How to Choose the Perfect Swimsuit for Your Body Shape

Quick Answer

To choose the perfect swimsuit, first identify your body shape—pear, apple, hourglass, rectangle, or inverted triangle—then select pieces that highlight your favorite features and provide the support you need. Prioritize comfort and confidence over trends.

Shopping for a swimsuit can feel overwhelming, especially when you're unsure what will flatter your unique shape. But the right suit is out there—you just need to know what to look for. This guide breaks down how to choose a swimsuit for your body type, so you can focus on enjoying the sun and surf.

Whether you're shopping for a bikini or a one-piece, the key is to understand your proportions and what features you want to emphasize. We'll walk you through common body shapes and offer specific tips and product recommendations to help you make a confident choice.

Identify Your Body Shape

Before diving into swimsuit styles, take a moment to assess your body shape. Stand in front of a mirror and look at your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. Generally, body shapes fall into a few categories: pear (hips wider than bust), apple (waist wider than bust and hips), hourglass (bust and hips similar, waist defined), rectangle (bust, waist, and hips similar), and inverted triangle (bust or shoulders wider than hips).

Remember, these are just guidelines—you might see yourself as a combination. The goal isn't to fit into a box but to find swimwear that makes you feel great. Use your shape as a starting point, then try on different styles to see what feels right.

• Take your measurements: bust, waist, and hips to help determine your shape.
• Consider what you love most about your body—choose suits that highlight those areas.

Pear Shape: Balance Your Hips

If you have a pear shape, your hips are wider than your bust, so you'll want to draw attention upward. Look for bikini tops with details like ruffles, patterns, or brighter colors to add volume to your upper half. A triangle top with adjustable straps can also create a balanced silhouette.

For the bottom, opt for styles that offer more coverage and sit comfortably on your hips. High-waisted bottoms are a great choice because they provide coverage while still showing off your waist. The Brigitte Highwaist Bikini Bottom is designed with a full-coverage silhouette that celebrates curves gracefully, making it a perfect match for pear shapes.

• Choose tops with embellishments or bold prints to add visual interest.
• High-waisted bottoms can smooth and flatter your lower half.

Apple Shape: Define Your Waist

For apple shapes, the waist is less defined, and weight is often carried in the midsection. The goal is to create the illusion of a waist and elongate your torso. High-waisted bikini bottoms are excellent because they provide coverage and can smooth your midsection, giving a more defined look.

Pair them with a supportive top that offers good coverage, like a triangle bikini top with wide straps. The Lauren Wireless Triangle Bikini Top features wide straps for added comfort and stability, making it a comfortable choice for apple shapes. The strappy back adds a stylish touch that draws the eye outward.

Avoid bottoms that dig into your waist; instead, look for soft, non-restrictive bands that move with you.

• High-waisted bottoms can provide tummy control and a sleek line.
• Look for tops with wide straps for extra support and comfort.

Hourglass and Rectangle Shapes

If you have an hourglass figure with a defined waist and balanced bust and hips, you can pull off most swimsuit styles. To accentuate your curves, choose bottoms with shirring or details that highlight your hips. The Rita Vintage-Inspired Bikini Bottom features softly shirred sides that enhance natural curves, making it a flattering option.

For rectangle shapes, where the waist isn't very defined, you might want to create curves with ruffles, padding, or high-cut legs. Look for tops with removable padding to add volume to the bust, and bottoms with side ties to add interest to the hips.

Remember, these are just starting points—try different styles to see what makes you feel most confident.

• Hourglass: highlight your waist with high-waisted or tie-side bottoms.
• Rectangle: add curves with padded tops and ruffled or shirred bottoms.

Large Bust: Support and Style

If you have a larger bust, support is your top priority. Look for bikini tops with underwire, molded cups, or wide straps that provide structure. A triangle top with removable padding can also offer light support while allowing you to customize the shape.

The Lauren Wireless Triangle Bikini Top is a great choice for those who prefer a wireless option. It features wide straps for added comfort and stability, and removable padding for customizable shaping. However, for very large busts, a longline or underwired style might offer more support.

Consider tops with a strappy back design, which can provide extra support and a stylish look.

• Wide straps distribute weight more comfortably.
• Removable padding lets you adjust coverage and shape.

Styling Tips for Every Body

Beyond body shape, consider your lifestyle and where you'll wear the swimsuit. If you're planning active water sports, opt for secure fits and fabrics that stay in place. For lounging, you can prioritize style and comfort.

Don't be afraid to mix and match sizes—you might need a different size top than bottom. Many brands sell separates, allowing you to find the perfect fit for both halves. Parfait offers bikini tops and bottoms separately, so you can create a customized set that flatters your unique shape.

Finally, always check the care instructions to keep your swimsuit looking its best. Rinse after swimming and hand wash with mild detergent to extend its life.

• Mix and match top and bottom sizes for a perfect fit.
• Consider your activities—choose more secure styles for active days.

Decision Rules for Choosing Your Swimsuit

• Identify your priority: Decide whether you want more support, more coverage, or to highlight a specific feature. This will guide your style choices. Your priority determines the silhouette you should look for.
• Match bottom to your lower half: If you have a pear shape, choose a bottom with less detail and pair it with a statement top. If you have an apple shape, opt for high-waisted bottoms that smooth and define. The bottom should balance your proportions, not compete with the top.
• Choose top based on bust size: For larger busts, look for underwire, molded cups, or wide straps. For smaller busts, consider ruffles or padding to add volume. Support and comfort are non-negotiable for larger busts.
• Consider mix-and-match options: Since many brands sell separates, you can pair a top that fits well with a bottom that flatters your shape, even if they're different styles. Don't settle for a set that doesn't fit both halves perfectly.

Products That Fit Your Shape

• Lauren Wireless Triangle Bikini Top - Strappy Back, Removable Padding - Dark Mint: Wireless triangle cups for a natural, lightweight feel with light support and removable padding for customizable shaping, plus wide straps for added comfort and stability. This top is ideal for those who want light support and the ability to adjust shape. The wide straps help distribute weight, making it a comfortable choice for medium busts.
• Brigitte Highwaist Bikini Bottom - Rumba Red: Full-coverage silhouette that celebrates natural curves with grace and comfort, with a soft, non-restrictive fit. A high-waisted bottom like this provides coverage and can help define the waist, making it a great option for pear and apple shapes.
• Rita Vintage-Inspired Bikini Bottom - Shirred Sides, Hip-Level Fit - Black: Vintage-inspired silhouette that sits comfortably at the hips, with softly shirred sides that enhance and flatter natural curves. The shirring adds texture and visual interest to the hips, which can help create curves for rectangle shapes or highlight an hourglass figure.

Fit Guidance

Best for

• Pear shapes looking for a top that adds visual interest and a bottom that offers coverage.
• Apple shapes needing tummy control and a defined waistline.

Not for

• Very large busts that require maximum support—consider underwired or longline styles instead.

Choosing a swimsuit for your body shape is about understanding what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Use these guidelines as a starting point, but always trust your own preferences. With the right fit and style, you'll be ready to enjoy the water in no time.