For many women, the thought of buying a new swimsuit can be absolutely terrifying. And while it may not be possible to build self-confidence overnight, finding swimwear that is flattering, stylish, and makes you feel your best doesn’t have to be daunting.
From chic and sophisticated one-pieces to sleek and modern Bydee G-string bikini bottoms paired with a matching minimalist top, choosing swimwear that accentuates your body and highlights your best features will ensure you are ready for your next beach day.
Pear
Pear-shaped bodies naturally have smaller upper bodies and wider lower bodies. A common style trick is drawing attention to your upper body while minimizing your lower half. Halterneck tops for both one-pieces and bikinis will do a great job elongating your neck and drawing attention to your shoulders, neckline, and chest.
One-shoulder, asymmetrical styles balance proportions and create an interesting, stylish silhouette, while ruffles and other fun details can add volume to your upper body. Additionally, you can purchase swimsuits with tops in detailed patterns while the bottom is a solid color, which draws the eyeline up.
Hourglass
When purchasing swimsuits for hourglass figures, the goal is simple: to show off your curves without overcomplicating the style or design. Swimwear that features high-waisted bottoms, a wrap design, or a belted-style cinch in the waist beautifully, emphasizing your curves.
Tops with molded cups and underwire components will lift and secure the bust, further showcasing your silhouette. Even if you don’t naturally have an hourglass shape, implementing these style rules can help to create the illusion.
Apple
If you have an apple-shaped body, you will want to elongate your torso and find styles that define your waist. The empire waist is a fantastic style that accentuates your chest area and cinches your midsection, creating a more balanced effect without minimizing your curves.
Alternatively, V-necklines elongate the torso and draw the eye up to your face, while a flirty bikini or tankini, if you want extra coverage and support, will complement your natural shape. Avoid high-waisted bottoms or ruffles around your midsection, as they can add unwanted bulk.
Athletic
A common complaint among women with athletic builds is the desire for a more shapely figure. Thankfully, the right swimsuit can help to achieve the illusion of an hourglass silhouette. Belted one-pieces that cinch at your waist will create a curvier shape, while details like zippers and mesh add dimension and interest. Swimsuits with wide or ruffled straps, unique necklines, and wider-cut bottoms, similar to boy shorts, can also create a more curvaceous look.
Alternatively, if you want to celebrate the athletic, streamlined look, choose simple designs with minimal detailing. A higher-cut leg will lengthen your pins, and small ruching around the bust adds dimension without changing the overall silhouette.
https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-in-blue-and-white-striped-bikini-in-front-of-beach-L-ROTbBDgTc
Plus-Size
Many plus-size women tend to naturally steer towards shapewear-type swimsuits, but this isn’t always the best choice. Shapewear tends to push everything to the middle, making you feel bloated, uncomfortable, and constricted.
Instead, think about the parts of your body that you love the most and find suits that will highlight them. Don’t be afraid to experiment with color or fun prints. While black swimsuits scream chic and sophisticated, don’t fall into the illusion that you need to hide away in dark colors.
Your size does not dictate what you can and can’t wear. After all, you will never love clothing if you don’t love how it makes you feel.
Large Busts
As with purchasing bras, the most important features bigger-busted women should look for are lift and support. Without it, it becomes very easy to feel self-conscious and concerned that your top is one jump away from flying off, and this is the complete opposite of how swimwear should make you feel.
Furthermore, ill-fitting tops can cause straps to dig painfully into your shoulders all day, a problem that can easily be avoided.
When purchasing one-pieces, ensure the torso section of your swimsuit is long enough to comfortably fit your chest and torso without having to constantly readjust. If you prefer a bikini or tankini, opt for a top that closely resembles a bra and provides sufficient underwire support.
Small Busts
If you are looking to enhance a small bust, look for swim tops that will add favorable shape and dimension to your chest. Alconette and underwire styles with light padding or molded cups provide fantastic structure, while ruffles, ruching, and textured materials will add visual volume without unwanted bulk.
If you want to highlight your bust without necessarily enhancing it, lean into sleek and modern styles, clean necklines, and minimal additional detailing. Deep V-necks and scoops create stunning, clean vertical lines that feel intentionally minimal.
https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-in-orange-bikini-lying-on-white-textile-9J2yHuHK7Ac
Top Purchasing Tips
The number one most important rule when shopping for a new swimsuit is to purchase something that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful.
No matter how fashionable or flattering clothing may be, if it doesn’t ignite a spark, you will never find yourself optionally turning to it. While styling trends and tips can offer great guidance for anyone who doesn’t know where to start, they should be viewed as guidelines, not a set rule.
Stylist and Amour781 co-founder Ashley Full recommends buying a swimsuit that fits your torso.
Some women have longer torsos than others, and it can be one of the most challenging parts of the body to fit in when buying a new suit, especially one-piece suits.
Buying pieces that don’t fit correctly can feel like the cup cut is too low, and pulling it up higher will make the rest of the swimsuit ride up higher than you may want. Additionally, consider the garment’s material. The best swimsuits are made from high-quality fabrics with a solid lining to ensure they don’t become see-through when bending over or while wet.
