Sunday, 05 March 2023

What Swimwear Style to Choose for Your Body Shape

Written by Sherryn De Vos
Rate this item
(2 votes)

How many women do you know who are completely confident when it comes to purchasing swimwear? Well, finding the right swimsuit takes up a lot of time...

ladies in BikinisPh. Cottonbro Studio (Pexels)

Finding the swimwear style that feels right for your body shape is not that easy but we will help you choose the definitive best fit for you with the right tips.


Whether you are searching for high-waisted bikini bottom swimsuits or a comfortable one-piece, the most important thing is selecting the right swimsuit that will showcase your body perfectly on the beach. Here are a few styles you can choose depending on your body shape.

Woman i red swimsuitPh Ivanna Torres (Unsplash)

Curvy Body Shape

If you have fuller breasts, hips, thighs, and/or bottom, pick a swimsuit that flatters your curves while still giving you the support and coverage you need to feel confident and beautiful. Use contrasting hues to draw attention to the features you want to be highlighted and to downplay the features you want to conceal.

Highlight your figure with the smart use of colour blocking and use fabric structures to move the attention exactly where you want: by using panelling and ruching, you can hide your stomach and make it seem flatter; while with halter necklines and asymmetrical suits, you can attract attention to the neckline.

A design with horizontal stripes can lengthen your body while flatteringly clinging to your contours. Wearing a pattern that goes from your breast to your hips or even over your body can make you seem taller and slimmer.

Little to No Curves

The main goal for women who lack curves is to choose swimwear that creates the appearance of a more curvy silhouette. Trying swimwear with strong designs, horizontal lines, ruffles, and embellishments may make your upper and lower curves look more defined.

You can use a push-up bra or padded top to draw attention to your bust; while smaller bikini bottoms will make your bottom look larger and curvier. Less-coverage swimsuits are ideal for ladies with no curves too.

Pear-Shaped

The pear shape body type is the most common. If you have this body shape, you can try to balance out your proportions. If you want to emphasise your upper body, choose a swimsuit that accentuates your bust but here it is essential to have enough coverage for your lower half.

The most figure-flattering swimwear for a pear-shaped lady is a one-piece swimsuit, also known as a tankini. If you want to draw attention to your bust go for a top in a bold shade and if you want to hide your legs, choose a bottom with a solid hue.

Choose anything with a plunging neckline, off-the-shoulder, or a cutout to emphasise your curves and lift your shoulders.

Tummy Balance

If you tend to pack on the pounds around your middle, your first goal should be to help minimise that area. Choose a swimsuit that shows off your legs without revealing too much skin around your chest and stomach.

For a slimmer, more toned appearance, go for a one-piece swimsuit that conceals rather than exposes your stomach. With panelling and ruching, you may conceal your stomach and make it seem smaller.

A tankini will slim your waist and you can create the illusion of a longer torso by placing graphics along the centre of the body. One note: stay away from low-rise bottoms and bikini sets.

Full Bust

If you have a full bust, pick a top that will support you well. Sturdy straps, underwire, and preformed cups will offer you comfort and support while shaping your bust. Try on swimwear with bra cup sizes D, DD, and E to ensure a comfortable fit even if you have a fuller bust.

If you want to accentuate your bust, use a top with a V-shaped neckline or a halter neck. You should stay away from anything with slender straps, push-ups, padding, frills, or decorations on the chest area.

Small Bust

If you have a small bust, choose a top that gives the impression of more curves. Improving the appearance of your bust size is as simple as wearing a top with horizontal lines, ruffles, ornate embellishments, bows, or patterns. Padded or push-up shirts are excellent for adding curves and cleavage, as well as wearing a halter or triangle bikini top to highlight your bust.

women on th ebeach in swimwearPh. RODNAE Productions (Pexels)

Final Thoughts

When you go shopping for your next swimsuit, keep in mind that the fabric will expand when it gets wet. If you are uncertain about which size you should be choosing, you are better off picking the smaller one. Use our simple tips to help you figure out what type of swimsuit would be perfect according to your body shape. You can also practice some self-love and accept your body as it is: beautiful and perfect altogether.

These smart tips make fashion work for you! Find more in Fashions Finest blogs. Follow us on our Instagram account to support our work and receive our latest every week in your inbox when you sign up for our Friday newsletter.