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🩱 SWIMWEAR BY BODY SHAPE
Every summer I used to get excited about picking a swimsuit and then feel disappointed once I tried it on. Too tight not flattering or just not right for my shape. It took me a while to realise the problem wasn’t my body it was the style.
This guide is here to save you from those frustrating fitting room moments. You’ll finally know what works best for your unique body shape and feel amazing at the beach. Whether it’s a triangle bikini a bandeau top a one-piece or a sculpting cut there is a swimsuit made for you.
👇 Select your body shape (8 A V X H or O) to discover the best styles for you
Not sure about your shape? 👉 Take the body shape quiz
🩱 SWIMWEAR: PEAR OR TRIANGLE SHAPE (A)
If your hips are wider than your shoulders you likely have a pear shape also known as triangle silhouette. Your body is soft feminine and often comes with beautiful legs. The goal is to bring more volume to the top and balance the overall shape.
Some examples of swimwear
Models shown from left to right: black bandeau bikini top, ethnic print balconette, black deep V one-piece, colourful triangle bikini
Recommended style – two-piece swimsuits
- Tops with straight straps to define the shoulders
- Balconette tops
- Padded bandeau tops
- Push-up or moulded cups
- Tops with frills ruffles or eye-catching prints
- Triangle or halter tops with playful details
For bottoms
- Slightly high-cut briefs to lengthen the legs
- Low-rise briefs
- Low-rise shorties
- Dark colour bottoms to slim the hips
Recommended style – one-piece swimsuits
- Deep V neckline suits to draw attention upwards
- Halter neck one-pieces
- Dark shades for a sleek finish
Style tip Add a matching sarong or wrap skirt to lightly cover the hips and complete the look
Avoid
- One-piece swimsuits that exaggerate the difference between top and bottom
- Horizontal stripes on the bottom
- High-waisted briefs or shorties
- Side ties or ruffled briefs
👉 See other clothes that suit your A shape
🩱 SWIMWEAR: CURVY HOURGLASS SHAPE (8)
If you have a defined waist fuller bust and curvy hips you have a figure-eight silhouette. This body shape is naturally balanced and feminine. You can wear almost any style as long as it offers support and flatters your curves.
Some examples of swimwear
Models shown from left to right: coral triangle bikini, black balconette, multicolour bandeau bikini, black tankini
Recommended style – two-piece swimsuits
- Triangle tops
- Bandeau styles
- Halter neck tops
- Balconette or scoop tops with underwire
- Cup or corbeille styles for enhanced shape
- Tankinis for extra comfort
- Solid dark colours if you prefer a slimming effect
Full bust?
- Choose full-cup styles with underwire for proper support
For bottoms
- Shorties
- Brazilian cuts
- Tangas
- Briefs
- High-waisted shaping bottoms if you have a round tummy
Recommended style – one-piece swimsuits
- Trikinis
- Backless suits
- Deep plunge necklines
- Shaping swimsuits in solid matte colours
Style tip A sarong tied around the waist is perfect to highlight your hourglass shape
Avoid
- Triangle or bandeau tops if your bust is very full
- Overly decorative or knotted briefs if your hips are wider
- Horizontal stripes or large prints if you want to visually slim the figure
👉 See other clothes that suit your 8 shape
🩱 SWIMWEAR: HOURGLASS SHAPE (X)
Your shoulders and hips are in line with a naturally defined waist which gives you a well-balanced silhouette. Lucky you most swimwear styles will look great on you. You just need to choose cuts that highlight your waist and enhance your curves.
Some examples of swimwear
Models shown from left to right: black bandeau one-piece, draped halter push-up bikini with printed tanga, striped removable strap one-piece, pink triangle bikini
Recommended style – two-piece swimsuits
- Bandeau tops with underwire
- Triangle styles
- Halter necks
- Balconette or cup tops with underwire
- Push-up bras
- Moulded or padded tops
For bottoms
- Colour-blocked shorties
- Brazilian styles
- Tangas
- High-cut briefs
Recommended style – one-piece swimsuits
- Monokinis with side cut-outs
- Backless one-pieces
- Strapless swimsuits
- Deep plunging V necklines
- Trikinis
- Tankinis
Style tip A pareo or light wrap tied at the waist will perfectly frame your curves
Avoid
- Flat bandeau tops if you have a full bust
- Frilled or ruffled briefs if your hips are prominent
- High-waisted bottoms if you are petite
👉 See other clothes that suit your X shape
🩱 SWIMWEAR: APPLE OR ROUND SHAPE (O)
You have a generous bust a fuller midsection and beautifully soft curves. The goal is to feel confident and supported while subtly sculpting your silhouette. A well-chosen swimsuit will show off your neckline and legs while smoothing your tummy.
