Best Swimsuits by Body Type

The Most Flattering Swimwear For Every Body Type

9 August 2017 by Hannah Weil McKinley

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We've resolved to put an end to the fear and frustration that come with swimsuit and bikini shopping. From curvier frames to athletic body types, we're helping to make sense of the endless swimwear options and narrowing them down to the picks that were made to fit and flatter your frame. Want to know what you should be looking for? Read on to get the experts' dos and don'ts, find your perfect suit, and never hate swimsuit shopping again!

For even easier shopping, click below for your needs.

— Additional reporting by Gemma Cartwright

The pear shape: You're curvy at the hips and thighs and smaller on top, like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Jennifer Love Hewitt.
What to look for: The key to the perfect swimsuit is balancing your proportions and getting the coverage you need for your bottom half.
Tips and tricks:

For a traditional fix, look for a clean-skirted bottom that falls just below the largest part of the upper leg.
Avoid reaching for a boy short or thick-banded bottom. The extra fabric will only call attention to the area you're trying to mask.
A plunging neckline or eye-catching top draws the eye upward, minimising the bottom.

Large bust: Ample cleavage; you're busty and require more support up top like Brooklyn Decker, Katy Perry, and Sofia Vergara.
What to look for: If you're more well-endowed on top, then support is key. Opt for suits with underwire or moulded cups to give the girls the support they need. Avoid ruffles or embellishments up top if you're hoping to minimise the focus on your chest.
Tips and tricks:

Bra-style tops with underwire and adjustable straps provide extra bust support. The thicker the strap, the more support.
Higher backs are also a good fit for helping to keep the girls up.
Moulded cups provide extra support and are available in many different styles.
Explore brands that size like your regular bra, including styles that go above a D, which are constructed to support a larger bust.

Small bust: Proportionally, you're smaller on top with an A or B cup, like Kate Hudson.
What to look for: A smaller chest requires less support, so you can look for styles with more minimal coverage or embellished detailing, bows, and patterns to create the illusion of a larger chest.
Tips and tricks:

Triangle tops create the illusion of curves, as do tops with bold prints or embellishments with ruffles.
Bra tops and padded push-up tops offer extra lift and can create cleavage, as can certain halter tops.
A smaller bust always means you can wear tiny scoop tops or bandeaus — embrace them!

Athletic: You're more straight up and down and have fewer curves, like Cameron Diaz, Jessica Biel, and Jennifer Aniston.
What to look for: The name of the game is playing up your curves with styles that flaunt your frame. Suits with less coverage help to create the illusion of a shapelier figure.
Tips and tricks:

Tops or bottoms with bold prints, ruffles, and embellishments add intrigue and feminine flair and can create the appearance of more curve at top and bottom.
Monokinis create fabulous curves, as do one-pieces with slashes or strategically placed cutouts.
The smaller the swimsuit bottom, the fuller and curvier the derrière appears.
Tie-side bikini bottoms enhance curves and adjust perfectly to your size.

Tummy concealing: You're built a little more like an apple shape and carry your weight mostly in your middle.
What to look for: Whether you prefer to be covered up or you're out to slim your middle, there are a number of one-piece and two-piece suits, like high-waisted or tankini styles, that help to smooth out your middle.
Tips and tricks:

Shirring and ruching works miracles. The gathered fabric hides bulges and creates definition in the waist.
A figure-flattering wrap silhouette trims the waist with its crossover fabric.
If you carry your weight in the lower part of your belly, try on a retro-inspired, high-waisted bikini. They're on trend and ace for covering the abdomen.

Norma Kamali Ruched One-shoulder Bikini - Royal blue

Curvy: You're curvy throughout with a full bust, hips, thighs, and butt, like Christina Hendricks, Scarlett Johansson, and Kim Kardashian.
What to look for: For curvy frames, the key is to highlight your curves while providing enough support and coverage. If you're not keen on exaggerating your curves, then steer clear of monokinis or string bikinis with thicker ties, which can accentuate your widest areas.
Tips and tricks:

Asymmetrical suits draw the eye toward the neckline, highlighting the beautiful line from a woman's neck to her collarbone.
Colourblocking can help highlight your shape, as do retro suits (think high waists and boxy halter tops).

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