Finding swimwear to suit your shape can be a challenge, so here’s a quick round up of what to look for and which styles and brands work best for which body shapes.
This video gives you a few ideas and/or you can read on to find more details too:
How to choose swimwear to suit your shape
If you have a curvy hourglass shape, then it’s all about showing off those curves! If you are a neat hourglass then most shapes and styles will suit you so just choose something that you love! If you are fuller busted (a fuller hourglass) then try finding swimwear that is made to fit specific cup sizes rather than a standard dress size as they will fit you better and give you extra support. Highlighting your waist is great too – the detailing on the orange swimsuit and the pattern on the top of the blue bikini bottoms does this perfectly. Bravissimo, Ample Bosom, Prima Donna, and Figleaves are all good brands to try, but you can equally find great styles from many of the High Street retaillers like M&S, Debenhams, House of Fraser or John Lewis. Here are the links to those shown: Bravissimo Margarita Island Bikini, Bravissimo Formetera orange swimsuit, Fantasie Tuscany bikini, Lands’ End tankini
If your shoulders are broader than your hips and you have a neat bust then you will have a more ‘athletic’ build. Halter neck styles are great if you are this shape, as are styles with geometric patterns and those that add breadth/detail to your fantastic hips. Here are the links to those shown: Boden navy spot short bikini, Jasper Conran yellow shard deep plunge halterneck swimwuit, Joe Brown’s Mix and Match Tankini, Boden Santorini stripe swimsuit
If you generally wear a smaller size top than bottom and are broader around your hip/bottom/thigh area compared to your shoulders, you are triangle or pear shaped. You may find it easier to wear bikinis and tankinis as you can choose a different size top and bottom, or else choose swimwear that is made in cup sizes. Drawing the eye upwards will show off your lovely bust and waist so choose swimsuits that are darker towards the bottom or bikinis that broaden the shoulders like the coral one if you are a neat triangle. Here are the links to those shown: Miraclesuit Mediterra Sanibel, Debenhams Coral Frill Bikini, Fantasie Tuscancy Twist Front, Pour Moi Wonderland Swimsuit
You will be a lean column if your shoulders and hips are in alignment, you have a straight rib cage (ie less indentation at your waistline) and you have a very trim figure. You will no doubt look amazing in most bikinis and swimsuits, but if you want to add some curves to your shape, the trick is to add details over the bust and hip areas. Frills, padding and higher necklines will all look fabulous on you. Here are the links to those shown: Lipsy Polka Dot Frill Bikini, Debenhams Floozie by Frost French, Debenhams Floozie Halter neck bikini, Debenhams black floral print swimsuit
If you are a lovely curvy shape and tend to carry weight around your waistline then you are an oval shape. Bringing the eye upwards and choosing swimwear that disguises the tummy area will be a winning formula for you. Choosing styles that are made in cup sizes will provide the support for your bust and make you feel super confident. Brands like Bravissimo, Ample Bossom and Miraclesuit are agreat start point. Try these: Fantasie Paradise Bay Twist Front Evans Bali Print Swimdress Pour Moir Draped V Neck Figleaves Curvy Kate tankini
You have a lovely straight shape, with shoulders and hips in alignment, a straighter rib cage (ie less waist definition) and a neat bust. Adding curves to your shape will be very flattering so choose swimsuits with panels at either sides, stripes (chevron stripes are particularly good), or a bikini like the Coco Bay one which will bring the eye up to the bust (with its patterned halter neck design) and down to your hips (with the tie details). Some styles for you to try: Seafolly Castaway chevron swimsuit, CocoBay Moontide reversible bikini, Sunseeker floral striped swimsuit, Boden Amalfi swimsuit
If you’re not sure of your shape, and would like help finding the perfect swimwear, just book a style consultation and you’ll learn about the cuts, fabrics, patterns of clothes, including swimwear, that will suit you best. We’ll cover everything from your neck (your best necklines and shoulderlines) to your toes (styles of shoes/boots) and everything in between!