The Ultimate Guide to Choosing The Perfect Swimsuit For Your Body Type

With warmer weather just around the corner and holidays being planned, thoughts are turning to buying a swimsuit. In our experience, shopping for swimwear should be done as far in advance of the spring or summer as possible, this means you will have more choices when the first drop of swimsuits appears on the shelves. But with so many styles on the racks, finding the perfect suit can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate the sea of swimwear and find a suit that flatters your figure and makes you feel confident.

Know Your Body Shape

The first step is to identify your body type. Here's a quick rundown of the most common shapes, no one person has all the attributes of a single type, a good guide is, if you gain weight, where does it usually appear? If it’s around your bottom, you will probably be a pear shape. If it’s around your tummy, you may be an apple shape. It’s a good starting point but nothing beats trying on lots of different styles for your important purchase.

• Hourglass: Balanced proportions with a defined waist, bust, and hips.
• Pear: Curvier hips and thighs with a smaller bust.
• Apple: Carries weight around the midsection with a slimmer lower body.
• Inverted Triangle: Broad shoulders and a smaller bust and hips.
• Rectangle: Straight up and down with minimal waist definition.

Finding Your Flattering Fit

Now that you know your body type a little better, let's explore styles that will accentuate your assets!

• Hourglass: Show off your curves with a classic belted one-piece or a high-waisted bikini. Look for necklines that flatter your bust, like sweetheart or deep v-necks.

• Pear:  The goal is to balance your proportions by drawing the eye up. Look for halter tops, bandeau styles, or anything with ruching or embellishments on the top. For bottoms, choose full-coverage options like boy shorts or high-waisted styles.

• Apple: Empire waist one-pieces with ruching or draping will camouflage your midsection. Look for plunging necklines or deep v-cuts to elongate your torso. High-waisted bottoms with tummy control panels will provide support and smooth your silhouette.

• Inverted Triangle: Minimize broad shoulders with one-shoulder tops or asymmetrical necklines. Choose solid colours or minimal details on top and bring attention to your legs with patterned or ruffled bottoms. High-cut styles will elongate your legs further.

• Rectangle: Create the illusion of curves with ruching, ruffles, and bold prints on both the top and bottom. Wrap tops and empire waist styles define the waist. Look for high-leg bottoms to lengthen your legs.

Beyond Body Shape

Here are some additional factors to consider for a perfect fit:

• Support: If you have a larger bust, prioritise supportive tops with underwire or ruching.
• Comfort: Confidence comes from feeling comfortable! Choose a suit that allows for movement and activities you enjoy.
• Personal Style: Don't be afraid to experiment! Rock a bold print, a trendy cut-out, or whatever makes you feel fabulous.

Remember: The most important thing is to choose a swimsuit that makes you feel confident and beautiful. So embrace your unique body type, have fun with different styles, and rock that pool or beach with style!