Swimwear for the 5 Body Types

Great swimwear isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about feeling good in your own skin. As summer approaches, stores fill with endless options, but picking the right swimsuit for the 5 body types can make all the difference in how you look and feel at the beach or pool. The right fit offers comfort, confidence, and a boost of style. Let’s unpack how your body shape can guide you toward swimwear that does more than just fit—it flatters, supports, and celebrates who you are.

Understanding the 5 Main Female Body Types

Every body is unique, but most fall into five main shapes. Knowing your body type helps you understand how different cuts and details can enhance your figure. Here are the classic five:

Apple

• Carries weight around the midsection
• Bust is usually larger than hips
• Waistline is less defined
• Arms and legs can be slimmer

Pear

• Hips are wider than shoulders
• Waist is often defined
• Bust and shoulders are narrower than the hips
• Weight gathers in the lower body

Hourglass

• Bust and hips are about even
• Waist is significantly smaller
• Balanced proportions
• Curves at both top and bottom

Rectangle

• Shoulders, waist, and hips are about the same width
• Few defined curves
• Straight silhouette
• Athletic build

Inverted Triangle

• Shoulders are wider than hips
• Bust may be fuller
• Slimmer legs and hips
• Tapered lower body

Understanding your body type isn’t about labels. It’s about finding choices that help you look and feel your best.

Best Swimwear Styles for Each Body Type

Let’s get real—there’s no one-style-fits-all when it comes to swimsuits. Below are tailored tips for each shape, so you can find pieces that boost your style and confidence.

Apple Body Shape: What to Look For

Apple shapes shine with swimwear that draws the eye upward and defines the waist. The right suit helps give your midsection a longer, leaner look.

What works best:

• Swimsuits with ruching or gather details across the stomach help smooth and flatter
• High-waisted bottoms create a more defined waist and offer great coverage
• Plunging or V-necklines draw attention to the upper body and elongate the torso
• Tankinis with loose, flowy fabric that skims the midsection

Style ideas:

• Wrap-style one-pieces
• Dark, solid colors for the midsection with lighter shades or patterns on top
• Strategic color-blocking to break up the torso

Pear Body Shape: Flattering Picks

Pear shapes look great in styles that balance proportions by playing up the shoulders and bust, while giving good coverage and support on the bottom.

Key pointers:

• Choose bikini tops with ruffles, prints, or padding to add volume up top
• Bottoms with more coverage like mid-rise briefs, boyshorts, or skirted options
• Look for plunging necklines or off-shoulder tops
• Avoid very high-cut leg openings if you want to keep hips looking more streamlined

Go-to colors and details:

• Bright, eye-catching tops with solid or dark bottoms
• Halter tops that draw eyes upward
• Embellishments like ties, bows, or frills on the top

Hourglass Body Shape: Highlighting Curves

If you’re an hourglass, you’re in luck—many swimsuit styles work well for you, but supporting your shape and keeping proportions in check is key.

Top features:

• Suits with built-in support, underwire cups, or adjustable straps
• High-waisted bikini bottoms or belted one-pieces to highlight the waist
• Wrap swimsuits that cinch the middle
• Retro styles with fitted waists

Best bets:

• Bikinis or one-pieces that offer strong bust support (think molded cups or wire)
• Two-pieces with mix-and-match top and bottom sizes if you need different fits
• Simple prints or color-blocked designs that showcase, not overshadow, your shape

Rectangle Body Shape: Creating Definition

If your shape is more straight, swimsuits with clever details can add curves and make your waist pop.

Winning choices:

• Suits with side cutouts or belted waists draw the eye to the middle
• Ruffles, padding, or textured fabrics at the bust or hips create curves
• Bold prints, horizontal stripes, or color-blocking to break up a straight frame
• Triangle bikini tops and tie-side bottoms to add shape

Pro tips:

• Avoid boxy, straight-across necklines that can flatten your look
• Layered or push-up styles help create the illusion of a fuller bust
• Look for one-pieces with waist-defining seams

Inverted Triangle Body Shape: Balancing the Silhouette

With broader shoulders and narrower hips, inverted triangle shapes thrive on styles that widen the hips and add softness below.

Look for:

• Bikini bottoms with bold prints, ruching, or embellishments to add volume to your hips
• V-neck tops to make shoulders appear narrower
• Avoid thick straps or high necklines which can bulk up the shoulders

Smart details:

• Soft colors or subtle styles on top, with bright or stronger patterns below
• Skirted bottoms or ruffled sides to enhance your curves
• Swim skirts, side-tie briefs, or wrap-style bottoms

Finding the perfect swimsuit is really about fit and feeling good. Trends come and go, but comfort and confidence never get old. Don’t get stuck chasing “rules.” Try different styles, pay attention to what feels best, and wear your favorite with pride. The best swimwear celebrates your shape and lets you dive into summer with a smile.