The summer season is right around the corner, meaning that the popular hunt for the perfect swimwear is just getting started. This is probably the time when we show off our bodies the most and therefore, it’s only natural for women to say that shopping for the right swimsuit for their body type can stir up some anxiety.
But you don't have to have a well-toned body to be able to show off on the beach; the secret is to find the right model and style that’s most flattering for your shape and feels good. Whether you have small or big breasts, wide or narrow hips, or a long or short torso, the goal is to find swimwear that you can feel comfortable in.
If you still feel unsure about which type of swimsuit accentuates your body shape in the best way, below we share some of our best tips and tricks for finding the perfect piece of swimwear that will allow you to relax and have fun.
Pear-shaped figure
If you have narrow shoulders and a narrow waist, wider hips than shoulders, and fuller legs or thighs, then it sounds like you have a pear-shaped body. This makes finding plus size summer outfits and swimwear a little tricky, but the most important thing for women with this figure is to find pieces that will emphasise their upper body and create a more even focus.
A trick is to wear a strapless bikini or bandeau bikini that makes the shoulders look wider. Remember that light colours highlight and dark colours hide. Many women with pear-shaped figures, therefore, choose a lighter upper part and a darker lower part to balance everything out.
So a stylish idea would be to get a top with a multicoloured or colourful print and a bottom that is in a darker but pretty colour. If you feel insecure about your lower body, a high-waist bikini is a perfect, slimming choice as it visually slims down the hips and hides the belly.
If you still feel hesitant, you can look at shapewear. Another fun and stylish option is to wear a sarong around your hip, for an extra trendy beach look.
Hourglass
Only 8% of women today have an hourglass figure. And if you’re one of them, then a halter top would be a flattering choice as it can emphasise the waist and highlight your shoulders.
If you have a larger cup size, it's nice to choose a bikini top with good support, such as a top with an underwire and straight straps. If you want to make the bust look smaller, you can choose a solid colour bikini or one in a simple colour. You can still keep a playful and chic twist through embellishments and different details.
Apple-shaped figure
The apple-shaped figure is characterised by slender legs and narrow hips with a slightly shorter and fuller torso. Usually, the shoulders and bust are larger than the hips, and the waist isn't well defined. Women with this body type should choose an extra low or high-cut bikini bottom that elongates and emphasises their upper body while making their legs look longer.
Choose a colourful model or one with lovely prints and patterns as it will make you look extra stylish. If you want to hide your belly, a swimsuit with or without shaping or a tankini with a wrinkled effect around the belly can help. In this way, you create more volume on the upper side and emphasise the smallest part of the waist.
Athletic body shape
If you would describe your body type as slim with subtle curves, then you have an athletic figure. To add shape to your figure, a statement bikini is an excellent option. Choose a top with ruffles, fringes, or prints that add impact and volume. Padded triangle bikinis or push-ups can also work wonders.
The inverted triangle
This body shape is characterised by shoulders that are noticeably wider than the hip line and a bust that narrows down to the hips, making the body appear like an inverted triangle shape. You can easily balance the shapes by accentuating your lower body.
Choose a lighter variation of colours for your bikini bottom and a darker colour without a pattern for the upper piece. You can also choose bottoms with cute details like frills to emphasise the hips. If you have a larger bust, it can be good to get a bikini top with extra support and underwire. Choose a model for a big bust such as a halter neck with firm straps.
Strategically choosing the perfect swimsuit for your body type doesn’t have to be difficult. Fortunately, today there are many ways to create the illusion of different shapes with the help of colours, patterns, ruffles, and frills, and use them to amplify or play down certain areas. So shop around, find the best swimsuit for your body type, and get ready for the summer.
