What bikini suits my shape? It’s one of the most common questions we hear, and for good reason. It can be so tough to find the right one. And if you’ve ever stood in a fitting room questioning everything, this one’s for you.
In our experience, most swimwear frustration can be solved by one principle: find the fit for your shape, not the size on the label. Once you know your shape, shopping gets a lot easier. You’ll know what to look for, and what to walk straight past.
Below, we’ll walk through five common body shapes, a couple of common concerns, and the swimwear styles that work well with each one.
How To Find Your Body Shape
Body shape usually comes down to how your bust, waist, and hips compare to one another. There’s no need for exact measurements here. A quick look in the mirror is normally enough.
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Apple: Fuller through the middle, with narrower hips and legs.
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Pear: Hips wider than the bust and shoulders.
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Hourglass: Bust and hips are a similar width, with a defined waist.
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Rectangle: Bust, waist, and hips are all fairly similar in measurement.
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Athletic or inverted triangle: Shoulders broader than the hips, with a straighter waist.
Most of us sit somewhere between two shapes, and that’s completely normal. Use these as a starting point rather than a strict rulebook. You can always try on styles for both of the shapes you resemble and decide which you like better. That can help you nail it down.
The Best Bikini for Each Body Shape
Once you’ve got a rough idea of your shape, you can shop with a plan instead of trying on everything in sight and getting disappointed when things don’t fit quite how you imagined they would.
Here’s what we’ve found works best for body shape.
Apple Shape
If you carry more weight around your middle, look for swimwear that adds definition at the waist. Ruching, wrap details, and underwired tops all help with this.
We often recommend pairing a supportive top with high-waisted bottoms. The Savanna Ruched High Waist Bikini Pant is a great example. Its ruched front panel smooths the tummy area, and the high rise keeps everything comfortably in place.
For the top, look for underwire, wide bands, or a halter neckline, as these add lift without adding bulk.
A well-fitted pair of high-waisted bikini bottoms will always do more for an apple shape than a low-rise cut.
Pear Shape
Pear shapes usually have hips that are wider than the bust and shoulders. The aim here is to draw a little more attention upward, not to hide anything below the waist.
Bold prints, halter necks, and detailed tops all help balance things out. The Hana Bikini Top is a lovely pick if you’re after a bikini for pear shape that still feels fun. Its bold floral print and twist front naturally draw the eye up, while the moulded cups add support.
Pair it with a simpler, solid-coloured bottom. A high-cut leg line can also help elongate your legs, so it’s worth trying a few different rises before you decide.
Hourglass Shape
If your bust and hips are a similar width with a defined waist, you’re in the lucky position of being able to wear pretty much anything. Here, you’re simply keeping your natural shape in the spotlight.
We’ve found that underwired or balconette tops work particularly well, since they keep everything supported without changing your silhouette. The Dots Balcony Bikini Top is a great bikini for hourglass figure shapes, with soft moulded cups and adjustable straps for a snug fit.
Pair it with a high-waisted or classic bottom to keep your waist the focus.
If you’ve got a bigger bust and want extra support, our supportive swimwear collection is full of styles built to hold their shape all day.
Rectangle Shape
Rectangle shapes have a bust, waist, and hips that are all fairly close in measurement. Here, the fun part is adding curves through details rather than covering them up.
Ruffles, ruching, and gathered sides all add shape exactly where you want it. The Fior Di Limone Gathered Side Bikini Pant is an easy way to do this. Its wide gathered sides add gentle volume at the hip without looking fussy.
Up top, a bralette style can work brilliantly. It’s relaxed, comfortable, and adds a bit of softness through the bust. Have a look through our bralette bikini range if that sounds like your kind of thing.
Athletic and Inverted Triangle Shapes
Broader shoulders and a straighter waist usually mean you’re an athletic or inverted triangle shape. The idea here is to soften the shoulder line and bring a little more attention to the hips.
Simple, unpadded tops paired with a bolder, patterned bottom usually strike the right balance.
The Caracus Balconette Bikini Top is a solid choice, with a soft textured fabric and adjustable straps that don’t add extra width across the shoulders.
A Quick Note on Fabric and Fit
Whatever your shape, fabric quality makes a real difference, and it's worth checking the label before you buy.
For everyday swimwear, rather than a performance or racing suit, look for a nylon (polyamide) or polyester base blended with somewhere between 18% and 22% elastane. This ratio gives a soft, flattering stretch while still holding its shape, whereas anything much lower can feel stiff and anything much higher can lose its structure over time.
Good elastane content means your swimwear keeps its shape, wash after wash and swim after swim.
Peer-reviewed research found that the percentage of elastane in a knitted fabric has a direct effect on how well the fabric recovers its shape after repeated stretching, which is why checking the composition label is worth that extra minute in store.
In our experience, this is exactly why cheaper swimwear tends to sag or lose shape after a few wears. A double-lined fabric with the right elastane ratio, rather than a single, thin layer, will hold its shape and colour for far longer.
Investing in a well-made piece that you feel confident and comfortable in pays off over several summers, not just one.
Finding Your Fit With Confidence
Working out what bikini suits your shape isn’t about sticking to strict rules. It’s about knowing what tends to work, then trying it on to see how it actually feels. Body confidence can shift throughout life, whatever your shape or age, so it’s worth picking styles that make you feel good rather than styles you think you should wear.
At Simply Beach, we hand-pick swimwear from designer brands that understand fit, support, and comfort. Explore our bikinis and swimming costumes to find the shape that suits you best this season.
Read more about finding the best swimwear for specific concerns here: