What Bathing Suit for My Body Type? Tips to Find Your Perfect Fit!

Summer is just around the corner, and it’s time to hit the beach or pool! However, choosing the right bathing suit can be daunting, especially when unsure which style suits your body type.

Fret not, as I’ve compiled this guide to help you find the perfect bathing suit.

What we’ll cover – First, identify your body type. Then, consider the style of swimsuit that will work best for you. Finally, don’t be afraid to try on different styles and sizes until you find the perfect match. With these tips, you’ll be ready to hit the beach confidently!

That said, we’ll cover everything from swimsuits for pear-shaped bodies to styles that will enhance your curves so that you can feel confident and comfortable at the beach or by the pool.

Understanding Your Body Type

nine women of different sizes and shapes in two-piece swimwear posing at the beach

As a curvy woman, I know how important it is to find the right bathing suit that flatters my body type.

But you need to understand your body type before finding the perfect swimsuit. Here’s what you need to know:

Determining Your Body Type

a woman in her nude one-piece bikini holding a mirror besides a cactus plant

Determining your body type is the first step in finding the most flattering swimsuit. Here are the four most common body types:

  1. Hourglass: If you have an hourglass figure, your bust and hips are roughly the same size, and your waist is well-defined.
  2. Apple: If you have an apple-shaped body, you carry most of your weight in your midsection, and your bust is larger than your hips.
  3. Pear: If you have a pear-shaped body, your hips are wider than your shoulders, and you carry most of your weight in your lower body.
  4. Inverted Triangle: If you have an inverted triangle body, your shoulders are wider than your hips, and you carry most of your weight in your upper body.
  5. Rectangle: If you have a rectangle body, your shoulders, waist, and hips are roughly the same size, and you have a straight up-and-down shape.

Once you’ve determined your body type, you can look for swimsuits that flatter your shape. Remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and you may need to try on several styles before finding the perfect fit.

When shopping for a swimsuit, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Look for swimsuits that accentuate your best features and draw attention away from areas you’re less confident about.
  • Don’t be afraid to try on different styles, even if they’re outside your comfort zone.
  • Consider the fabric and cut off the swimsuit. Some fabrics and cuts are more flattering than others, depending on your body type.

With the right fit and style, you can rock any bathing suit and feel amazing.

Choosing the Right Bathing Suit

When choosing the right bathing suit for your body type, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, remember that confidence is key.

six women in their swimwear at the beach

No matter your shape or size, owning your body and feeling good in your skin will make you shine on the beach or by the pool. Here are some tips on finding a bathing suit that flatters your unique figure.

Swimsuits for Hourglass Body Shape

If you have an hourglass figure, you can accentuate your shape by looking for bathing suits that highlight your waistline.

a woman half sitting at the sand wearing a vertical line of yellow and white two-piece swim suit

High-waisted bikini bottoms or belted one-piece swimsuits can help draw attention to your hourglass figure. Also, halter tops or underwire tops can support and enhance your bust.

Swimsuits for Pear Body Shape

If you have a pear-shaped body, your hips, and thighs are wider than your shoulders and bust. To balance out your figure, look for bathing suits that draw attention to your upper body.

a plus-size woman in her nude two-swimsuit with cover up

Try a one-shoulder swimsuit or a top with ruffles or embellishments to add volume to your chest area. High-cut bikini bottoms can also elongate your legs and create the illusion of a longer torso.

Swimsuits for Apple Body Shape

If you have an apple-shaped body, your midsection is wider than your hips and shoulders. To create a more balanced look, opt for bathing suits that cinch at the waist or have ruching or draping in the midsection.

woman half laying down on her left side wearing a black one-piece swimsuit with cutouts on the neckline area

One-piece swimsuits with cutouts or plunging necklines can also draw attention away from your midsection and toward your upper body.

Swimsuits for Inverted Triangle Body Shape

If you have an inverted triangle body shape, balance out your figure, and look for bathing suits that add volume to your lower body.

a plus-size woman on her two-piece swimsuit sitting at one of the stones among the boulders

Try a skirted bikini bottom or a one-piece swimsuit with ruching or shirring on the hips. Additionally, tops with thicker straps or a high neckline can help balance out your upper body.

Swimsuits for Rectangle Body Shape

If you have a rectangular body shape, your hips, waist, and shoulders are all about the same width. So, to create the illusion of curves, look for bathing suits that add volume to your bust and hips.

woman in her sexy lacey white and black bikini at the beach

Try a bikini top with padding or ruffles or a one-piece swimsuit with a belt or cutouts at the waist. Additionally, high-cut bikini bottoms can elongate your legs and create the illusion of a more defined waistline.

