Best swimwear for your body shape

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about The Best Swimwear for your Body Shape.

Choosing the perfect swimwear can be a daunting task, especially with the vast array of options available. The key to finding the right swimsuit is understanding your body shape and knowing which styles will accentuate your best features and provide the support you need.

Let’s take a look at the best swimwear options for various body shapes, including apple, hourglass, rectangle, pear, and inverted triangle. We’ll also discuss solutions for common “problem” areas such as a big bust or short legs, so that you can feel confident and comfortable at the beach or poolside.

Read on for some styling tips and to find out the best swimwear for your body shape.

Best swimwear for your body shape

The key to finding the perfect swimsuit lies in understanding your body shape and choosing a style that flatters your unique features.

All body types have positive and negative aspects, and the key rules to dressing for your body shape are:

• Accentuate and draw attention to what you like
• Camouflage what you don’t, and finally
• Flaunt your assets (within reason!)

So, what are the five key body shapes and the best swimwear for each one:

The hourglass body shape

The hourglass shape is often considered the most desirable and characteristics of this shape are a well-defined, narrow waist and perfectly proportioned hips and bust.

 Characteristics of The Hourglass Body Shape

• Well-balanced bust and hips
• Defined waist

As you get older, you may also begin to put some weight on around the stomach area; in which case you will also have some characteristics of the apple body type as well.

Some celebrities with the hourglass body shape include Sophia Loren, Dita Von Teese Salma Hayek, and Christina Hendricks.

Swimwear Tips for The Hourglass Body Shape

Do wear:

The aim with the hourglass figure is to highlight your curves and accentuate your waistline. Choose swimsuits that offer support for your bust and provide coverage for your hips. Just click on the image of any swimsuit that interests you below to find out more.

• Belted Swimsuits: Emphasize your waist with belted one-pieces or bikinis. Belts or waist-defining details draw attention to your narrowest point, highlighting your hourglass figure and creating a beautifully balanced look.
• Underwire Tops: Provide support for your bust while highlighting your natural curves. Underwire tops are essential for giving your bust the lift and support it needs, ensuring you feel comfortable and secure all day long.
• High-Cut Legs : Elongate your legs and accentuate your curves. High-cut leg openings make your legs appear longer and leaner, enhancing your overall silhouette.
• Color Blocking : A great way to accentuate your curves
• Wrap-Style Swimsuits: These accentuate the waist and enhance your hourglass shape.
• Two-Piece Sets: Mix and match two-piece sets that allow you to find the perfect fit for both your bust and hips, ensuring balance and comfort.

Don’t wear

When selecting swimwear for an hourglass-shaped body, it’s important to avoid styles that can disrupt the natural balance of your proportions or fail to provide adequate support. Here are some swimsuit styles to steer clear of:

• Avoid wearing mismatched tops and bottoms. This can make an hourglass body look disproportional
• High-Necked Swimsuits: These can disrupt the balance between your bust and hips. They can also shorten the appearance of your neck and upper body, which may not be the most flattering.
• Boy Shorts: While boy shorts can be comfortable, they tend to add bulk to the hips and can make the lower body look wider, disrupting the natural balance of your hourglass figure.
• Low-Support Tops: Swimsuits without sufficient support, such as bandeaus or string bikinis, can be unflattering and uncomfortable for a fuller bust.
• High-Waisted Bottoms with Excessive Coverage: Although high-waisted bottoms can be flattering, those with too much coverage or without a defining waistband can obscure your waistline and make your torso look blocky.
• Swimwear with Excessive Ruffles or Frills at the Waist: These can add unnecessary volume to your midsection, making it look wider and less defined.
• Boxy One-Pieces: Straight-cut one-pieces without any waist definition can hide your natural curves and create a more rectangular appearance, which doesn’t do justice to your hourglass figure.

Problem Areas and Solutions:

Big Bust : Many hourglass body types have a big bust. If this is you, choose swimwear with adjustable straps, underwire, and full coverage to ensure proper support. Adjustable straps allow you to customize the fit, while underwire provides the necessary lift and support for a larger bust.

The Apple body shape

As the name suggests, the apple body shape has no defined waist and tends to carry weight on the stomach. The best asset for the apple shape is their lovely slim legs!

Some celebrity apples include Oprah Winfrey, Rebel Wilson and Drew Barrymore.

 Characteristics of the Apple Body Shape :

• Fuller midsection and upper body
• Slimmer legs and hips

Although, some women are ‘born apples’, many of us tend towards this shape once we hit the big 4-0.

The aim with the Apple Body Shape is to draw attention away from your midsection while highlighting your assets (ie your amazing legs!).

