Finding swimwear to flatter your figure shouldn't feel like a guessing game every time you shop. We all have different proportions, and the swimsuit that looks amazing on your best friend might not do a thing for you.
That's completely normal. It's not about your body being wrong for the swimwear. It's about finding cuts and details that work with your natural shape.
In our experience, once you know your body shape, shopping for swimwear gets a lot easier. You stop guessing and start choosing pieces you'll actually reach for all summer.
Below, we'll walk through the main body shapes, the cuts that work well for each, and a few practical tips for choosing swimwear you'll feel great in.
Understanding Your Body Shape
Most women fall into one of five broad body shapes. These are hourglass, athletic, apple, pear, and the fuller-busted shape often called strawberry.
None of these shapes is better than another. They simply carry weight and proportion differently, which means certain cuts, necklines, and waist details tend to work better for each one.
Hourglass
An hourglass figure has a bust and hip measurement that are fairly close in size, with a noticeably smaller waist. Hourglass figures typically have a waist-to-hip ratio around 0.75, similar to pear shapes but with fuller proportions on top.
We recommend styles with waist definition rather than heavy shirring, since your natural waistline is already doing most of the work. A wrap-style one-piece swimsuit with a defined waist detail, like the Savanna Underwired Wrap Swimsuit, will accentuate your curves without adding bulk.
If you like more bust support, look for underwired styles with moulded cups like the Razzle Dazzle Siren Swimsuit. They'll hold everything in place while keeping that classic hourglass silhouette.
Athletic
Athletic figures tend to be straighter through the body. There's usually less difference between the bust, waist and hip measurements so the aim is to create soft, natural curves through clever styling.
A bralette bikini top, like the Fior di Limone Bralette Bikini, with a print or ruching adds volume up top. High-waisted or tie-side bottoms create shape at the hip. Halter necks and asymmetric one-shoulder cuts work well too, since they draw the eye across the body.
We've found that layering a bit of texture gives athletic figures more definition. Shirring, embellishment or a wrap detail all work nicely. A structured bandeau bikini top is another good option, especially with a bit of padding built in.
Apple
An apple shape carries more weight around the middle, with a fuller waist compared to the hips. The goal here is to draw attention away from the waist and towards the neckline or legs instead.
Look for swimwear with wrap details, ruching, or a high-waisted bottom that sits smoothly rather than digging in. Tummy control swimsuit styles use panelling and firmer fabric through the middle, so you get support without feeling restricted. The Rock Solid Aphrodite Swimsuit is a great example, with flattering draping on the tummy and a striking neckline.
A tankini is also worth trying if you prefer a little extra coverage through the middle while still getting the ease of a two-piece.
Pear
Pear shapes are wider through the hips and waist, with a bust that's smaller by comparison. Balancing the top and bottom half is usually the easiest way to flatter this shape.
A plunging neckline, statement print, or embellished top will draw the eye upward and add width across the shoulders.
For the bottom, high-waisted bikini bottoms, like the Fior di Limone Ruched High Waist Bikini Pant, smooth the waistline nicely.
We always tell customers with a pear shape to pick their top first, then match a bottom that complements it, rather than the other way round. If you're unsure of how to wear a bikini with this shape, starting from the top down makes the whole process much simpler.
Strawberry
This shape carries more weight through the bust and shoulders. Hips tend to be narrower below. Support is usually the priority here.
Look for underwired bikinis with bra-style sizing, wider straps and adjustable backs. These details hold everything securely, even during a swim.
Pairing a structured top with a fuller-coverage bottom, like a high-leg brief, helps balance the proportions through the hip.
How To Choose The Best Swimsuit For Your Body Type
Knowing your body shape is only half the job. Once you've got that sorted, there are a few practical things worth thinking through before you buy.
Fit
Fit matters more than size on the label. Two swimsuits marked the same size can sit completely differently, depending on the brand and cut.
Always check the sizing guide for the specific style, not just the collection.
Pay attention to strap length, cup depth, and how the leg line sits against your body. A few millimetres in the wrong place can change how a swimsuit feels all day.
Comfort & Confidence
A swimsuit that pinches, rides up, or needs constant adjusting will never feel like the right one, no matter how flattering it looks on the hanger. Comfort and confidence usually go hand in hand.
If a style doesn't feel right within a few minutes of trying it on, it's worth trying a different cut rather than persisting with it for the whole holiday. Working out how to look good in a bikini often comes down to fit and support long before colour or print.
Purpose
Think about how you'll actually use the swimsuit before you buy it. A style made for sunbathing by the pool won't always hold up to laps in the sea. It may not suit an active day with the kids either.
If you're swimming regularly, prioritise secure straps and a supportive back. For sunbathing and cocktails by the pool, you've got a lot more freedom to choose based on colour and print alone.
Your Shape, Your Perfect Fit
Every body shape has swimwear styles that work brilliantly for it, and the right cut can make getting ready for the beach so much easier.
Try the wrap swimsuit, the supportive top, or the high-waisted bottom, whatever suits the way your body is built. The best swimwear is the piece you forget you're wearing.
At Simply Beach, we hand-pick designer swimwear and beachwear with fit and support in mind, so you can find pieces that work with your shape rather than against it.