The first warm days of summer always bring a mix of excitement and trepidation. We can't wait to feel the sun on our skin and plunge into cool, refreshing water. But the idea of baring it all in a swimsuit? For many of us, that feels more nerve-wracking than invigorating. We stand frozen in the fluorescent light of a dressing room, struggling to find a suit that makes us look and feel amazing. Sound familiar?
It doesn't have to be this way. The key is understanding your unique figure and seeking swimwear that celebrates what makes you beautiful. In this guide, we'll introduce the most common body shapes and share tips for finding a perfectly flattering swimsuit for each. Get ready to enjoy the best of summer with confidence and style.
Identify Your Natural Body Shape
Instagram/@bondibornaustralia
First, it's helpful to identify your natural body shape, which is largely determined by your underlying bone structure. To do this, consider the width of your shoulders, waist and hips, as well as your overall proportions. There are five main shapes:
- Rectangle: Your shoulders, waist and hips are a similar width, with little definition at the waist.
- Triangle or "pear": Your hips are wider than your shoulders, with a defined waist.
- Inverted triangle: Your shoulders are wider than your hips, often with a straight waist.
- Hourglass: Your shoulders and hips are similar in width with a very defined waist.
- Apple: You carry more weight around your middle with slim legs.
Beach Riot, Anthropologie
Remember, this isn't about weight or size. It's about your beautiful, natural build. Women of all shapes and sizes can be equally healthy and attractive. The goal is understanding your body so you can find swimwear that highlights your favorite features and makes you feel your best.
Once you know your shape, you can start shopping strategically. First up, rectangle figures.
Best Swimwear for Rectangle Shapes
Farm Rio
If you have a rectangle figure, your main goal is creating curves and definition, especially at the waist. Look for these flattering details:
Recommended styles:
- Monokinis with cutouts at the sides to whittle the waist
- Bikinis with ruffled, twisted or tiered tops to add volume up top
- High-waisted bottoms to define the middle
- Belted one-piece suits to break up a straight silhouette
Agua by Agua Bendita
Shopping tips:
- Experiment with bright colors, bold prints and eye-catching details
- Avoid straight-across bandeaus that can flatten your shape
- Consider styles with built-in shaping panels for more definition
- Choose textured fabrics like ribbing or ruching to add visual interest
Mix and match ideas:
- Pair a printed top with solid bottoms to play up your upper body
- Try mismatched top and bottom sizes to get your perfect fit
- Experiment with colorblocking to create a nipped-in illusion
With these tips in mind, you're ready to rock your swimwear. Next, let's dive into advice for triangle shapes.
Best Swimwear for Pear Shapes
Zimmermann
Triangle figures tend to be smaller on top with fuller hips and thighs. To balance your proportions, highlight your upper body and waist. Keep an eye out for:
Recommended styles:
- Off-the-shoulder tops that create a horizontal line to visually balance your upper body
- Tops with embellishments, ruffles or padding to add volume
- High-cut leg openings to slim hips and elongate legs
- Skirted bottoms or boy shorts if you want more bottom coverage
By Anthropologie, Anthropologie
Shopping tips:
- Look for adjustable tops you can customize for your chest
- Experiment with lighter colors and prints on top, darker solids on bottom
- Avoid tight, low-rise bottoms that can dig in and create bulges
- Consider styles with built-in tummy control panels for a smooth silhouette
Mix and match ideas:
- Choose a bra-sized bikini top you can mix with various bottoms
- Pair a patterned top with dark solid bottoms to keep the focus up top
- Layer a tankini or rash guard over a bikini for extra coverage when you want it
Triangle figures have so many great options to play with. Now let's look at the opposite proportion, inverted triangles.
