Best Swimsuit Style For Your Body Type | You Got This, Girl!


Ready to dive into swimsuit season? Whether you’re gearing up for a beach vacation or simply looking forward to soaking up some sun by the pool, finding the perfect swimsuit can feel daunting. But don’t worry! We are here to help you discover the swimsuit that not only fits your style but also flatters your unique body type.
If you’re worried about how your body looks in a swimsuit, you’re not alone! We all have things we like and things we don’t like about your bodies. Thanks to the privilege of carrying life in our bodies, we don’t look the way we did when we were younger, and that’s okay! If you’ve ever felt insecure about how you look in a swimsuit, go to Europe (!), where the women sport swimwear they want to wear, and they (clearly) don’t give one flying flip about how they look to anyone else. They are so confident and empowered, and it’s a joy to see!
That said, choosing the best swimsuit for your body type can be a huge confidence builder! Today, we’re helping you highlight your best features and play down those you don’t love. So, grab your sunscreen (⬅️top rated by Consumer Reports for effectiveness) and let’s find the best swimsuit for your body type!
As always, click the pink text links or any image (including the collage above) for more information.
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Which Swimsuit Style is Best for Your Body?
Start by identifying your body shape, and go from there. God made every body beautiful!
Pear
If you’ve got a pear-shaped body, you’re rocking curves that are smaller on top and wider on the bottom. The key to finding the perfect swimsuit style for your body type is balance. Look for swimsuits that draw attention upward, like tops with ruffles, patterns, or a one-shoulder style. These details can help create more volume on top and balance out your proportions. Opt for high-waisted bottoms or a skirt that falls just below the largest part of the upper leg to create a more even silhouette.
Inverted Triangle
If you have an inverted triangle body shape, your shoulders are broader than your hips, giving you that strong and athletic vibe. When it comes to choosing the best swimsuit for this body type, the goal is to soften those broad shoulders and help balance out your lower half. Look for halter-style swimsuits or a deep v-neck to help define your upper body. Consider high-leg cut swimsuits or bottoms, they will make your hips look wider and create a great balance. Not a fan of high-leg cuts? Try tie-side bottoms instead. Embellishments like belts can also enhance a flattering “wider hip effect.”
Apple
If you’ve got an apple body shape, you’re rocking fuller curves around the midsection and bust, with narrower hips and legs. The key to finding the best swimsuit for this body type is providing support and creating a balanced silhouette. Look for swimsuits with supportive features like underwire or molded cups to lift and define your bust. Opt for bottoms with more coverage, such as high-waisted styles, to smooth and shape your midsection. Wrap-style suits or those with ruching can help to create definition at the waist and draw attention away from the midsection.
Rectangle
Black and White Bow-tie One Piece Bathing Suit with Skirt
If you’ve got a rectangle body shape, your curves are more subtle, with similar measurements for your bust, waist, and hips. The trick to finding the best swimsuit for this body type is to create curves and definition. Look for swimsuits that add volume and shape, like tops with ruffles, frills, or bold patterns to enhance your bust. Also, look for suits with a faux belt created by contrast stitching, like the one I’m wearing above or flattering paneling to create an hourglass illusion like THIS one. Another good option is strategic ruching that creates the illusion of definition.
Consider bottoms with belts or detailing like side ties to create the illusion of curves. Create fabulous curves with one-pieces that have strategically placed cutouts or two-pieces.
This is my body type! Now you know why I tend to jut one hip out to the side in most of my photos! I’m trying to create the illusion of a waist! This Miraclesuit from Chico’s creates the illusion of curves with the optical illusion the fabric pattern creates! Love it!
For my small busted girls, look for suits that you can order by cup size, like THIS one from Boden. High waisted bikinis work for this body type as well especially if the top has an underwire bra (bottom HERE).
SUZY’S PRO TIP: When ordering a bikini bottom, do what I do! Order a size larger than your normal size to avoid a too-tight fit that can create a muffin top.
Hourglass
With your perfectly balanced proportions and defined waist, you’re ready to rock any swimsuit style. When it comes to finding the best swimsuit style for your body type, it’s all about accentuating those curves. Look for swimsuits that hug your figure in all the right places, like belted or wrap styles that cinch at the waist to highlight your hourglass shape. Color-blocking suits can also accentuate your silhouette.
Here are a few of my favorite swimsuit shopping spots. We discovered a couple of new ones this year. 🩱 I have this swimsuit in my cart! The links below go right to the swim sections for each brand. Know that we prioritized modest backsides in all of our selections today!
- Lands’ End (Use exclusive code SWIMMING for 40% off!)
- Chico’s
- Draper James
- Albion Fit
- Nordstrom
- Tommy Bahama
- Summersalt
- Anne Cole
- Miraclesuit
- Cabana Life (SUZY15 for 15% off your purchase!)
- Boden
- Flaxmaker
Regardless of your body type, it’s important to try on different styles and cuts to find what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Don’t be afraid to mix and match separates or accessorize with cover-ups to create a look that suits your personality and style preferences.
I hope this post helps and makes your bathing suit shopping experience a good one! When you’re looking for the best swimsuit style for your body type, remember the European women! Confidence is key, so choose a bathing suit that makes you feel fabulous and hit the beach or pool with your head held high and good posture! When you rock it, give it all you’ve got and own your size and shape! You’re beautiful!
Thanks, Suzy! I love seeing women our age enjoying the pool and beach. Give me all the ruffles! And you look adorable! Such an inspiration.
Shannon,
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post!
I love the beach and was so happy to be able to shoot these photos back at our beloved Sanibel Island!
I so appreciate your comment!
xoxo
Suzy