Swimwear Tips for The Apple Body Shape:

Do wear:

You have both a full bust and a rounded stomach. For this body type, look for a swimsuit that draws the eye away from the midsection to focus on other areas of your body. Just click on the image of any swimsuit that interests you below to find out more.

• Swimwear styles that provide support for your bust, such as underwire bikini tops or tankinis with a supportive bra.
• Tankinis and High-Waisted Bottoms : These styles help to create a defined waistline and provide coverage for the midsection. Tankinis offer the versatility of a two-piece with the coverage of a one-piece, making them perfect for those who want to disguise their tummy while still looking stylish. High-waisted bottoms can also help to tuck in the midsection and accentuate the waist.
• Ruched Swimsuits: Ruching can help to conceal the tummy and create a flattering silhouette. This design feature is particularly beneficial for apple-shaped bodies as it provides a slimming effect around the midsection, drawing attention away from the area you may want to downplay.
• Deep V-Necklines: These draw attention upwards and elongate the body, balancing out the midsection. A deep V-neckline creates a focal point at the chest and neck, making the torso appear longer and leaner.
• Both plain and patterned tops can look good on this body type. A dark colored top can help to minimize fullness while a patterned one, such as a tankini, can work to disguise tummy bulge.
• Swimsuits with Embellishments : to draw attention to whichever body feature you prefer.

Don’t wear

When selecting swimwear for an apple-shaped body, it’s important to avoid styles that can draw attention to or emphasize the midsection. Avoid :

1. Low-Rise Bottoms: These can accentuate the midsection and create an unbalanced look, making the torso appear shorter and wider.
2. Bold, Horizontal Stripes: Horizontal stripes across the midsection can widen the appearance of the torso, drawing attention to the area you may want to minimize.
3. High-Necked Swimsuits: High necklines can make the torso look broader and shorter, and they often draw attention to the chest and shoulder area, which can make the midsection appear larger.
4. String Bikinis: These offer minimal support and coverage, which might not provide the shaping and control needed for the midsection.
5. Monokinis with Cut-Outs at the Waist: Cut-outs at the waist can draw unwanted attention to the midsection and disrupt the visual balance of your silhouette, emphasizing the area rather than concealing it.
6. Bandeau Tops: These can flatten the chest and create a blocky appearance, which might not be the most flattering for an apple shape. They also provide little support for the bust.

Problem Areas and Solutions:

Tummy Control : Look for swimsuits with built-in tummy control panels to smooth and support the midsection. These panels can provide extra confidence and comfort, ensuring that you feel secure and supported while enjoying your time at the beach or pool.

The Pear body shape

The key characteristics of the pear body shape are (again as the name suggests), a wider lower body, so your hips are wider than your shoulders, and pears often have noticeable rears and chunky legs. Pears have a tendency to put on weight on their thighs and bums! Celebrities with this body type include Kim Kardashian (hourglass/pear), Jennifer Lopez and America Ferrera.

Characteristics of the Pear Body Shape:

• Wider hips and thighs
• Smaller bust and defined waist

The aim with the Pear Body Type is to choose styles that draw attention above the waistline and keep the focus on the top half of the body.

Swimwear Tips for The Pear Body Shape :

Do wear:

Look for swimsuits that draw attention to your upper body and create the illusion of a more even figure. Opt for tops with details like ruffles, patterns, or bright colors to add volume to your chest area. High-cut bottoms or bikinis with side ties can help elongate your legs and create a more balanced look. Just click on the image of any swimsuit that interests you below to find out more.

• A-Line Swim Dresses: These flatter your lower body while providing coverage for your hips and thighs. A-line swim dresses flow away from the hips, creating a balanced silhouette and drawing attention to your upper body.
• Bold Tops with Simple Bottoms: Draw attention upwards and balance out your proportions. Light and /or bright colored or patterned tops paired with solid, dark bottoms can shift the focus to your upper body, creating a more balanced appearance.
• High-Cut Bottoms: Elongate your legs and create a more balanced silhouette. High-cut bottoms can make your legs look longer, helping to balance out your wider hips and thighs.
• Ruffles worn above the waistline : Add balance to a pear shape by making the top half of the body seem larger
• Plunging Necklines and Halter Tops: These styles can emphasize your upper body and create a balanced look.