Best Swimwear for Inverted Triangle Shapes
Zimmermann
With an inverted triangle figure, you likely have enviable broad shoulders and a slim lower body. The key is balancing your proportions and playing up your bottom half. Here's what to look for:
Recommended styles:
- Thick, supportive straps and high necklines to support a larger chest
- Soft sweetheart tops and halters to open up the chest area
- Printed, embellished, or ruffled bottoms to add volume to your lower body
- Hipster and boyshort cuts to create the illusion of curves
Celandine, Anthropologie
Shopping tips:
- Avoid thin spaghetti straps that can dig in uncomfortably
- Look for styles with wide, supportive bands under the cups
- Consider tops with hidden underwires for extra lift
- Try on various bottom coverage levels to see what makes you feel best
Mix and match ideas:
- Pair a dark solid top with printed or embellished bottoms
- Choose mismatched top and bottom sizes to get a perfect fit
- Experiment with high-waisted bottoms to define your middle
With the right swimwear, inverted triangles can feel confident and stylish. Now let's look at advice for hourglass figures.
Best Swimwear for Hourglass Shapes
Zimmermann
Hourglass figures are all about balance, with a defined waist and similar hip and shoulder proportions. Your mission? Highlighting your incredible curves. Keep an eye out for:
Recommended styles:
- Wrap-style and surplice tops that nip in at the waist
- High-waisted bottoms to accentuate your curves
- Belted one-pieces that define your middle
- Retro and pin-up suit styles made for curvy figures
Beach Riot, Victoria's Secret
Shopping tips:
- Look for styles with hidden shapewear for an extra smooth silhouette
- Consider cups sized by bra size for the right fit and support
- Don't shy away from bright colors, prints, and shimmer
Mix and match ideas:
- Pair a solid bottom with a colorful, curvy-cut top
- Mix print scales, like a larger print top with smaller print bottoms
- Experiment with ruching and draping to flaunt your shape
Hourglass figures can really have fun with swimwear. Next up, tips for apple shapes.
Best Swimwear for Apple Shapes
H&M
Apple figures carry more weight around the middle, often with spectacular legs. The goal is to elongate the torso and draw the eye to those great gams. Watch for:
Recommended styles:
- V-neck tops that create a vertical line to elongate the torso
- Wrap-front and crossover tops that define the waist
- Tankinis and swim dresses that skim over the midsection
- High-cut leg openings that showcase slim thighs
Zimmermann
Shopping tips:
- Avoid shelf bra tops and tight tank styles that can compress the bust
- Look for adjustable side drawstrings to customize your fit
- Experiment with plunging necklines and mesh insets to elongate the front
- Consider styles with built-in tummy control panels for a smooth line
Mix and match ideas:
- Choose a swim dress with a flirty skirt that moves beautifully in the breeze
- Pair a draped tankini top with contrast color bikini bottoms to break up your silhouette
- Try a monokini with strategic cutouts to whittle the waist
Apple shapes look amazing in styles that define the waist and draw the eye up and down. Finally, let's wrap up with tips for every figure.
Shopping and Fit Tips for Every Shape
Maaji, Anthropologie
No matter your body type, you deserve a swimsuit that makes you feel amazing. Here's our universal swimwear advice:
Trying things on:
- Always try on several sizes, including at least one larger and smaller than you think
- Don't just assess the front view — turn around and sit down in each suit
- Give yourself time, take breaks, and repeat positive affirmations
Identifying quality:
- Check seams to ensure they lay flat without puckering
- Look for sturdy, reinforced openings that won't stretch out
- Make sure straps and bands feel firm and supportive
- Bend over to confirm you stay covered and supported
Instagram/@aguabyaguabendita
Caring for swimwear:
- Rinse suits in cool water immediately after wearing
- Wash in cold water with mild detergent after a few wears
- Always air dry, never put suits in the dryer
- Store flat in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight
Shopping online:
- Always check the size chart and measure yourself
- Read reviews for insights on fit and quality
- Order multiple styles and sizes to try on at home
- Look for free and easy return policies
Zara
One last note: Wearing the "wrong" swimsuit won't ruin your vacation or your life. Let go of rigid fashion rules and wear what makes you feel like a million bucks, whether that's a string bikini, a wetsuit, or something in between. Your body is perfect exactly as it is and deserves to soak up the sun.
So get out there and enjoy the warm weather. Cannonball into crystal clear water. Lounge on colorful beach towels with a book in hand. Chase down the ice cream truck and eat your cone before it melts. When you have a swimsuit you love, you're free to savor all the joys of summer. Happy swimming!
