Back in the day, swimsuits only served the purpose of covering a woman’s body. As such, it resembled an outfit consisting of long bloomers and a belted dress.

This combination proved to be effective in concealing a woman’s figure. Thanks to swimming becoming an Olympic sport, swimsuits became less restrictive to improve functionality.

The modern version of swimsuits evolved from there, so we can say it’s thanks to the Olympics that we now have the freedom to flaunt our curves rather than hide it.

However, this leads to the modern problem: what is the best swimsuit for your body type? Read on to learn how to find the perfect swimsuit for you.

1. Know Your Body Type

Swimsuits look different on different body types because of the way the cloth drapes on your body and the way they highlight certain areas. That explains why the style you like may not be flattering for your body even if it looks good on the model.

See which description fits your body best.

Hourglass Shape

An hourglass shape has characteristics defined by bust and hip measurements that are about the same with the waist being significantly smaller.

Many consider this as an ideal body shape.

Pear or Triangle Shape

Pear-shaped bodies are wider on the hips than on the waist and bust. This can make it seem like their shoulders and bust aren't as big as they are.

Inverted Triangle Shape

This shape is the reverse of the pear shape. It’s characterized by the bigger measurements in the bust and shoulder area than in the hips area.

A typical inverted triangle body has little to no definition in the waist area.

Apple Shape

Apple-shaped bodies are rounder with a fuller waist. That doesn’t mean that the bust and hips areas are thin. They can be full, too, although the midsection has bigger measurements.

Straight or Rectangle Shape

In this body shape, there’s no significant difference between the bust, waist, and bust size. Some people refer to this as a flat body figure. Fortunately, it's not that difficult to work around.

2. Not Sure Which Body Type You Have?

Stand in front of a mirror with only your undies or birthday suit. This should give you a good idea of what body type you have. If you’re still unsure, however, get a tape measure and measure your:

• Shoulders – measure high on your shoulders
• Bust – measure on the fullest part
• Waist – measure on the smallest part
• Hips – measure the fullest part

Once you have the numbers, calculate the ratio and use that as a reference when determining your body shape to get the best swimsuit for your body type. 

You can also use an online calculator and input your measurements. Once you put in your measurements, it will show you what body type you have.

3. Get the Best Swimsuit for Your Body Type

Once you know your body shape, you should now determine what would fit it best. The key is to make your body look balanced by choosing the right top and bottom.

Hourglass Shape

The fashion industry considers this to be the best shape because the bust, waist, and hips are well-proportioned. Women with this body type can wear almost anything they want because it will look good most of the time.

There are only a few things to note. If you have a heavy bust, look for tops that can provide ample support. Halter tops and underwires work wonders.

If you want to emphasize one of your features, choose a design that draws the eyes to that area. If you want to focus on your hips, for instance, choose high-cut bottoms.

Pear or Triangle Shape

Because the upper part of your body is narrower, you should enhance this area instead. Try bikini tops with a busy design, such as those with fringes, ruffles, and prints. If you want to show cleavage, get a push-up swimsuit top.

You should also try halter and triangle tops; these bring the eyes upwards. Avoid skimpy tops as they do the opposite.

Your swimsuit bottom should then be the opposite. Wear plain ones – high-waisted or not (both work well) – and avoid designs that will bring attention away from the top.

Inverted Triangle Shape

For inverted triangle body shapes, you need to do the opposite. So that means you should go for busy prints, ruffles, and fringes for your bikini bottoms. High-leg cuts are also great at emphasizing your hips.

If you want to draw attention away from the shoulders, highlight the middle of your chest instead. Get a plunging neckline or a top with a cute detail in the middle.

You may also choose to wear one with wide straps, which also works great for minimizing busts.

Apple Shape

People with a bigger midsection area might want to hide this using more materials. However, this will only bring more attention to that area and add bulk.

You should instead go for a one-piece swimsuit with cut-outs on the side of the body. This will balance out the body shape.

Look for designs that emphasize your upper and lower body parts, too. Plunging necklines and shirred bottoms are great at drawing the eyes to the top or bottom without them getting stuck in the middle.

Straight or Rectangle Shape

The same concept applies here. Look for one- or two-piece swimsuits with cute designs on the top or the bottom.

Push-ups allow you to show cleavage. Meanwhile, ruffled tops can create a contrast between your bust and waist.

High-cut bottoms are great at giving your body a nice shape, making your hips appear wider. One-piece swimsuits may also give the illusion of a smaller waist.

4. What Are You Aiming for?

You should also consider what look you want to achieve with the swimsuit. Some individuals with apple-shaped bodies, for example, may prefer to cover the midsection to bring less attention to it.

If it’s the same for you, choose a swimsuit that will accentuate the other parts of your body. Or, choose a design with a slimming effect on the tummy area.

Be Comfortable with Your Choice

The best swimsuit for your body type is the one you feel comfortable in. 

If you’re not comfortable with the body type you have, choose something that can give you confidence. If a swimsuit gives you confidence, but people say it doesn’t flatter your body type, don’t listen to them!

Wear whatever gives you confidence, but there’s nothing wrong with hiding what you consider to be problematic, too. All body types are beautiful.

As long as you feel beautiful and confident with your choice, it doesn’t matter what body type you have in the end.

If you need any help in choosing among our wide array of swimsuits, contact us now.

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