Don’t wear

When selecting swimwear for a pear-shaped body, it’s important to avoid styles that can emphasize or add bulk to the hips and thighs, as well as those that minimize the bust area too much. Here are some swimsuit styles to steer clear of:

1. Boy Shorts and Skirted Bottoms with Excessive Coverage: These styles can add unnecessary bulk to the hips and thighs, making the lower body appear wider, and they can also shorten the appearance of your legs.
2. Low-Rise Bottoms: Low-rise bottoms can draw attention to the widest part of your hips and may not provide enough coverage, emphasizing your lower body.
3. Horizontal Stripes on Bottoms: Horizontal stripes can make your hips and thighs look wider, drawing attention to the area you might want to downplay.
4. Solid, Dark-Colored Tops with Bright, Patterned Bottoms: This combination can draw attention to your lower body and make it appear larger in comparison to your upper body. It’s better to reverse this, using dark bottoms and bright tops to shift the focus upwards.
5. High-Cut Legs Without a Balancing Top: While high-cut legs can elongate the legs, if the top doesn’t balance out the look, it can still emphasize the wider hips. Ensure the top is bold and draws attention upward to balance the silhouette.
6. Ruffles or Embellishments on Bottoms: Decorative elements on the bottoms can add volume and draw unwanted attention to the hips and thighs. It’s better to opt for simpler, sleeker bottoms.
7. String Bikinis with Minimal Coverage: These offer minimal support and can emphasize the hips and thighs. Opt for bottoms with more coverage and structure for a more flattering look.

Problem Areas and Solutions:

Full Hips and Thighs: Look for swimwear with darker, solid-colored bottoms and brighter or patterned tops to draw attention upwards. This contrast helps to balance your proportions, making your body appear more evenly distributed.

The Rectangle body shape

The rectangle body (often called the “boyish” body type) is again aptly named as, in this case, your body goes straight up and down with no defined waist. Your waist, hip and shoulder measurements are all similar. Many models tend to have this body shape – celebrities include Cameron Diaz, Natalie Portman and Kate Moss and this is one of the easiest body shapes to style.

 Characteristics of The Rectangle Body Shape:

• Straight silhouette with little definition at the waist
• Balanced bust and hips

This body shape doesn’t have a lot of curves, and so the aim in dressing this shape is to create the illusion of curves, by defining the waist and creating curves on the bottom or top.

Swimwear Tips for The Rectangle Body Shape

Do Wear :

The aim is for The Rectangle Body Shape is to create the illusion of curves, so opt for swimsuits that add volume to your bust or hips, such as padded or push-up bikini tops. Just click on the image of any swimsuit that interests you below to find out more.

• Monokinis and Cut-Outs : These styles create the illusion of curves by adding definition to the waist. Monokinis with strategic cut-outs can give the appearance of a more defined waist, creating a curvier silhouette.
• Swimwear with frills, embellishments or gathered fabric. This will create the illusion of curves
• Padded Tops and Ruffled Details : Padded tops can enhance your bust, while ruffles and embellishments add dimension and interest to your figure.
• Bold Prints and Patterns : Mixing patterns and bold prints can add visual interest and break up the straight lines of the body, adding the appearance of curves. Look for swimsuits with bright colors, bold prints, and eye-catching patterns to add a sense of fullness and shape to your body.
• Bikinis with ties on top and bottoms : Create the look of a larger bust or wider hips
• High leg swimsuits : Highlight and lengthen the look of athletic legs
• Peplum and Skirted Bottoms: These styles can add volume to the hips and create a more defined waist.
• Belts or Waist Details: Swimsuits with belts or detailing around the waist can cinch in the midsection and create a more defined waistline.

Don’t Wear :

Avoid Swimwear Styles that accentuate the rectangle shape as they don’t add any definition.

• Low-Support Tops: Tops without support or structure can make the bust appear smaller and flatter, failing to create curves on the upper body.
• Straight-Cut One-Pieces: These can accentuate the rectangular shape by not adding any definition to the waist. They may make your body look even more straight-lined.
• Boy Shorts: Boy shorts can emphasize a straight silhouette and add bulk to the hips, which might not help in creating a more defined shape.
• Solid, Single-Color Swimsuits Without Details: Monochrome swimsuits without any embellishments or patterns can make the body look flat and accentuate the lack of curves.
• High-Neck Swimsuits: High necklines can create a boxy appearance and make the shoulders look broader without defining the waist.
• Horizontal Stripes: Horizontal stripes across the entire swimsuit can reinforce a straight, boxy look and diminish the illusion of curves.

Problem Areas and Solutions:

Lack of Curves: Opt for swimsuits that create the illusion of curves through strategic design elements like padding and ruffles. These features help to add volume and shape where needed, enhancing your natural figure.

The Inverted triangle body shape

So I am sure that you can guess that the inverted triangle has a larger upper body, with shoulders being wider than the hips. Your best assets are your slim waist and legs.  Celebrities with this body shape include Demi Moore,  Cindy Crawford and Teri Hatcher.

