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We've found the most flattering swimsuits for pear shapes

Best swimsuits for pear-shaped figures
Have a pear-shaped figure? These are the swimsuits to know about. (Getty Images)

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It's only natural to feel a tad self-conscious about those areas of your body you rarely display in public. For those of us who are pear-shaped, that might mean our hips, bottom and thighs.

But we've got some great tips for how to make the most of your fabulous figure without drawing too much attention to the areas you're not as confident about.

An off-the-shoulder swimsuit (or styles that have shoulder detail like ruffles) can help balance out a smaller torso with wider hips and thighs.

Also, as pear shapes are blessed with small waists, swimsuits with ties/belts are a great option to highlight that area. Plunging styles work well too, as do styles that are black at the bottom and a different colour/pattern on top.

Another thing to look out for? Any swimsuits that have side panels in a different colour can help to narrow your silhouette.

A big no-no? Anything cut too low around the bottom and thighs – like a boy-short – which is very unflattering. Go for a medium-cut in the legs as it lengthens and slims the lower body.

To make your hunt a little easier, we've found five gorgeous one-piece swimsuits, from cute off-the-shoulder styles to waist-flattering looks that'll help you feel ready to bare.

Zora Tropical Plus Size One Piece Swimsuit | £25.99 (was £37.13) from CupShe

Zora Tropical Plus Size One Piece Swimsuit. (CupShe)
Zora Tropical Plus Size One Piece Swimsuit. (CupShe)

£25.99 £37.13 at CupShe

This ultra-feminine swimsuit is available for plus sizes 0X/18; 1X/20; 2X/22; 3X/24; 4X/26.

And it's hit the spot with CupShe's customers, too, with comments including: "Love this suit. Fits true to size and top is very flattering. Jade green colour is unique and bright"; "excellent and feminine"; and "very pretty! Lots of compliments!"

The off-the-shoulder style with frill draws the eye upwards and gives balance to your shape, and it has a flattering medium-cut on the thighs and bottom area. The straps are also removable and adjustable.

NB: this is the final sale price and isn't returnable or exchangeable.

Monochrome Wrap Plunge Swimsuit | £29.50 from Marks and Spencer

Monochrome Wrap Plunge Swimsuit. (Marks and Spencer)
Monochrome Wrap Plunge Swimsuit. (Marks and Spencer)

£29.50 at M&S

Elegant and chic – not words you normally associate with swimwear. But this M&S style is both. Not to mention flattering.

The wrap style with a side tie is a great way to highlight your waist, and the plunging neckline works well for pear shapes who normally don't have fuller busts that need lots of support.

With non-wired, padded cups, you still get a little bit of help though.

Be aware this is so flattering, it is selling super-fast. "Beautiful styling that gives you a great figure and a very comfortable fit," said one happy customer, while this person stocked up on the style: "Perfect fit, very flattering. So much so, I bought two of them." 

Get in quick.

Joligiao Vintage Womens One Piece Swimsuit | £16.99 from Amazon

Joligiao Vintage Womens One Piece Swimsuit. (Amazon)
Joligiao Vintage Womens One Piece Swimsuit. (Amazon)

£16.99 at Amazon

With those black side panels (which a happy shopper described as 'very slimming'), this vintage-inspired look has ruching on the tummy area and adjustable straps.

And for a little bosom boost, it has a slight push-up effect via some gentle padding (no underwiring though).

Available in small to extra large, it also comes in four other prints and colours.

What's also great about this – aside from its brilliant price point – is that it's pretty enough to wear poolside or beachside, but it's also practical enough if you like to swim or be more active on holiday.

Darya Bardot Swimsuit | £49.95 from Joules

Darya Bardot Swimsuit. (Joules)
Darya Bardot Swimsuit. (Joules)

£49.95 at Joules

Another gem with slimming side panels and navy detail at the waist to enhance the area, this Joules halterneck swimsuit comes in sizes 6 to 20.

It's lined in power mesh (which gives added stretch), and for a little extra support, it has soft, moulded cups.

As well as this stunning emerald green colour with navy trim, it also comes in bright pink with orange panels. And Joules customers can't wait to unleash it on the beach.

"Absolutely stunning swimming suit. Fits like a glove. Can't wait to wear on holiday," commented one, while another said: "Flattering style and colour – love it! Looking forward to wearing it on my upcoming holiday."

FYI: Joules currently has 25% off certain products – use HOORAY25 at the checkout to get this swimsuit for £37.46.

Kendra Ruffle Tie Waist One Piece Swimsuit | £21.99 (was £31.41) from CupShe

Kendra Ruffle Tie Waist One Piece Swimsuit. (CupShe)
Kendra Ruffle Tie Waist One Piece Swimsuit. (CupShe)

£21.99 £31.41 at CupShe

Another affordable option from online-only retailer, CupShe, this swimsuit ticks so many boxes for pear shapes.

There's ruffle detail around the bust area to draw attention there and balance out wider hips/bottom; a plunging neckline; and a tie to enhance your lovely waist.

It's currently available in sizes 6-14 – but at this price it may not be around for long.

It has removable padding in the bust area, and the brand says it offers medium coverage around the bottom (just an FYI: some CupShe swimsuits can be cut a bit higher than you realise).

Customers love it too, with the majority complimenting the fit. "I buy my bathing suits from here, because they fit well," enthuses one, while another clearly ordered a few styles, saying "They all fit perfectly!"

Remember, though, that this is the final sale price and isn't returnable or exchangeable.

Want more swimsuit suggestions? We've also rounded up the best tummy control swimsuits and supportive swimwear for big busts.