The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Most Flattering Swimsuit for Your Body Shape
Photo Credit:DéboraNascimento
Shopping for a swimsuit shouldn’t feel like an emotional obstacle course, but for many women, it does. Dressing rooms, harsh lighting, inconsistent sizing, and mirrors that feel more critical than helpful can turn a simple purchase into a frustrating experience.
The problem isn’t your body.
It’s that most swimsuits aren’t designed with real proportions in mind.
This guide isn’t about “fixing” anything. It’s about understanding how your body is shaped and choosing swimsuit styles that work with those proportions, not against them. When the cut, structure, and support are right, confidence tends to follow naturally.
Inside this guide, you’ll find:
Clear explanations of every major body shape
Practical swimsuit features that actually make a difference
Real shopping recommendations so you’re not guessing or scrolling endlessly
No vague advice. No generic “wear what you love” answers that leave you stuck.
And if you’re not sure which body shape category you fall into yet, that’s completely normal.
Not sure what your body shape is? Take our Body Shape Quiz to get a clear answer before you shop, so every recommendation in this guide actually applies to you.
How to Identify Your Body Shape (Quick & Practical)
Finding your body shape doesn’t need to be complicated. You don’t need to fit perfectly into a category, and you don’t need exact measurements for this guide to work.
The goal is simple: understand your overall proportions so you can choose swimsuit styles that feel supportive, balanced, and comfortable.
The Most Common Body Shapes (Quick Overview)
Most women fall close to one of these categories, even if they don’t match it exactly.
Apple Body Shape
Fuller bust and midsection
Less defined waist
Slimmer hips and legs
See full Apple body shape styling tips
Pear Body Shape
Hips and thighs wider than shoulders
Smaller bust or narrower shoulders
Weight carried more on the lower body
Read the full Pear body shape guide
Hourglass Body Shape
Bust and hips are similar in width
Defined waist
Curves are evenly distributed
Learn more about the Hourglass body shape
Athletic / Rectangle Body Shape
Shoulders, waist, and hips are similar in width
Little waist definition
Lean or straight silhouette
Get the complete Athletic/Rectangle body shape styling tips
Inverted Triangle Body Shape
Broader shoulders or bust
Narrower hips
Weight carried more on the upper body
Learn more about the Inverted Triangle bodyshape
Why Most Women Don’t Fit Perfectly Into One Box
Here’s the part most guides skip:
body shapes are a spectrum, not a checklist.
You might:
Have an apple-shaped torso but pear-shaped hips
Be athletic overall but fuller in the bust
Fluctuate between shapes depending on weight changes, hormones, or life stage
That doesn’t make the system broken. It just means fit matters more than labels.
Why Swimsuit Fit Depends More on Proportions Than Size
Swimsuits aren’t forgiving like jeans or dresses. Small differences in proportions make a big difference in how a suit fits and feels.
What actually matters:
Where you carry volume (bust, stomach, hips)
Torso length
Shoulder width vs. hip width
The structure of the swimsuit, not the size on the tag
Two women wearing the same size can need completely different swimsuit styles to feel comfortable and supported.
That’s why choosing swimsuits based on body shape and proportions works better than sizing up or down.
The Easiest Way to Find Your Body Shape
If you want clarity before shopping, you have two easy options:
Take the Body Shape Quiz
Perfect if you don’t want to measure anything. It takes about five minutes and looks at how clothes actually fit and feel on your body.
Use the Body Shape Calculator
Best if you already have your measurements and want a precise breakdown based on proportions.
Once you know your shape (or your closest match), the swimsuit recommendations below will make a lot more sense and save you serious time.
Best Swimsuits for an Apple Body Shape
If you carry more weight through your midsection but love your legs, the goal isn’t to “hide” your body—it’s to choose swimsuits that create balance, offer support where you want it, and feel secure enough that you’re not adjusting all day.
Quick Apple Body Shape Traits
Fuller midsection
Bust often needs support
Slimmer legs and hips
What to Look for in Swimsuits
These features tend to work especially well for apple-shaped bodies:
V-neck or scoop necklines to draw the eye upward
Ruching or wrap-style details through the torso for gentle smoothing
Supportive bust construction like underwire, molded cups, or wide straps
Light structure through the midsection without feeling stiff or restrictive
What to Skip
Straight bandeau tops with no support
Ultra-thin or flimsy fabrics that cling to the stomach
Suits with zero shaping or internal lining
Top Swimsuit Picks for Apple Shapes
Option 1: Supportive One-Piece with Ruching or Wrap Detail
Swimsuits For All
Crossback V-Neck One Piece Swimsuit
$104
Swimsuits For All
High Neck Wrap One Piece Swimsuit
$125.00
Why it works: This style defines the bust, softens the midsection, and lets your legs take center stage. Look for versions with built-in cups or tummy-control lining for extra confidence.
