How to Find the Perfect Swimsuit for Your Body Shape

Quick Answer

The perfect swimsuit for your body shape emphasizes your favorite features and balances proportions. For pear shapes, opt for detailed tops and solid bottoms; for apple shapes, choose supportive tummy-control styles. Always prioritize comfort and confidence.

Finding a swimsuit that makes you feel confident can feel like a challenge, but it doesn't have to be. The key is understanding your body shape and knowing which design elements work with your natural silhouette. Whether you're shopping for a beach vacation or poolside lounging, the right swimsuit can enhance your best features and provide the support you need.

This guide breaks down the main body shapes and suggests specific swimwear styles that flatter each. We'll also share practical fit tips and highlight a few pieces from our collection that combine style and function.

Identify Your Body Shape

Before choosing a swimsuit, take a moment to assess your body shape. Generally, shapes fall into categories like pear, apple, hourglass, rectangle, and athletic. Pear shapes carry more weight in the hips and thighs, while apple shapes have a fuller midsection. Hourglass figures have balanced bust and hips with a defined waist, and athletic shapes are straighter with fewer curves.

Understanding your shape helps you pick swimwear that balances proportions. For example, if you have a pear shape, you might want to draw attention upward with embellished tops. If you have an apple shape, you might prefer swimsuits with tummy control or ruched details. Remember, these are guidelines, not rules—comfort and personal style matter most.

• Pear shape: fuller hips and thighs, smaller bust.
• Apple shape: fuller waist and midsection, slimmer legs.
• Hourglass: balanced bust and hips, defined waist.
• Athletic: straight silhouette, minimal waist definition.

Swimsuit Styles for Different Shapes

For pear shapes, look for bikini tops with ruffles, patterns, or padded cups to add volume to the bust. High-cut bottoms can lengthen the legs, while darker solid bottoms help minimize the hips. Avoid boy shorts that cut across the widest part of the thigh.

Apple shapes often benefit from one-piece swimsuits with ruching or draping around the midsection, which provides a slimming effect. Supportive underwire or molded cups offer shape and lift. High-waisted bottoms can also smooth the tummy while still allowing you to enjoy a bikini.

Hourglass figures can pull off most styles, but classic high-waisted bottoms and supportive tops highlight curves. Athletic shapes might want to create curves with padded tops, ruffles, or cutouts that add visual interest.

• For pear: choose bold, embellished tops and darker bottoms.
• For apple: opt for ruched one-pieces or high-waisted bottoms.
• For hourglass: high-waisted bottoms and supportive bras work well.
• For athletic: add volume with padding or ruffles.

Fit and Support Considerations

A well-fitting swimsuit should feel snug but not restrictive. Check that the straps don't dig into your shoulders and that the leg openings don't pinch. For bust support, look for underwire, molded cups, or adjustable straps, especially if you have a larger chest.

Also consider the fabric: French swim fabric, for example, is known for its softness and ability to hold its shape. When trying on swimwear, move around to ensure it stays in place. Remember that swimsuit sizes can vary between brands, so always refer to the size chart.

• Underwire and molded cups offer more support for larger busts.
• Adjustable straps allow a customized fit.
• Check fabric stretch and recovery to avoid sagging.

Decision Rules for Choosing a Swimsuit

• Pear shape: Choose a bikini top with ruffles, patterns, or padding to add volume to the bust. Opt for solid, darker bottoms to minimize hips. Avoid bottoms that cut into the thigh. Look for tops with embellishments and high-cut or Brazilian bottoms to elongate legs.
• Apple shape: Select one-piece suits with ruching or draping at the waist, or high-waisted bottoms that smooth the tummy. Supportive underwire tops provide shape and lift. Prioritize tummy control features and supportive cups for a streamlined look.
• Hourglass shape: Emphasize your balanced proportions with high-waisted bottoms and supportive tops that showcase your waist. Most styles will flatter, but avoid overly baggy suits that hide curves. Celebrate your curves with classic cuts that define the waist.
• Athletic shape: Create curves with padded tops, ruffles, or cutouts that add visual volume. High-cut legs and Brazilian styles can enhance the appearance of hips. Add feminine details to create a more defined silhouette.

Featured Swimwear Picks

• Aurora Sands Brazilian brief Boho: The Aurora Sands Brazilian bikini briefs in Boho reveal the curves with sensual elegance. The high-cut shape lengthens the leg and subtly enhances the hips. Tie details and beads accentuate its refined boho spirit. French swim fabric ensures comfort and beautifully showcases the iridescent print. If you have an athletic or rectangle shape, the high-cut leg creates the illusion of longer, curvier legs, while the tie details add visual interest at the hips.
• Crazy in Love Hipster: The Crazy in Love hipster brief combines a modern shape providing excellent coverage with all the sensuality of shimmering animal-inspired embroidery to create a style that gently hugs the curves for the ultimate in comfort. Entirely see-through, it features a decidedly sexy opening that subtly shows off the small of the back. For those with a pear shape who want more coverage, the hipster cut offers a comfortable fit that doesn't ride up, while the decorative details draw the eye upward.

Fit Guidance: Best For and Not For

Best for

• Pear shapes seeking to balance proportions with detailed tops and simple bottoms.
• Apple shapes wanting tummy control and support without sacrificing style.
• Hourglass figures looking to highlight a defined waist.
• Athletic builds aiming to create curves with ruffles or padding.

Not for

• If you prefer minimal coverage or very skimpy styles, high-waisted or one-piece options may not suit your taste.
• If you have a larger bust and need maximum support, triangle tops without underwire may not provide enough lift.

Finding the perfect swimsuit is about understanding your body shape and choosing designs that make you feel confident. Use these guidelines as a starting point, but always prioritize comfort and personal style. With the right fit, you'll be ready to enjoy the sun and surf.