How to Choose the Perfect Bikini for Your Body Type
Finding the perfect bikini is not about changing your body – it is about finding styles that highlight your best features and make you feel confident. Every body type has swimwear styles that will make you look and feel amazing, and understanding what works for your shape takes the guesswork out of shopping.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the most flattering bikini styles for different body shapes, helping you shop with confidence and find swimwear you will love wearing all summer long.
Understanding Your Body Shape
Before diving into specific recommendations, it helps to understand the basic body type categories. Most women fall into one of these general shapes, though many are a combination of types. Remember, these are guidelines – not rules – and the best swimsuit is always the one that makes you feel confident.
Pear Shape
Your hips are wider than your shoulders, with a defined waist. You tend to carry weight primarily in your lower body, including hips, thighs, and bottom. This is one of the most common body types and is beautifully feminine.
Apple Shape
Weight is carried primarily in the midsection, with slimmer legs and hips. Your shoulders and hips are roughly the same width, and you may have a less defined waist. Many apple shapes have gorgeous legs that deserve to be shown off.
Hourglass Shape
Your shoulders and hips are similar in width with a clearly defined, narrower waist. This classic silhouette is naturally balanced and proportionate.
Athletic or Rectangle Shape
Shoulders, waist, and hips are roughly the same width, with a straighter silhouette and often a naturally toned appearance. Athletic builds can pull off styles that might overwhelm other body types.
Best Bikinis for Pear Shapes
The goal for pear shapes is to draw attention upward while providing comfortable, flattering coverage on the bottom half. This creates visual balance and highlights your smaller waist.
Top recommendations: Bandeau tops, halter necks with embellishments, bright colors and eye-catching patterns on top. Ruffles, padding, and interesting necklines can add volume to your upper body to balance proportions.
Bottom recommendations: High waisted bikinis are absolutely perfect for pear shapes. They smooth the tummy area, sit at your narrowest point, and create an elongating effect. Darker colors on the bottom help minimize the hip area if that is your preference, while side ties can be adjusted for the perfect fit.
Best Bikinis for Apple Shapes
Focus on pieces that provide comfortable midsection coverage while highlighting your slim legs and bust. The right swimsuit draws attention to your assets while smoothing areas you are less confident about.
Top recommendations: Supportive tops with underwire or molded cups provide lift and shape. V-necklines elongate the torso and draw the eye vertically. Tankini styles offer extra coverage while remaining stylish and modern.
Bottom recommendations: High waisted bottoms with tummy control panels work wonderfully for apple shapes. One-piece swimsuits with ruching, wrap details, or strategic color blocking are also incredibly flattering and can create the illusion of a more defined waist.
Best Bikinis for Hourglass Shapes
Your proportions are naturally balanced, so focus on styles that emphasize your defined waist – your best feature. Most silhouettes work well on hourglass figures, giving you freedom to experiment with trends.
Top recommendations: Most styles work beautifully on hourglass figures. The key is ensuring proper support for your bust size – underwire and adjustable straps are your friends for comfort and lift.
Bottom recommendations: Classic bikini sets with matching tops and bottoms highlight your balanced proportions. High waisted styles accentuate your narrow waist beautifully. Wrap-style tops and bottoms with tie details also draw attention to your waistline.
Best Bikinis for Athletic Shapes
Create the illusion of curves with strategic styling choices. Your toned physique can handle bold choices that might overwhelm other body types.
Top recommendations: Triangle tops, push-up styles, and tops with ruffles or embellishments add volume and create curves. Halter necks create the appearance of a fuller bust while highlighting toned shoulders.
Bottom recommendations: Side ties, ruffles, and gathered details add dimension to the hip area. 3-piece sets with a cover-up skirt or sarong can add curves and movement to a straighter silhouette. Bold patterns and bright colors work beautifully on athletic frames.
Universal Flattering Tips
Regardless of body type, these tips work for everyone:
- Proper fit is everything. A well-fitting swimsuit in any style will always look better than a trendy piece that does not fit properly. Never size down hoping it will motivate weight loss.
- Quality matters. Invest in swimwear with good construction that will hold its shape and support you properly throughout the day.
- Dark colors are slimming in areas you want to minimize, while bright colors and patterns draw attention to your favorite features.
- Vertical lines elongate, horizontal lines widen. Use this principle to your advantage based on your goals.
Do Not Forget Cover-Ups
A great cover-up can complete your beach look and provide extra confidence during transitions. Flowing kaftans work for everyone, while fitted styles can accentuate your waist regardless of body type.
The Most Important Rule
Confidence is the most flattering thing you can wear. While these guidelines can help you find styles that work with your proportions, the best swimsuit is ultimately the one that makes you feel amazing when you put it on.
Do not be afraid to try styles outside these recommendations. Fashion rules are made to be broken, and you might discover your new favorite look by experimenting with something unexpected.
Ready to find your perfect match? Explore our full swimwear collection and discover styles that make you shine this summer.