Characteristics of The Inverted Triangle Body Shape:

• Broad shoulders and back
• Narrow hips

The aim to styling an inverted triangle is to accentuate your lower body, so it’s a great idea to wear a brightly coloured, printed or horizontally striped bottoms (keeping the darker colors for the top!). It’s essentially the opposite of a Pear Body Shape.

Swimwear Tips for The Inverted Triangle Body Shape:

For an inverted triangle body shape, characterized by broader shoulders and a narrower waist and hips, the goal is to balance the proportions by drawing attention downward and adding volume to the lower body. Just click on the image of any swimsuit that interests you below to find out more.

Do wear

• Halter Tops and Wide Straps : Halter top swimsuits are your best friend for an inverted triangle body type, as they draw attention to the neck and shoulders while balancing out your overall proportions. Look for halter tops with wider straps, additional padding or underwire to provide structure and enhance a fuller bust.
• Skirted Bottoms and Side Ties: Add volume to the hips, creating a more proportional look. Skirted bottoms and side-tie designs add interest and width to your lower body, balancing your broader upper body.
• V-Neck and Plunge Tops: These styles can draw attention downward and create a lengthening effect on the torso, balancing the upper and lower body.
• Solid-Colored Tops with Bold Bottoms: Opt for solid colors on top and bold patterns or bright colors on the bottom to draw the eye downward and add volume to the hips.
• Peplum and Skirted Bottoms: These can add volume to the lower body, creating a more balanced silhouette.
• High-Waisted Bottoms: These can enhance the appearance of the hips and create a more proportionate look.
• Side-Tie Bottoms: Side-tie or ruched bottoms can add volume to the hips and create the illusion of a wider lower body.
• Bandeau Tops: Bandeau tops can minimize the appearance of the shoulders and draw attention away from the upper body.

Don’t Wear :

Avoid Swimwear Styles that draw attention to the Upper Body

• High-Neck Tops: High-neck swimsuits can make the shoulders appear even broader and can create a top-heavy look.
• Bold, Bright, or Patterned Tops: Bright colors and bold patterns on the top can draw attention to the upper body, emphasizing the width of the shoulders.
• Racerback Styles: These can also emphasize the shoulders and upper back, drawing attention to the broadest part of the body.
• String Bikinis: String bikini tops may not provide enough support and can emphasize the broadness of the shoulders without balancing the overall silhouette.
• Horizontal Stripes on the Top: Horizontal stripes can make the upper body look wider and draw attention away from the hips.

Problem Areas and Solutions:

Broad Shoulders : Choose swimsuits that minimize the width of the shoulders through strategic necklines and designs. These styles help to create a more harmonious and balanced silhouette.

Common Problem Areas and Solutions for All Body Shapes

Petite Body: If you have a petite frame, you’ll want to find swimwear styles that elongate your body and create the illusion of length. Opt for high-cut bottoms to lengthen your legs and make them appear taller. Avoid overwhelming prints or oversized details that can overpower your small frame.

Protruding Tummy: Opt for Tummy Control Swimsuits that feature built-in control panels or shaping fabrics that help to smooth and flatten the tummy area. One piece swimsuits with built-in tummy control will be very flattering. If you’re wearing a bikini opt for high-waisted bottoms. Also, ruffles or peplum designs around the waist can help to distract the eye and provide coverage, creating a more balanced and flattering look.

Big Bust: Look for swimsuits with underwire, thick straps, and full coverage to ensure proper support and comfort. Adjustable straps are a good idea too as these enable you to tailor the fit to your body, ensuring maximum comfort and support.

Short Legs: Elongate your legs by choosing swimsuits with high-cut leg openings to create the illusion of longer, leaner legs, enhancing your overall silhouette. Vertical stripes and patterns also create the illusion of length and a taller silhouette, as vertical lines draw the eye up and down, making your legs appear longer and more proportionate.

Long Torso : Break up the length of your torso and create a balanced look with strategically placed cut-outs on the sides or at the waist.

Small Bust : Enhance your bust with padding and push-up styles. These features add volume and lift, creating the appearance of a fuller bust. Also, ruffles, bows, and other embellishments add dimension and interest to your bust area.

Final Thoughts about Best swimwear for your body shape

Finding the best swimwear for your body shape is all about understanding your proportions and selecting styles that enhance your natural features. Whether you’re an apple, hourglass, rectangle, pear, or inverted triangle, there’s a perfect swimsuit out there for you.

Don’t forget to consider solutions for any specific “problem” areas as well so you can enjoy your time at the beach or poolside, knowing you look and feel your best.

I hope you enjoyed this feature about The Best Swimwear for your Body Shape, and have a look here for more of our style features.

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