Swimsuits For Hourglass Figure

If you've got an hourglass shape, you already know the drill: bust and hips roughly match, and your waist nips in between them. 

Finding the right swimsuits for hourglass figure bodies isn't about hiding anything. It's about choosing cuts that keep that natural balance working for you and highlight your beautiful shape.

We've found that most hourglass fit problems come down to one thing: mismatched proportions between top and bottom. Get that right, and everything else will fall into place!

What Is the Hourglass Body Type?

The hourglass shape has a well-defined waist, with the bust and hips sitting at roughly the same width. 

Shoulders and hips tend to line up too, which gives the whole silhouette that classic curved outline.

You'll usually recognise an hourglass figure by:

• A clearly defined, narrower waist

• Bust and hip measurements that are close in size

• Shoulders roughly the same width as the hips

• A curved line from shoulder to waist to hip

This proportioned shape has shown up throughout fashion history, most famously in the corsetry of the Victorian era, when tailoring was built almost entirely around cinching the waist and balancing the bust and hips. 

Thankfully, swimwear does the same job today with a lot less boning and a lot more comfort! 

If you're not sure which shape you fall into, our bikini guide for body shapes can help you work it out before you start shopping.

Best Swimwear for Hourglass Body Shapes

Because your proportions are already balanced, the aim isn't to add curves. It's to keep that balance intact while giving your bust proper support and your waist some definition.

Best Bikini Top Styles for Hourglass Figures

In our experience, the biggest difference for hourglass shapes comes from the bikini top. A style with real structure keeps everything sitting where it should, rather than shifting around every time you move. The styles worth trying first are:

• Underwired halter tops lift the bust and take the strain off your shoulders (ideal if you're fuller-busted)

• Balconette tops give a polished, rounded shape through the neckline without feeling heavy

• V-neck or plunge tops elongate the torso and draw the eye up towards your face and shoulders

• Wrap tops sculpt the bust 

• Bralette tops with underwire blend soft, relaxed styling with proper structure underneath

The Savanna Underwired Halter Bikini Top is a good example of the halter style done well, with a hidden underwire, an internal cradle, and side boning that lifts without digging in. Prefer a softer print in the same supportive halter shape? The Fior Di Limone Halter Bikini Top gives you the same hidden underwire and side boning, just in a soft lemon and blossom print on a pale Sorrento Sky blue. 

If you'd rather a v-neckline with adjustable straps, the Tropic Joy Underwired Bikini Top supports up to an F cup while still feeling light.

 For balconette shaping, the Caracus Balconette Bikini Top gives structure through removable soft cups and side boning. 

Best Bikini Bottom Styles to Flatter Hourglass Curves

Bikini bottoms for an hourglass figure should sit at your natural waist rather than below it. This keeps the proportions balanced instead of cutting your torso short. The cuts we'd point you towards are:

• High-waisted bottoms define the waist and smooth the line through the hips

• Tie-side bottoms let you adjust the leg height to suit your own proportions

• Classic mid-rise briefs are a simple, balanced cut that won't overwhelm the silhouette

• High-leg bottoms lengthen the leg line while still sitting neatly at the waist

High waisted bikini bottoms are a genuinely brilliant place to start, and they're exactly what you want if you're after the best bikini bottoms for love handles as well as a flattering hourglass fit. 

Tie-side styles are worth trying too, since the adjustable fit works with your shape rather than against it.

If your hips are noticeably fuller than your bust, you might actually be closer to a pear shape than a true hourglass. In that case, our guide to swimwear for pear shaped body styles will point you towards cuts that suit that shape better.

One-Piece Swimsuit Styles for the Hourglass Body Type

One-pieces work brilliantly for hourglass figures because a wrap front or a belted waist does the same job as a bikini set: it draws attention to your narrowest point. 

Look out for:

• Wrap-front swimsuits - define the waist through a diagonal seam or tie detail

• Belted one-pieces - add a clear waistline without needing any extra fabric

• Plunge or sweetheart necklines - lengthen the torso and support a fuller bust

• Side cut-out styles - follow the natural curve of your waist rather than covering it up

Any of these will keep the eye moving along your natural shape instead of flattening it. A wrap-style swimsuit is a particularly smart pick if you like the coverage of a one-piece but still want that defined middle.

Choosing the Right Fabrics, Patterns, and Colours for an Hourglass Shape

When it comes to fabric, look for double-lined, supportive stretch that holds its shape after swimming, sitting, and drying in the sun. 

Flimsy fabric loses structure fast, and that's when tops start slipping and bottoms start sagging.

For pattern and colour, we often recommend starting with balance. 

Vertical stripes elongate the frame without disrupting your proportions. Colour-blocking is another great option, since it can define the waist by contrasting shades above and below it. 

Matching sets are also worth a mention. A coordinated top and bottom keep your silhouette looking cohesive rather than broken up, which suits the hourglass shape particularly well. 

The Aquatic Reptile Underwired Bikini Set is a lovely example. The top brings underwire and moulded cups for shape, while the tie-side pant offers adjustable leg height and full rear coverage, so the whole set works together rather than fighting for attention. 

Our matching swimwear collection is a good place to start if you want that put-together look without overthinking it. And whether you're choosing a bikini for stretch marks or simply want a bit more tummy coverage, a matching set still keeps the whole look working together.

Find the Fit That Works With Your Curves

An hourglass figure already has the sort of balance that swimwear designers try to create from scratch. To make sure you’re showing off your shape best, pick pieces that support your bust, define your waist, and let the rest fall into place naturally.

At Simply Beach, we hand-pick designer swimwear that does exactly that, with proper structure, quality fabric, and styles built to last beyond one holiday. 

Explore our bikinis and one piece swimsuits to find pieces that celebrate your shape and make you feel beautiful and confident!