Some examples of swimwear
Models shown from left to right: underbust belted swim dress, sculpting one-piece with deep V neckline, polka dot tankini top, retro halter neck one-piece
Recommended style – one-piece swimsuits
- Lycra fabric with tummy control
- Dark shades to streamline the figure
- Deep V necklines to elongate
- Retro-inspired shaping cuts
Recommended style – two-piece swimsuits
- Balconette tops with underwire tied behind the neck
- Full-cup tops for better support
- Tankinis for midsection coverage
- Swim dresses for comfort and movement
For bottoms
- High-waisted briefs in dark colours
- Shaping fabrics for light compression
- Shorties that provide coverage
Style tip Complete your beach look with a flowing skirt or sarong to soften the midsection
Avoid
- Overly tight styles that squeeze or cling
- Horizontal stripes across the tummy
- Large bold prints that add volume
- High-cut legs or very bright colours
👉 See other clothes that suit your O shape
🩱 SWIMWEAR: INVERTED TRIANGLE SHAPE (V)
You have broad shoulders and a narrower hip line. This athletic shape can look incredibly striking with the right cuts. Focus on softening the top and adding playful volume to the hips to create balance and femininity.
Some examples of swimwear
Models shown from left to right: deep V one-piece with print, mismatched two-piece, black lace one-piece, orange frilled bikini
Recommended style – two-piece swimsuits
- Bikinis with light triangle tops and thin neck ties to reduce shoulder width
- Push-up or cup styles with neck ties for vertical lines
- Mismatched bikinis with plain dark tops and bright printed bottoms
For bottoms
- Prints polka dots florals and bright colours
- Shorties and full briefs
- Low-rise briefs with frills side ties or ruffles to add volume to the hips
Recommended style – one-piece swimsuits
- Deep plunge V necklines
- High-cut legs to elongate
Avoid
- Sports bra styles and bandeau tops
- Wide shoulder straps
- Straight or square necklines
- One-piece swimsuits with strong contrast between top and bottom
- Vertical stripes on the bottom half
👉 See other clothes that suit your V shape
🩱 SWIMWEAR: RECTANGLE OR STRAIGHT SHAPE (H)
If your waist is not very defined and your shoulders and hips align evenly you likely have a rectangular silhouette. The trick is to create curves by choosing styles that add volume on top and bottom and draw the eye to the centre.
Some examples of swimwear
Models shown from left to right: black trikini, black and white striped triangle bikini, black bandeau, orange triangle bikini
Recommended style – two-piece swimsuits
- Printed or mismatched tops to break the straight lines
- Triangle tops to soften the bust
- Padded bandeaus to enhance the chest
- Low-rise briefs
- Briefs with belts ruffles gingham ruching or florals
Recommended style – one-piece swimsuits
- Trikinis with asymmetric cut-outs to define the waist
- Deep V or cross-strap designs
Style tip A colourful sarong tied at the hips adds movement and helps define the waist
Avoid
- Horizontal stripes that emphasise straightness
- Sports bras and square-cut shorties
- Square necklines without shaping
👉 See other clothes that suit your H shape
🌟 Why choosing the right swimsuit for your body shape changes everything
A swimsuit that digs in gaps or rides up? It’s not your body’s fault, it’s just not the right cut. When you wear a style that suits your shape everything falls into place.
👉 By choosing the right swimsuit for your body shape you will
✅ Highlight your bust waist legs and hips in the best way
✅ Gently minimise any area you’re less confident about
✅ Avoid shapes that widen or flatten your silhouette
✅ Feel beautiful free and completely yourself
✅ Rock a flattering beach look with zero stress
✅ Finally enjoy swimsuit shopping and find what really fits
One-piece bikini trikini or tankini, there is a shape for every body. Ready to find yours?
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