Best Swimwear for Your Body Shape

Swimwear shopping can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a wide variety of styles, cuts, and fits. The key to feeling confident in your swimsuit is understanding your body shape and choosing a style that accentuates your best features. Everyone’s body is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to swimwear. In this article, I’ll break down which swimwear styles suit different body shapes, helping you feel fabulous at the beach or by the pool. Plus, I’ll dive into the world of swimwear cover-ups – perfect for adding some extra flair and coverage as you head from beach to bar.

Hourglass Shape

An hourglass figure has a balanced bust and hips, with a defined waist. This body shape can wear a wide variety of swimsuits. The most flattering will be those that accentuate your curves. If you’re a full hourglass and have a heavy bust, wider straps and/or underwiring will provide the support you need.

Best Swimwear Styles for Hourglass Figures:

Bikinis with High-Waisted Bottoms: High-waisted bikini bottoms draw attention to the waist while enhancing natural curves.
V-Neck One-Pieces: A one-piece swimsuit with a deep V-neck elongates the torso and draws attention to your curves.
Belted Swimsuits: A belted swimsuit highlights the waistline and adds structure to your overall shape. A belt or horizontal band detailing at the waist can also shorten a long body.

Best Cover-ups for Hourglass Figures:

Kimono Wraps: A loose, flowing kimono cover-up that ties or is elasticated at the waist can emphasize your curves without overwhelming your silhouette. The lightweight fabric moves beautifully and adds a touch of bohemian flair
Sarong Wraps: A sarong tied around the waist can accentuate your waistline while still providing coverage on the hips and thighs.

Oval Shape

An oval-shaped body tends to carry weight around the midsection, with slimmer legs and arms. The goal for ovals is to create balance and draw attention away from the waist. As they often have short necks, a low V neck can be particularly flattering.

Best Swimwear Styles for Oval Figures:

Tummy-Control One-Pieces: A one-piece swimsuit with built-in tummy control helps smooth the stomach area and adds support.
Bikinis with High-Waisted Bottoms: High-waisted bikinis offer tummy coverage while still creating a flattering silhouette.
Tankinis: A tankini top that covers the midsection but leaves the legs exposed can help balance proportions.
Ruching: Swimsuits with ruching (gathered fabric) or draping around the waist can distract from the stomach area and draw attention upward.

Best Cover-ups for Oval Figures:

Empire Line Dresses & Tunics: These are flattering for ovals as they skim over the midsection without clinging.
Maxi Sarongs: A longer, flowing sarong that wraps around the waist and hips can provide full coverage while maintaining a light, airy feel.
Flowy Tunics: A loose-fitting tunic that falls just above the knees can create a balanced look and draw attention to your legs.

Triangle Shape

A triangle-shaped body has wider hips and thighs compared to a narrower waist and shoulders. The goal for triangle-shaped figures is to draw attention to the upper body while balancing out the lower half.

Best Swimwear Styles for Triangles:

Bikinis or Swimsuits with Bold Tops: A bikini with a detailed or embellished top (like ruffles, patterns, or textured fabrics) draws attention to the upper body, balancing out the hips. Padded cups can further help to balance out the figure.
High-Cut Bottoms: Simple, high-cut bikini bottoms help elongate the legs and reduce the focus on wider hips. Avoid details such as tie sides which draw attention to the hips.
Swimdresses: A-line shape (loose around the hips) skims over the lower body while still offering support up top.

Best Cover-ups for Triangle Figures:

Long Robes or Kimono Styles: A long, loose-fitting kimono or robe can help balance your proportions, especially when it falls below the hips.
Flowy Maxi Dresses: A maxi dress with a cinched waist (or no waist at all) can create a fluid, balanced look by drawing attention upwards while covering the lower half.
Tunic Dresses: A flowy tunic dress that ends around mid-thigh can accentuate the bust while hiding the hips and upper thighs.

Rectangle Shape

This is a straight body shape with a balanced hip and shoulder line but a lack of waist definition. The aim is to create curves and add shape to the body.

Best Swimwear Styles for Rectangle Figures:

Bikinis/Tankinis with Details on the Bottom and Top: Bikinis with side ties, ruffles, or other decorative elements help add curves to the hips and bosom and enhance shape.
Ruched Swimsuits: Swimsuits with ruching at the sides or waist create texture and curves, making the body appear more contoured.

Best Cover-ups for Rectangle Figures:

Kimono: A loose kimono with a belt or tie at the waist can help create definition in an otherwise straight-lined silhouette.
A-Line Tunics: A simple A-line tunic dress that falls just above the knee can add volume and curves to the lower half.

Inverted Triangle Shape

An inverted triangle body shape features broader shoulders and a narrower waist and hips. The goal for inverted triangle figures is to balance the broad shoulders with the lower body.

Best Swimwear Styles for Inverted Triangle Figures:

Bikinis with Simple Tops: Choose tops with minimal details and simple lines (halter or bandeau styles) to reduce attention to the upper body.
Detailed Bottoms: Bikini bottoms with detailing such as side ties and ruching add volume to the hips and balance out broader shoulders. Wearing a print bottom will draw attention to your waist and hips. “Boy shorts” can also work well.
One-Pieces with V-Necks: A one-piece with a V-neck design can help soften broad shoulders while still offering support for the bust.

Best Cover-ups for Inverted Triangle Figures:

A-Line Tunic: A flowing A-line tunic can create balance by adding volume to the lower body.
Chiffon Sarongs: Lightweight and airy, chiffon sarongs provide coverage without adding bulk, and they’re perfect for creating flow at the hips.
Kaftan: A shortish kaftan with with detail (eg fringing) or a bold print at the hemline can help to balance the upper body.

Final Thoughts

The most important factor when choosing swimwear is that you feel confident and comfortable. Try moving around in it to make sure it’s a good fit and doesn’t “ride up” or dig in. The right swimsuit can flatter your body shape and boost your self-esteem, but there’s no need to be bound by rules—wear what makes you feel great! When it comes to cover-ups, think of them as an opportunity to express your personal style while enhancing your swimsuit look. Whether you opt for a chic kimono, a flowy maxi dress, or a simple sarong, the perfect cover-up can be the finishing touch that completes your beach or poolside outfit.

Above all, don’t get hung up about your less than perfect flesh when trying on swimwear in-store. Practically everyone has cellulite and wobbly bits and the lighting in most changing rooms is brutal! If you find swimwear that you like and that fits well, try it on at home in natural light. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much better you look.