Best Swimsuits by Body Type
The Most Flattering Swimsuits For Every Body Type
We've resolved to put an end to the fear and frustration that come with swimsuit shopping. From curvier frames to athletic body types, we're helping to make sense of the endless swimwear options and narrowing them down to the picks that were made to fit and flatter your frame. Want to know what you should be looking for? Read on to get the experts' dos and don'ts, find your perfect suit, and never hate swimsuit shopping again!
Be sure to check out our bikini-body workout plan, too!
For even easier shopping, click below for your needs.
Product Credit: Victoria's Secret bathing suit
The pear shape: You're curvy at the hips and thighs and smaller on top, like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Jennifer Love Hewitt.
What to look for: The key to the perfect swimsuit is balancing your proportions and getting the coverage you need for your bottom half.
Tips and tricks:
- For a traditional fix, look for a clean-skirted bottom that falls just below the largest part of the upper leg.
- Avoid reaching for a boy short or thick-banded bottom. The extra fabric will only call attention to the area you're trying to mask.
- A plunging neckline or eye-catching top draws the eye upward, minimizing the bottom.
All eyes will be on the strappy, deep v and bright cobalt hue.
Put your shoulders on display with this adorable off-the-shoulder style.
J.Crew Off the Shoulder Bikini Top ($58) and Bikini Bottoms ($40)
A cutout draws the eye upward — plus, this convertible style can be worn with or without straps.
A bright print and a lace-up top adds plenty of interest.
Isabel Marant Etoile Starla Floral Bandeau Bikini Top ($135) and Bikini Bottoms ($105)
This standout print will get you noticed for all the right reasons.
This neckline was made for flattering your figure.
A classic black bikini with an of-the-moment twist.
Large bust: Ample cleavage; you're chesty and require more support up top like Brooklyn Decker, Katy Perry, and Sofia Vergara.
What to look for: If you're more well-endowed on top, then support is key. Opt for suits with underwire or molded cups to give the girls the support they need. Avoid ruffles or embellishments up top if you're hoping to minimize the focus on your chest.
Tips and tricks:
- Bra-style tops with underwire and adjustable straps provide extra bust support. The thicker the strap, the more support.
- Higher backs are also a good fit for helping to keep the girls up.
- Molded cups provide extra support and are available in many different styles.
- Explore suits marked with sizing like your regular bra, including styles that go above a D, which are constructed to support a larger bust.
Get the support you need while flaunting a hint of skin via side cutouts.
Shoshanna Sporty Monokini ($198)
Who says you can't wear a halter? This style offers plenty of support.
This strapless style comes with supportive underwire and a knockout color.
You'll want to keep this standout print in permanent rotation.
ASOS Fuller Bust Exclusive Tile Print Hidden Underwire Bikini Top ($31)
A cheery print and a convertible bustier top is a style we can get behind.
You'll feel confident knowing you have the support you want in this classic style.
Slip into the lace-up trend with wider straps that lend the coverage you need.
Small bust: Proportionally, you're smaller on top with an A or B cup, like Kate Hudson.
What to look for: A smaller chest requires less support, so you can look for styles with more minimal coverage or embellished detailing, bows, and patterns to create the illusion of a larger chest.
Tips and tricks:
- Triangle tops create the illusion of curves, as do tops with bold prints or embellishments with ruffles.
- Bra tops and padded push-up tops offer extra lift and can create cleavage, as can certain halter tops.
- A smaller bust always means you can wear tiny scoop tops or bandeaus — embrace them!
Play up your assets with adorable ruffles on top.
A minimalist style that'll also help flaunt what you've got.
You can't go wrong with a classic triangle top.
Go carefree in a sweet smocked bandeau.
A deep v can be hard to pull off, but not for you. It'll help accentuate what you do have on top.
This delicate crochet top was made for ladies with small chests.
You're not in danger of being overexposed, even in a plunging neckline and a cutout suit style — so don't be afraid to rock it.
A little lingerie-inspired, this suit promises to be a sexy addition to your collection.
The scalloped edges are like an optical illusion helping to play up your assets.
