The right bathing suit can do
wonders for your confidence, but how do you choose a style that suits your body
type? Should you go with light or dark colors? A one-piece or a two-piece
suit?
If you want to feel comfortable at
the beach or poolside, you'll want to find a bathing suit that fits you right.
We cover the most flattering bathing suits for every body type here so that you
can find the perfect one before summer starts.
Pear
Shape
The pear shape
or triangle body means you have a narrower bust and shoulders compared to your
hips. You likely have a defined waist.
Since pear-shaped bodies carry
weight around their bottom half, you want a swimsuit that balances out your
hips. Choose styles that have details on top, such as ruffles or stipes.
Pick suits with a black-colored bottom to draw the eyes toward your
waistline and away from your hips.
Swimsuits that show off your waist
are a good bet with this body type.
Hourglass
Shape
If you have an hourglass shape, your
bust and your hips are about equal in size, and you have a defined waist.
When shopping for
your swimsuit, choose designs that highlight your curves. Designs that
wrap around the body or bathing suits with belts flatter this body type
best.
Bikinis also look great on this body
type as they accentuate your curves.
Apple
Shape
The apple shape or inverted triangle
means you have balanced hips and shoulders. Women with the rounder
apple shape body type usually have slender legs but an undefined
waistline.
Look for swimsuits with fitted or
cinched waists. Full-coverage options work well with this body type. Certain
swimsuits even have built-in tummy tuckers.
Detailing around the midriff area
also helps flatter this shape.
Athletic
Build
If you have an athletic body type,
your body is likely more muscular than curvy. Your shoulders and hips should be
about equal. You might have a narrow waist, but it isn't defined.
Two-piece bikinis work well for this
body. Choose designs that accentuate your chest or styles that highlight your
curves.
You can find designs that work for
all body types, including athletic builds, among these best sellers.
Colors
and Patterns
Black is a particularly flattering
color that can make you look slimmer. Light colors, especially white, can
create the illusion of a larger frame.
Bright colors and patterns will draw
attention, which can work to your advantage if you're trying to highlight a
part of your body.
Some of the hottest bathing suit
trends involve swimsuits with different patterns and details on the top and
bottom. A suit that has a dark bottom and a patterned top can help draw
attention away from the hips and to your chest, for instance.
Make sure to keep these tips in mind
and what works for your body type when shopping for your beachwear
essentials.
Finding
the Most Flattering Bathing Suits
Use these tips if you're shopping
for the most flattering bathing suits. Understanding your body type can help
you feel confident and comfortable in the water.
For more summer fashion tips or ideas on making the most of the season, read some of our other articles.