Flattering Bathing Suits: Best Choices for Every Body Type

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.