How to pick the right bikini for your body type
Posted by ERIC ST-CYR
Summer is fast approaching so it is that time of year again to start shopping for swimwear. It can be difficult to choose the right bikini if you don’t know what you should be looking for in the perfect swimsuit. Whilst style and your own personal aesthetic are important factors when shopping for swimsuits, another equally important factor is your body type.
The right bathing suit depends largely on your body type as this dictates how your swimsuit fits, what body parts it accentuates, and other important stylistic factors. To help ensure you choose a swimsuit in which you feel comfortable and confident, we put together this swimsuit guide so that you can find the perfect bikini.
What is your body shape?
No two bodies are the same and many people do not even know what body shape they have.
Here are the main body type categories:
- Hourglass shape
- Pear shape
- Apple shape
- Rectangle shape
Hourglass Shape
Hourglass body types are often what you will see mainstream media call the ideal body size. Whilst the hourglass shape will allow you more flexibility with the clothes and swimwear that will look best on you, it is important to remember that there is no such thing as an ideal body type.
If you have an hourglass figure, your bust and hips will be virtually equal in size. You will also have a waist that is smaller than your bust and hips. As for proportions, your upper and lower body are well proportioned and you likely have more rounded shoulders and a perky bum.
Pear Shape
A pear body shape is another common body type. The defining feature of those with a pear-shaped body type is larger hips. All other body parts are smaller in proportion to your hips if you have a pear-shaped body. Most people with a pear-shaped body also have a smaller bust and narrower shoulders which is what creates the pear shape resemblance. Thanks to the larger hips of this body type, individuals usually also have a narrower waist. It is not uncommon for pear-shaped bodies to have muscular legs, although this is not always the case.
Apple Shape
People with an apple body shape have a larger and fuller bust as well as smaller hips, which is virtually the opposite of a pear body shape. On average, the upper half and midsection of people with an apple body type are wider and begin to narrow only at the hips. Broad shoulders and slim and slender legs are also key features of those with an apple body shape.
Rectangle Shape
Those with a rectangle body shape have all of their features almost the same size, all in proportion to each other. Their bust and hips are the same widths and their waist has a little definition, as the waist does not go in as it does with some other body shapes. Their shoulder line and ribcage are also the same widths. This is not a curvy body shape, as the body falls in line with the edges of a rectangle.
Most flattering bikinis according to your body type
Now that you’ve been able to identify your body type, it’s going to be much easier to find the most flattering bikinis. To help you choose, we created this guide of the best swimsuits for each body type so that you can live out your island goddess dreams this summer.
Best bikinis for an hourglass figure
Those with an hourglass figure can wear almost any style and pull it off, so you will easily be able to find swimsuits that look great on you if this is your body type. One of the best features of an hourglass body shape is the slim waist. If you want to accentuate this feature, we suggest buying a pair of high-waisted bikini bottoms as they cut through your hips and sit nicely on your waist, drawing attention to your waist. If bikinis are not your vibe but you still want a fashionable bikini that accentuates all your best parts, a one-piece swimsuit will allow you to achieve exactly that.
Shop for High-Waisted Bikini Bottoms
Best bikinis for the pear body shape
A pear body shape is an athletic body shape so it needs to be styled accordingly. It can be difficult to find a one-piece swimsuit that perfectly fits a pear body as they tend to either be too tight on your lower half or too big on your upper half. However, if you do not like wearing bikinis, you should look for a one-piece swimsuit that has a lot of detail up top as it will draw attention away from your hips.
If a bikini is more of your style, you should take full advantage of your smaller bust size and wear a strapless bikini. Bandeau bikini tops are gaining traction and will likely be a popular trend again this summer!
Best bikinis for the apple body shape
Apple body shapes, similarly to hourglass body shapes, look great in a high-waisted bottom bikini as it draws the waist in, hence bringing more attention to it and making the hips look less narrow. If you want to show off your figure, your bust area is your best asset, so it is smart to show it off.
The swimsuit style that will best allow you to flaunt this area of your body is a low-cut one-piece swimsuit. If you want to take it one step further, a deep-cut swimsuit will guarantee a goddess look on the beach. If you want a more modest look but still want to show off your curves, choose a plain bikini bottom and pair it with a tankini top. This will give you a bit more coverage whilst still drawing attention to your figure!
Best bikinis for the rectangle body shape
Our swimwear picks for those with a rectangle body type will always be a bikini as the classic bikini naturally affords a person curves, even if they do not have any. If you are going to go with a classic bikini, we suggest opting for classic triangle tops and bottoms. A string bikini set is also a great way to add a more daring look to a classic style.
If you prefer wearing a one-piece swimsuit, it is important not to buy just a regular silhouette as that will make your figure look boxy. Instead, create the illusion of a small waist and curves by shopping for a one-piece swimsuit that has cutouts around the waist. As for designs and prints for your bathing suits, anything a little bit over the top is what you want. Think bold prints, embellishments, and ruffles, as all of these things will draw attention to the body parts you want.
Shop for Classic Bikini Styles
Best bikinis for the athletic body shape
The athletic body shape tends to have broad shoulders, mid-sized busts, and muscular body parts, so when you shop for a bikini you need to keep all of these elements in mind. As these individuals tend to have fewer curves, the aim is to create the illusion of curves as well as visually narrow the person's proportions.
One of the best bikini styles for those with an athletic body type are the tops similar to sports bras as they do everything you want them to do. The wide straps make your shoulders appear more narrow and a plunging neckline draws attention to your bust!
Swimsuits for a large bust
One of the most important factors, when you choose a bikini for a large bust, is the amount of support it gives you. You want to be able to enjoy the water at the beach or in the pool without having to worry about a wardrobe malfunction, and many of the bikinis on the market simply do not cater to bigger-breasted women.
Our favorite style of bikini for upper body and breast support is a scoop top with thick straps as it affords you the best of both worlds. Those with a larger bust often want to show it off as one of their main assets, especially in the summer, and a scoop neck design allows you to do this.