Colors and Patterns

three women wearing a solid red, orange, and blue one-piece swimsuits

Choosing the right colors and patterns for your swimwear can make all the difference when flattering your body type.

Whether you have an hourglass, apple-shaped, pear-shaped, inverted triangle, or rectangle body shape, certain colors and patterns can help enhance your natural features and bring out your best assets.

Body TypeRecommended ColorsRecommended Patterns
HourglassSoft and feminine colors like pink, lavender, and baby blueFloral prints, polka dots, stripes
Apple-shapedDarker colors like black, navy, and burgundyVertical stripes, solid colors, color blocking
Pear-shapedBright and bold colors like red, orange, and yellowGeometric patterns, horizontal stripes, polka dots
Inverted TriangleEarthy colors like olive, brown, and rustStripes, color blocking, geometric patterns
RectangleBright and bold colors like fuchsia, teal, and coralFloral prints, polka dots, ruffles

These are general recommendations; you should wear whatever colors and patterns you feel most confident and comfortable in.

Accessorizing Your Bathing Suit

beach accessories laid out in the sand

As a curvy woman, choosing the right bathing suit is only half the battle. The other half is accessorizing it!

Here are some tips for choosing the right cover-up, footwear, sunglasses, hat, jewelry, and other accessories to complete your beach look.

Choosing the Right Cover-Up

woman in white one-piece bikini and white cover up posing at the beach with a big rock

Regarding cover-ups, there are so many options to choose from. From sarongs to kaftans to tunics, it can be overwhelming.

My personal favorite is a flowy maxi dress. It’s comfortable and stylish, providing coverage while letting my bathing suit shine. Plus, slipping on and off is easy when going to and from the beach.

Picking the Right Footwear

a feet on the sand with slipper

When it comes to footwear, you want something that’s both stylish and practical.

Flip flops are a classic choice, but try a pair of espadrilles or sandals if you want something slightly more elevated. They’ll keep your feet cool and comfortable while still looking chic.

Selecting the Right Sunglasses

woman wearing white sleeveless tee, red sun glasses and holding a red candy lollipop

Sunglasses are a must-have accessory for any beach day. Not only do they protect your eyes from the sun, but they also add a touch of glamour to your look.

When choosing sunglasses, consider the shape of your face. Round faces look best in square or rectangular frames, while square faces look best in round or oval frames.

Choosing the Right Hat

a woman's left hand holding a bottle of drinks and a summer hat

A hat is another essential accessory for any beach day. Not only do they protect your face from the sun, but they also add a touch of style to your look.

Floppy hats are a classic choice, but try a bucket hat or a fedora if you want something a little more trendy.

Picking the Right Jewelry

pearl accessories

When it comes to jewelry, less is more. You don’t want to wear anything too heavy or bulky that will weigh you down in the heat.

Stick to simple pieces like stud earrings, delicate necklaces, and thin bangles. And don’t forget to choose waterproof jewelry!

Other Accessories

camera at the top of an open notebook besides a summer bag on the sand

Other accessories to consider include a beach bag, a towel, and a water bottle. A beach bag should be big enough to hold all your essentials but not too bulky that it’s hard to carry.

A towel should be soft and absorbent, and a water bottle should be durable and easy to refill.

Accessorizing your bathing suit is all about finding the right balance between style and practicality. With these tips, you’ll be able to create a beach look that’s both fashionable and functional.

Wrapping Up

When choosing a swimsuit for your body type, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, consider the shape of your body and what areas you want to highlight or downplay. Second, think about the level of support and coverage you need.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to try on different styles and experiment with different colors and patterns.

No matter your body type, a swimsuit is out there for you. Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

Remember, confidence is key. So, rock that swimsuit with pride and enjoy your time in the sun.



Resources

Books:

  • “The Swimsuit: Fashion from Poolside to Catwalk” by Christine Schmidt
  • “The Bikini Book” by Kelly Killoren Bensimon

Websites:

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Maggie Walker
Maggie Walker

Certifications: Fashion Design (BA)
Education: School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Lives In: Chicago
Maggie has invaluable experience working in the fashion industry. Regarding fitting and clothing, only a select few can match up with her experience.
She oversees every aspect and has put her heart and soul into MadisonPlus.

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