Athletic: You're more straight up and down and have fewer curves, like Cameron Diaz, Jessica Biel, and Jennifer Aniston.
What to look for: The name of the game is playing up your curves with styles that flaunt your frame. Suits with less coverage help to create the illusion of a shapelier figure.
Tips and tricks:
- Tops or bottoms with bold prints, ruffles, and embellishments add intrigue and feminine flair and can create the appearance of more curve at top and bottom.
- Monokinis create fabulous curves, as do one-pieces with slashes or strategically placed cutouts.
- The smaller the swimsuit bottom, the fuller and curvier the derrière appears.
- Tie-side bikini bottoms enhance curves and adjust perfectly to your size.
Frills at the top and ties at the sides create the illusion of killer curves.
LOVE Stories
Reggipetto Bikini Top ($95) and Zoey Bikini Bottoms ($65)
The skimpier cut will help play up your curves — the bright print ensures all eyes will be on you.
These frills were made for adding romance and intrigue.
ASOS Frill Neoprene Lattice Bardot Dot Mesh Bikini Top ($37)
Kiini's crochet banding helps draw the eye to your waist, hips, and chest, putting the emphasis on all of your curves.
Kiini Liv Crochet-Trimmed Triangle Bikini Top ($165) and Bottoms ($130)
Classic stripes, plus lace-up detailing that defines the waist and bust.
The banding here is all about playing up the hips and chest.
Forever 21 Striped Triangle Bikini Top ($15) and Striped Cheeky Bikini Bottoms ($13)
A monokini is perfect for adding more shape.
Tummy concealing: You're built a little more like an apple shape and carry your weight mostly in your middle.
What to look for: Whether you prefer to be covered up or you're out to slim your middle, there are a number of one-piece and two-piece suits, like high-waisted or tankini styles, that help to smooth out your middle.
Tips and tricks:
- Shirring works miracles. The gathered fabric hides bulges and creates definition in the waist.
- A figure-flattering surplice-wrap silhouette trims the waist with its crossover fabric.
- If you carry your weight in the lower part of your belly, try on a retro-inspired, high-waisted suit. They're on trend and ace for covering the abdomen.
This strapless top is ideal for flaunting your favorite assets and covering up what you're less excited about.
Streamline your waist with the ruching on this one-piece.
You don't have to wear a bikini to flaunt a slip of skin.
Eres + Véronique Leroy Mark convertible bandeau swimsuit ($485)
A one-shoulder and a subtle cutout add sex appeal without putting everything on display.
Flirty, fun, and all the coverage you want.
A two-piece will ample coverage at the middle? It does exist.
A tie at the waist defines your shape while still offering coverage.
An A-line silhouette conceals in all the right ways.
Curvy: You're curvy throughout with a full bust, hips, thighs, and butt, like Christina Hendricks, Scarlett Johansson, and Kim Kardashian.
What to look for: For curvy frames, the key is to highlight your curves while providing enough support and coverage. If you're not keen on exaggerating your curves, then steer clear of monokinis or string bikinis with thicker ties, which can accentuate your widest areas.
Tips and tricks:
- Asymmetrical suits draw the eye toward the neckline, highlighting the beautiful line from a woman's neck to her collarbone.
- Colorblocking can help highlight your shape, as do retro suits (think high waists and boxy halter tops).
Play up your waist with the high-cut bottoms and zippered details.
Strategic cutouts right where you want them.
L'Agent by Agent Provocateur Alenya cutout color-block swimsuit ($180)
This high-waisted style was made for an hourglass shape.
Stella McCartney Vintage Floral crochet-trimmed printed bandeau bikini ($280)
This may just be the waist-defining suit you've been looking for.
Seafolly Deep-V One-Piece ($152)
Flaunt your best assets without committing to a bikini.
Flagpole Ali One Piece ($385)
Horizontal stripes elongate your frame, and the suit hugs your curves in all the right places.
Say hello to the suit you'll wear season after season.
The embroidery on this suit isn't just eye-catching — it's figure defining.
Colorblocking helps slim the hips and define the waist and happens to look endlessly cool.
Cynthia Rowley Colorblock Bikini Top ($105) and Bottoms ($105)
