How to shop the best, most flattering swimwear for every body shape

a group of women in swimsuits
Best swimwear for every body shapeM&S, Magicsculpt, Bydee, Bravissimo

One of the best things about summer is the opportunity to break out the swimwear after too many months of it spent tucked in the darkest corners of your closet. And if you're anything like us, we like to welcome in the new season with a new beach attire purchase. But where to start?

It's no secret bikini and swimsuit shopping is one of the most daunting tasks. Here at Women's Health, we're of the opinion that *every* body is beach-body ready, and thankfully the fashion industry has gone through some changes to ensure that more cuts and sizes are available to suit us all.

Even so, there are various styles you can choose that will accentuate what your mamma gave you, so to speak, and that's where we come in. We've rounded up the best swimwear that will showcase just what an amazing body you have as well as collating helpful shopping tips so you know what to look out for when shopping for beach attire to flatter your body shape.

While we've based our recommendations around a handful of body shapes, no two bodies are alike, and you may find you don't fit into one category entirely. If that's the case, we'd recommend taking on the tips that apply to you and disregarding the rest. Our main aim is to help you find swimwear that you love and that will make you feel confident and comfortable whilst wearing it.

From period swimwear to high-waisted swimwear and sustainable swimwear brands, there's something for everyone in our selection of the best bikinis and swimsuits for your body shape. So, here's to an unforgettable summer in some of the hottest swim around.

P.S. – regardless of which body shape you associate with, if you have a bigger bust you'll want to make sure you're supported so why not check out our edit of the best bikinis for big busts before you get started?

Best swimwear for apple shapes

Apple-shaped bodies tend to have broader shoulders and hips, a bigger bust and a fuller waist. If this is you, look for high-leg swimsuits to show off your great legs, while shirring or a wrap tie at the waist provides a flattering detail. Whether you opt for an all-over print, solid colour, colour-blocking design or one with darker side panelling to enhance your shape, you can't go wrong.

When it comes time to swap out the killer one-piece for the good-old bikini, the high leg is still a great choice but can be combined with a high waist for double the wow factor. And as for all those blessed with a fuller bust? We'd prioritise support above all else and stick to wider straps, an underwire cup and/or adjustable straps.

Best swimwear for hourglass shapes

When we say hourglass, imagine an hourglass timer in front of your body. If your shoulders and bust curve in at the waist and back out at the hips, with your hips and shoulders similarly proportioned then you have an hourglass silhouette. One-pieces are a great option since they highlight your natural curves, and this can be taken one step further by picking one with waist detailing like a belt, tie, or cutouts.

Sticking to wider straps, halternecks, and underwired bandeaus on the top half will ensure you get the bust support you want during all your swimwear-donning pursuits. And if that support comes in the form of a bikini top, a high-waisted bikini bottom will be the perfect addition to your poolside 'fit. We're thinking retro two-pieces in matching colours and patterns.

Best swimwear for inverted triangle shapes

The inverted triangles of the world will have broader shoulders and a bigger bust with narrower hips. If you can relate, you're in luck because funky bikini bottoms are your friend. Think side ties, belts, ruffles – anything that adds volume to your lower half is a winner. Love a skirt but never thought of swimming in one? You may want to reconsider because boy, will you look good.

We're not done with recommendations just yet, though. Why not try an asymmetrical neckline like a one-shoulder design? Plunging swimsuit styles are another go-to for inverted triangle shapes, along with simple tops in plain or darker colours. Plus, wide straps with underwiring will provide support and let your upper body shine.

Best swimwear for pear shapes

A pear shape refers to someone whose hips are wider than their shoulder/bust area. Sounds like you? Then get ready to have all the fun with your bikini tops. We're talking voluminous statement shoulders, up-top intricate detailing and patterns galore in cute halter neck, asymmetrical neckline, or cap sleeve 'fits.

That's not all. Plain dark colours in higher cuts will look oh-so-good on your bottom half, and the same applies to the swimsuits you choose. Two-toned one-pieces with a lighter top and darker bottom will emphasise your gorgeous silhouette.

Best swimwear for rectangle shapes

This silhouette is sometimes often referred to as an 'athletic figure' but is much easier to understand if called a rectangle shape. I.e. Your figure is fairly straight and narrow with little difference between your shoulders, waist and hips. In other words, triangle bikinis, where you at? Yes, you heard us; having a smaller bust means that those itsy-bitsy triangle tops are on the table.

If it's curves you want to create then look for designs with any and every type of detailing you can think of, on both the top and bottom half. Ruching? Yes. Twisted necklines? You betcha. Side ties or belted bottoms? Absolutely. Cheeky and high cuts? Go for both! And for those who prefer a one-piece, you won't be missing out. Plunging necklines, diagonal lines, prints, asymmetric styles and cutouts will ensure you're having just as much fun when you ditch the bikini.

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