How To Choose a Bikini for your Body Shape

Nobody’s body is ‘perfect’, and when it comes to choosing swimwear, you need to choose the bikini that’s perfect for you – not the model wearing it in the catalogue. So let’s start by deciding which one of these five body types below closest fits your description. But remember – everyone’s body is unique, and you may feel your body fits none of these types – or more than one!

What is your body shape?

Another thing to remember is that your body shape isn’t about weight – you can have a Pear, Hourglass or Athletic body shape at any weight.

How to pick a bikini for the Apple body shape?

The Apple shape describes women’s bodies that tend to be top-heavy: broader in the bust and waist, and sometimes in the shoulders, in proportion to the hips.

Add emphasis to the curve of your hips with patterned bottoms and side-ties.
Plunging necklines and halter tops help to make broad shoulders and thick torsos look slimmer.
A tankini top paired with a high waisted bottom will tone and flatter a round belly.

Do you have the Apple body type? Read our full guide to Apple body Do’s and Don’ts here

How to pick a bikini for a pear body shape?

The Pear, or ‘triangle’ shape is used to describe women’s bodies that are wider at the hips, with a smaller bust and narrow shoulders. To balance it out, you’re aiming to draw attention up and away from the hips.

Go for tops with bold patterns, elaborate styles, padded cups and plunging necklines to emphasise your bust’s natural curves.
For the bottom, stick with figure-flattering solid colours and darker shades.
High-cut bottoms help big thighs to look slimmer and longer.

Do you have the Pear body type? Read our full guide to Pear body Do’s and Don’ts here

How to pick a bikini for an athletic body shape?

Also known as an ‘Inverted Triangle’, Athletic body shapes tend to combine broad shoulders with a straight bust, waist and hips.

Combine simple, plain tops with fancy bottoms to balance out shoulders and hips
Plunging necklines and padded cups minimise broad shoulders while enhancing smaller breasts.
Bottoms with bold patterns and styling will draw attention to long legs, and add definition to the hips.

Do you have the Athletic body type? Read our full guide to Athletic body Do’s and Don’ts here

How to pick a bikini for an hourglass body shape?

An Hourglass figure is the well-known term for an evenly proportioned bust and hips, with a well-defined waist. You can still be an Hourglass, even if you’re slender.

The Hourglass’s feminine proportions mean most styles are flattering – it’s up to you how much you want to emphasize your curves.
High-waisted types of bikini bottoms will draw the eye to your slim waist – and cover up your tummy.
Stick to matching sets, as this will keep your body in proportion.

Do you have the Hourglass body type? Read our full guide to Hourglass figure Do’s and Don’ts here

How to pick a bikini for a rectangle body shape?

Rectangle body shapes have a straight silhouette, with minimal difference between waist, hip and bust measurements. All bikinis add curve to the bust and hips, so the rectangle body is perfect for all bikini types!

Slimmer rectangle bodies are ideal for skimpy triangle style tops and side-tie bottoms.
One-piece swimsuits with cut-out sides can bring the illusion of an hourglass shape to the straightest of rectangles.
Bold patterns and colours, ruffles, frills and ruching are all great for adding extra volume to your hips and bust.

Do you have the Rectangle body type? Read our full guide to Rectangle body Do’s and Don’ts here.

Besides knowing which bathing suits for body types to look for (and avoid!), you’ll also need to think about where you’ll be wearing it – in the surf, or poolside? If you’re planning on surfing, make sure you check our “How to choose a Surf Bikini” guide first. And remember: when it comes to swimwear, confidence is everything. Regardless of your body shape – if you feel good, you’ll look good!

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