapes and adds a dash of elegance to this stunning v-neck women’s swimsuit.
- Comfort Meets Quality: Wear this ladies swimsuit as much as you like – it has superior stretch and recovery so it holds onto shape for longer. It also has a soft cup bra for gentle lift and support.
Even the most stylish suit falls flat if it doesn’t fit right. Don’t settle.
Must-have fitting features:
- Snug fit without digging in (if you’re spilling out, size up)
- Bust support that prevents bounce and sag
- Coverage that stays put when you move
- No gapping or pulling across the backside
For longer torsos, brands like Lands’ End, Slender Wrap, and Andie Swim offer dedicated “long torso” options from sizes 0-26.
Size-Inclusive Styles That Don’t Sacrifice Fashion
- Our Racerback Tankini Top is a winning choice for its style and support. Designed with a Power Mesh shelf bra with sewn-in cups so you can feel assured you’ll look in tip-top shape in or out of the water. Pair with your favorite swim bottoms. We’ve every type of coverage you could need or want, from brief to boy short.
- Scoopneck
- Power Mesh encircled shelf bra with plush elastic underband and sewn-in soft cups
The best brands know great style has no size limit.
Where to find genuinely inclusive swimwear:
- Swimsuits For All: Sizes 4-40 with designs that don’t change as sizes increase
- Lands’ End: Extensive sizing with multiple torso length options
- Miraclesuit: Premium shaping technology from sizes 8-24W
- Summersalt: Data-driven fit from 10,000 women’s measurements
- La Blanca: Designer styles with extended sizing
Game-changing pick: Swimsuits For All’s “Chlorine Resistant Racerback Tankini” ($40-50) comes in sizes 4-40 and lasts 5-10 times longer than regular swimwear.
Build A Swimwear Collection That Works Overtime
Quality swimwear is an investment that pays off in confidence.
Must-have pieces:
- One black or navy suit with tummy control (your bulletproof option)
- One tankini or mix-and-match set for versatility
- One statement piece in a color or print that makes you smile
Look for chlorine-resistant fabrics if you swim in pools regularly – they’ll last seasons longer than standard suits.
The Confidence Secret No One Talks About
Swimwear designer Anne Cole famously said: “There is no such thing as a bad figure. There are just bad swimsuits.”
Recent research shows women who select swimwear based on personal preferences rather than trying to hide perceived flaws report 60% higher body satisfaction at the beach.
The most attractive feature at the pool isn’t your waistline or leg length – it’s your confidence.
Choose a suit that makes you feel amazing. Everything else is just details.
Where To Shop Online (Without Tearful Returns)
These retailers offer excellent options with generous return policies:
- Swimsuits For All – Inclusive sizing with virtual fit consultations
- Lands’ End – Cup-sized swimwear with impressive quality
- Miraclesuit – Premium shaping technology worth every penny
- Summersalt – Data-driven fit from thousands of body scans
- La Blanca – Designer styles that actually understand curves
Ready to make waves? The perfect swimsuit for your body exists – and now you know exactly how to find it.
This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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.
Last update on 2025-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API