How to Choose a Bikini Based on Your Body Type

Women with hourglass figures have proportional shoulders and hips, and a small waist. Consider yourself lucky if you have this body shape, as you can rock more daring styles like a monokini with cut-outs. If you’d rather wear a bikini, choose simple, streamlined cuts without ruffles or extra fabric. High-waisted bottoms paired with bikini tops work just as well, especially for tall women. Whatever style you choose, just remember to pick styles that accentuate your curves.

Ladies who have pear-shaped or triangular frames usually have wider hips and waist compared to their chest. For this shape, you would want to create the illusion of a fuller bust to balance out a bottom-heavy frame. Choose tops with embellishments or unique details, halter neck tops, low-cut necklines or those which have color blocking and vertical details on the shoulders. One-piece suits with a skirted bottom can help conceal the tummy area, while lighter colored tops help break up the midsection.

You know you have an apple shaped figure if you have a large bust, narrow hips, and a less-defined waist. To provide support for your chest, choose swimsuit styles with thick straps or an underwire bra. Draw the eye upwards with V-neck styles or empire-waist cuts. Vertical stripes also create a longer, leaner look.

As for the midsection, tummy control panels help to emphasize the bust rather than the stomach. Details like tiers, draping, or ruching help cover up problem areas. If purchasing separates, make sure bottoms fit well as pieces that are too tight can create unsightly rolls of flesh.

Women with strawberry-shaped frames, or those who resemble an inverted triangle, have a larger top half and a smaller bottom half. The ideal swimsuit for your body type is one which creates balance between your hips and shoulders for a more proportional silhouette.

Since you want to reign in your chest, choose styles which provide ample bust support, like halter-cut necklines, or athletic styles like racerback tops. Draping in the mid-section helps balance your chest to your hips. You can play around with patterns, whether for the entire piece or just the bottom part of a two-piece. Stay away from triangle tops which offer minimal support, as well as ruffles which create additional bulk.

Go to Yoorekka for more style and fashion tips!

Rectangular frames, also referred to as athletic types, have straight figures with a small bust and hips. This frame would benefit from cuts and styles which create a more curvy silhouette. You can emphasize your waist with side cut-outs, ruffled trims, or shirring. Fake an hourglass figure with asymmetrical straps. Since you can get away with styles that offer less coverage, show off your butt and legs with a smaller or a high-cut bottom, or those with ties on the sides.

• Whatever your body shape, it pays to remember some general shopping tips this swimsuit season

• If you’re buying from in-store, remember to undergo hair removal. For hygienic purposes, try on suits with your underwear on. Also consider why you’re buying swimwear. For instance, bikinis are fine if you just plan to lounge around, but might not provide support for active water sports like surfing.

• If buying online, know your measurements, especially in the hip area. Always refer to the sizing guide posted on the retailer’s website.