Searching for the best swimsuit can be a delightful experience, especially when considering your body type, personal style, and planned activities. You should carefully consider every detail: the most suitable colour, style, model, and preferred bathing attire style. A correctly chosen swimsuit helps present a silhouette in the best light and speaks volumes about its owner’s good taste, regardless of body shape. Every flaw can be visually concealed and transformed into an asset with a few simple tricks. It is important to feel comfortable and confident on the beach, so experiment with different styles and not be afraid to try something new.
In this post, we will look at the best swimsuit styles that are most suitable for the 5 body shapes. Be sure to click on the live links provided under images.
Therefore, start your swimsuit shopping journey by understanding your body shape and identifying areas you want to accentuate or downplay. Secondly, consider your style, the most suitable colour, model, preferred bathing attire style, and planned activities. Take note of your size; almost every brand has a sizing chart for an optimal fit.
Rectangle Body Shape (Straight Up and Down):
The rectangle body type is defined as the most straightforward shape.
If, when you measure your shoulders, bust, and hip widths, the measurements consistently align, it is likely that you have a rectangle shape. In other words, you may have slim shoulders, hips that are nearly as wide as your shoulders, a smaller-to-average bottom and bust and limited waist definition.
If you have this body shape, you have the flexibility to wear almost any bikini or swimsuit, and it will appear flattering.
Nevertheless, given your relatively straight silhouette, it’s beneficial to be aware of the swimsuit styles that are most effective in enhancing the illusion of curvier hips, waist, and breasts.
- Consider one-piece belted swimsuits or swimsuits with cutouts that create more of an hourglass figure and define the waist to enhance your silhouette.
- Ruffles, patterns, or embellishments can create an excellent illusion of curves.
Hourglass Body Shape
The Hourglass body shape is often referred to as the epitome of the feminine body shape. Named for the well-defined contours of the waist in comparison to the bust and hips.
Measure your shoulders, bust, and hips. Similarly to the rectangle shape, these measurements will be approximately the same width, creating a balanced frame with a narrower waist. A medium-to-large bust complements the proportions of the hips and bottom. The distinctive feature of the hourglass is the well-pronounced waist contour. If your waist exhibits a significant indentation, it serves as another indicator of an hourglass body shape. The figure is curvy and well-balanced, making it perfect for showcasing swimwear. So, if you happen to have an hourglass figure, the sky is the limit regarding swimwear choices. However, the only thing that might limit you is really your own figure features, i.e. the size of your bust or possible weight fluctuation.
When choosing a swimsuit for this body type, highlight your unique waist and opt for swimwear that highlights your figure rather than concealing it. While the hourglass body shape is relatively rare, it can be achieved through
- Aim for swimsuits that highlight your curves.
- One-piece swimsuits with cutouts or two-piece bikinis with a halter top can be flattering.
- Look for styles with a defined waist.
Pear Body Shape (Smaller on Top, Fuller on Bottom):
The main characteristics of the pear body, or triangle body shape type, are a slimmer upper body and wider hips and legs.
When you measure your shoulders, bust, and hip widths, If your shoulders and bust measurements are noticeably smaller than the width of your hips, you likely have a pear-shaped body type.
- Enhance your silhouette by drawing attention to your upper body, i.e. shoulders, arms, and back, while creating a definition at the waist for a more contoured look.
- One-piece swimsuits may be too tight at the bottom or too loose at the top when you’re a pear. If you’re struggling to get the right fit, try a tankini combo instead.
- Opt for tops with patterns, ruffles, or bright colours.
- Darker colours or solid bottoms can balance your silhouette.
Apple Body Shape (Fuller Bust and Midsection):
Prominent characteristics of an apple-shaped body involve a more circular outline, lacking definition in the waist.
When you measure your shoulders, bust, and hip widths, you likely have an apple shape if the measurements are closely aligned or even identical.
- Consider selecting a structured swimsuit that introduces sharp lines to your overall appearance.
- Opt for one-piece swimsuits with striking shapes and details around the hips and neckline, incorporating ruching to camouflage the tummy area and using darker colours around the middle to flatter a wider waist.
- If you want to go for a bikini, choose a bold statement design to draw attention to your neckline and supportive tops with underwire and thicker straps to provide good bust support.
- High-waisted bottoms can provide coverage and support for the midsection.
Inverted Triangle Body Shape (Broader Shoulders, Narrower Hips):
An Inverted Triangle, also known as an athletic shape, refers to an upside-down triangle shape where your upper body has larger proportions than your lower body.
In other words, if, when you measure the full width of your shoulders, bust, and hips, your shoulders and bust are approximately the same width, but your waist is significantly smaller, you likely have an inverted triangle body shape.
When shopping for swimsuits suited for athletic body types, the goal is to achieve a balanced proportion by visually diminishing the width of the shoulders and accentuating the natural curves of the hips and bottom. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Combine simple, dark tops with fancy, colourful bottoms to redirect attention from the shoulders to the hips and legs.
- Choose swimwear with plunging necklines to minimize the appearance of broad shoulders while highlighting cleavage.
- Select swimsuits with high sides and tie-side bottoms to draw attention to long legs and add definition to the hips.
- Enhance small hips and thicker waists by opting for swim bottoms with a high waistline or a curve-enhancing cutout monokini.
- Amplify the curve of a small bottom with swim bottoms featuring ruched details and a cheek-revealing cut.
Remember that these are general guidelines, and personal preference plays a significant role. Ultimately, the key is to feel comfortable and confident in whatever swimsuit you choose. Trying on different styles and experimenting with patterns, colours, and cuts can help you find the perfect swimsuit for your body shape and personal style.
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