Option 2: Structured Two-Piece or Tankini with High-Rise Bottoms
Swimsuits For All
Bra Sized Crochet Underwire Tankini Top
$124.00
Swimsuits For All
Bra Sized Drape Front Underwire Bikini Set
$136.00
Why it works: A supportive top paired with a high-waisted bottom gives you flexibility in sizing while offering subtle coverage where you want it. This option is great if you prefer a two-piece without feeling exposed.
Want More Apple-Shape Styling Help?
Best Swimsuits for a Pear Body Shape
If you have a pear body shape, your hips are wider than your shoulders, your waist is defined, and your bust is typically smaller. The goal when shopping for swimsuits is simple: balance your proportions by drawing attention upward while keeping the lower half streamlined.
The right swimsuit doesn’t hide your shape. It works with it.
Quick Pear Shape Traits
Hips wider than shoulders
Smaller or moderate bust
Naturally defined waist
What to Look for in Swimsuits for Pear Shapes
When shopping, prioritize styles that create visual balance from top to bottom.
Eye-catching tops
Prints, ruffles, lighter colors, texture, or interesting necklines help bring focus to your upper body.Simple, streamlined bottoms
Solid colors and clean cuts prevent extra bulk through the hips.Higher leg cuts
High-cut bikini bottoms visually lengthen the legs and slim the hip area.
What to Skip
Some details work against pear proportions and are best left on the rack.
Heavy ruffles, ties, or embellishments on bottoms
Thick side straps or skirted bikini bottoms
Super-low-rise bikini bottoms that shorten the leg line
Top Swimsuit Picks for Pear Shapes
Option 1: Statement Bikini Top + Solid High-Cut Bottom
Cupshe
x Lexi Rivera Just Basking Black Bikini Set
$43.00
Swimsuits For All
Crisscross Cup Sized Wrap Underwire Bikini Set
$143
Why it works: A bold or detailed top pulls the eye upward, while a clean, high-cut bottom keeps hips looking balanced and legs longer.
This combo is one of the most flattering choices if you have wider hips and want a bikini that feels modern, not matronly.
Option 2: One-Shoulder or Ruffled One-Piece
Swimsuits For All
Sheer Thing Black One-Piece Swimsuit
$39.00
Summersalt
The Ruffle Backflip
$115
Why it works: Asymmetry, ruffles, or shoulder details add visual weight to the upper body, creating proportion without needing shapewear or compression.
This is an especially strong option if you prefer one-pieces but still want definition and shape.
Want More Pear-Shape Styling Help?
If you want deeper guidance beyond swimwear, these will help you build a wardrobe that works year-round:
They break down silhouettes, cuts, and shopping tips that consistently flatter wider hips.
Best Swimsuits for an Hourglass Body Shape
If you have an hourglass figure, swimsuit shopping is less about “fixing” proportions and more about preserving them. Your goal is to highlight your waist while keeping your top and bottom balanced.
Quick traits
Bust and hips are naturally balanced
Waist is clearly defined
What to look for
Waist-defining cuts that follow your natural shape
Classic silhouettes that don’t distort proportions
Supportive tops that feel secure without adding bulk
What to skip
Boxy or straight-cut one-piece swimsuits
Excess fabric that hides your waist or overwhelms your curves
Top Swimsuit Picks for Hourglass Shapes
Option 1: High-waisted bikini with a supportive top
Summer Salt
The Bow-Shoulder Ruched Sidestroke Bikini Top
$70
Why it works: High-waisted bottoms naturally highlight your waist, while a supportive top keeps everything proportionate and comfortable. This combo feels polished, timeless, and easy to wear.
Cupshe
Black Halterneck Bikini Top & High-Waisted Bottoms Set
$41.00
Option 2: Belted or contoured one-piece swimsuit
Cupshe
Nautical Nights Blue Swimsuit Set
$40.00
Swimsuits For All
Bandeau Adjustable One Piece
$58.80
Why it works: A belted or sculpted one-piece draws attention to your waist without relying on cutouts or heavy detailing. It enhances curves while keeping the look streamlined.
Want more hourglass-specific styling help?
→ Hourglass Body Shape Guide
→ Best Jeans for Hourglass Figures
Best Swimsuits for an Athletic / Rectangle Body Shape
Athletic or rectangle body shapes tend to have balanced proportions with less natural waist definition. The goal with swimwear is not to “fix” anything. It’s simply to add visual shape where you want it.
Quick traits
Straighter waist
Similar bust and hip width
What to look for
Cutouts, ruching, or gathering through the waist
Prints, texture, or contrast details
Asymmetrical necklines and one-shoulder styles
These elements help break up straight lines and create the illusion of curves.
