Summer is almost here and we’re ready for some fun in the sun! Whether you’re headed to your backyard swimming pool, community pool, beach, or lake, you want to feel comfortable and confident. Choosing the right swimwear might be a bit tricky since it can hug us in all the wrong places if we’re not choosing pieces that are flattering and comfortable for our body type.
Women come in all shapes and sizes, and although body types do not change, weight loss or weight gain may influence how certain pieces look on your body. But know this: no matter what season of life you’re in, you look amazing! Today we’ll be breaking down the best, most flattering one-piece swimsuits based on each body type so you can feel confident, beautiful, and happy when you hit the water. But remember, it’s ultimately what makes YOU feel the best that’s important! Confidence is key.
The 6 Body Types And Their Best Swimsuit Styles
If you are unsure of your body type, you can take a quiz to figure what that might be (here is a good reference). Taking measurements of your body will definitely assist you in determining your body shape. You may even find that your body does not fully identify with just one body type — it may be a combination of two. Don’t be afraid to try different styles on your quest to discover what you feel best in.
Athletic/Rectangle
This body type is described as being “straight”, with similar shoulder and hip measurements. The waist is not overly defined, giving the frame a straighter, more rectangular look. The bust is also proportional to the rest of the body. You might be more muscular than you are curvy, although you don’t necessarily need to be athletic to have an athletic body shape. Those with this body type give off a more lean-looking frame.
Style Tip: Choose pieces that will break up your frame by creating focal points on your body. Think off-the-shoulder pieces, a cinch at the waist like a belt to create a more defined waist, and interesting necklines like a halter neck or asymmetric cuts. Opt for high-cut silhouettes bottoms that will elongate your legs and create a curvier illusion.
Triangle/Pear
This body shape has wider hips and the bust and shoulder measurements are smaller than the hip measurements, creating a pear shape. The “spoon” body shape is also very similar to the “pear” shape. There is more weight being carried on the hips, booty, and thighs compared to the arms. You also have a more defined waist.
Style Tip: Choose pieces that will accentuate your waist like high-waist bottoms. For those with slimmer arms and smaller busts, you can create more volume on the upper body by wearing plunging necklines, off-the-shoulder silhouettes with ruched or gathered details, and colorful patterns (floral, tie dye, etc.). For the ladies with larger chests, choose pieces with thicker bands and clasps. A corset-styled one piece swimsuit with underwiring will offer more support as well.
Hourglass
The hourglass shape has hip and bust measurements that are about the same, with a smaller, well-defined waist. Most people consider this body shape to be the most proportionate, and many brands design with this shape in mind. Generally this body type will be flattered by most styles.
Style Tip: High-leg cuts are flattering as they will elongate your legs and accentuate the bum. Classic one-piece swimsuits are also flattering as they naturally hug the shape of your body. Details like string ties, ruching, mesh inserts, and colorblocking are also fun trends to incorporate into one-piece swimsuits.
Apple
This body type is also known as an “inverted triangle”, where the hips are more narrow than the shoulders. The waist typically slopes down into the hips.
Style Tip: Keep the top simple and refined — think sweetheart neckline or a bandeau, strapless neckline in more neutral colors with simple and chic trims. For the bottom half, you can play up with added design details. Swimming skorts are also good options for more modest preferences. Incorporating patterns, flounce or ruffled silhouettes will create more interest on the bottom half of the body.
Nina ruched metallic swimsuit – $260 
Norma Kamali Bill Mio Ruched Mesh One-Piece Swimsuit – $225 
Maaji Fierce Flow Reversible One-Piece Swimsuit – $154 
Rosaline One-Shoulder Tummy-Control Sarong Swim Dress – $96.60 
Cross Back Side-Tie Medium Coverage One Piece Swimsuit – $33 
Women’s Halter Swim Dress – $42
Diamond
The diamond shape will have broader hips than shoulders, narrower bust size, and wider waistlines. The arms and legs tend to be more slender with the waist being the widest part of the body.
Style Tip: Many neckline styles will be flattering on this body type. We recommend square neck or scoop neck silhouettes with some fun trims like self-ties. Choose pieces that skim the waistline like those with contrasting side panels. Bring attention to your legs by choosing higher-cut bottoms.
Round/Oval
Those with this body shape will have a fuller midsection and larger bust size in relation to the rest of the body, and narrower hips. This body shape is similar to the “apple”.
Style Tip: We recommend one-piece swimsuits with vertical designs to elongate the whole body. Princess cuts are flattering, slimming at the waist, and supportive for the bust. Ruching and waist ties will also create flattering focal points on the body.
What’s your body type? Which swimsuit will you be rocking this summer? Let us know below!
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