What to skip
Plain, straight bandeau one-pieces
Ultra-minimal suits with no texture or detail
Very simple silhouettes tend to mirror the body’s natural straight lines, which can make swimsuits feel flat rather than flattering.
Top Swimsuit Picks for Athletic Shapes
Option 1: Cut-out or ruched one-piece
Swimsuits For All
Shimmer High Neck Cut Out Ring One Piece Swimsuit
$104
Cupshe
Serene Colorblock One-Shoulder Cutout One-Piece
$33.00
Why it works: Strategic cutouts and ruching visually cinch the waist, creating the appearance of curves without needing padding or heavy structure.
Option 2: Side-tie bikini bottom + textured or patterned top
Amazon
Halter Triangle Bikini Set
$32.99
Amazon
Floral Printed Bathing Suit
$19.89
Why it works: Side ties add width at the hips, while a textured or printed top adds dimension to the upper body, balancing proportions from top to bottom.
Want more athletic-shape styling help?
Best Swimsuits for an Inverted Triangle Body Shape
If you have broader shoulders or a fuller bust with narrower hips, the goal with swimwear is simple: shift visual focus downward and soften the upper body.
You don’t need to hide your shoulders. You just want balance.
Quick traits
Broader shoulders or bust
Narrower hips
Less visual weight on the lower body
What to look for
Simple, streamlined tops
Visual interest on the bottom (prints, ties, texture)
Wider straps or halter styles for comfort and support
What to skip
High-neck or racerback tops that emphasize shoulders
Heavy ruffles, frills, or embellishment on the bust
Top Swimsuit Picks for Inverted Triangle Shapes
Option 1: Minimal top + bold bottom
Swimsuits For All
Longline High Neck Bikini Set
$114
Amazon
Bandeau Bikini
$32.99
Why it works: A clean, simple top keeps the upper body quiet, while a printed or textured bottom draws the eye down and balances proportions.
Shopping notes:
Solid bandeau, scoop, or halter top
High-cut or tie-side bottoms
Patterns, lighter colors, or subtle texture on the bottom
Option 2: One-piece with a deeper neckline and hip detail
Cupshe
Wild Blossom Tummy Control Monokini Swimsuit
$38.00
Cupshe
Sunbaked Shore Brown One-Piece Swimsuit
$34.00
Why it works: A V-neck or plunging neckline breaks up shoulder width, while ruching, cutouts, or seams near the hips add shape below.
Shopping notes:
V-neck or wrap-style one-pieces
Belted or side-ruched details
Avoid straight, high-neck silhouettes
Want more inverted triangle–specific styling help?
→ Inverted Triangle Body Shape Guide
→ Wardrobe Staples for Inverted Triangle Shapes
Still Unsure? Here’s the Fastest Way to Shop Smarter
If you’re reading this and thinking, “I kind of relate to more than one body shape,” you’re not alone. Most women don’t fit perfectly into one category. That’s exactly why swimsuit shopping can feel frustrating.
The goal isn’t to label your body. It’s to understand your proportions so you can stop guessing and start choosing styles that actually work for you.
If you want a shortcut, here are a few smart next steps:
Not sure which body shape applies to you?
Take our Body Shape Quiz to get personalized guidance based on your proportions, not just generic advice.Want budget-friendly options with fast shipping?
Browse our roundup of Best Amazon Swimsuits, including flattering picks for different body shapes and coverage preferences.Prefer to compare brands before committing?
Explore The Best Places to Buy Swimsuits Online, with notes on fit, quality, price range, and who each retailer works best for.Shopping for a midsize or curvy body?
Don’t miss our dedicated guide to Swimsuits for Midsize Bodies, focused on real fit, support, and comfort.
Common Swimsuit Fit Questions
-
Swimsuits that smooth the midsection without squeezing tend to be the most flattering. Look for:
High-waisted bikini bottoms with structure
One-piece swimsuits with ruching or wrap details
V-neck or sweetheart necklines that draw the eye upward
The goal isn’t to hide your body. It’s to create balance and comfort so nothing feels like it’s working against you.
-
Not necessarily. Both can be equally flattering depending on cut, support, and proportion.
One-pieces work well if you like a streamlined look or want light tummy smoothing.
Bikinis, especially high-waisted styles, often highlight the waist more clearly.
Fit matters far more than the number of pieces.
-
Yes and you should. Most women don’t wear the same size on top and bottom. Mixing sizes helps you:
Get proper bust support
Avoid bottoms that dig in or slide
Feel more confident moving around
Many brands now sell separates for this exact reason.
-
To visually lengthen your legs, try:
High-cut bikini bottoms
Monochrome swimsuits (especially darker shades)
Higher-rise bottoms that sit above the hip bone
Avoid thick horizontal bands or low-rise cuts that shorten the line of the leg.
Creator Images used for editorial purposes only. All rights belong to their respective creators. We always link and give credit.
