Women's Style Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Swimsuit for Your Body Type

Swimsuit season creeps up fast and nothing steals the fun quite like standing under fluorescent lights second-guessing every option on the rack. We take a calmer approach. Our swim guide helps you lock in the best swimsuit for your body type without the chaos, so you step into beach days and pool days feeling comfortable, confident and fully supported. Whether you want more coverage, more control or a style that highlights your favorite features, we design flattering women’s swimwear that works with you.

Our lineup includes staples like Tugless® suits that stay put through every splash, SlenderSuits® that shape comfortably and SunShade UPF 50 pieces that give you lightweight sun coverage without heating you up. Once you understand what supports you best, finding the best swimsuit for your body type becomes quicker, easier and a whole lot more fun.

Below, we walk you through how to read your proportions, what to look for in flattering swimwear and how to build a lineup that travels well in a classic Lands’ End beach tote and delivers confidence every time you hit the water.

Understanding Your Body Type

Understanding your body type sets the foundation for choosing suits that feel comfortable and look good. It gives you a sense of how your proportions work together and which details help everything sit just right. Once you know your general shape, the whole fitting process becomes less chaotic because you can spot the features that support you before you even begin.

Most people fall into a few simple categories based on proportion. You don’t need a measuring tape or a fashion degree. Just look in the mirror and focus on where you carry volume.

• Apple Shapes: Weight sits mostly through the midsection with slimmer legs.
• Pear Shapes: The hips and thighs run fuller than the shoulders and bust.
• Hourglass: The bust and hips stay balanced with a defined waist.
• Rectangle: Straight lines from shoulders through hips with little waist definition.
• Athletic Builds: Strong shoulders or torso definition with leaner hips.

These categories help point you toward flattering swimwear features that support balance, highlight shape and keep everything secure during a full beach day. A solid swimsuit guide for body types works as a roadmap, not a rulebook. You choose what makes you feel good.

Key Features of a Flattering Swimsuit

Finding flattering swimwear gets easier once you know which details make a difference. Everyone’s body moves differently, so the right suit should work with you through swimming, lounging and everything in between. These features help you spot quality fast and narrow your search to styles that feel right the second you try them on.

The best swimsuit for your body type usually comes down to four main points: Structure, support, coverage and confidence.

• Structure gives your suit clean lines. Look for princess seams, strategic ruching and side panels that create shape. Our SlenderSuits lean on this heavily in a way that feels natural, not restrictive.
• Support matters for both comfort and mobility. Adjustable straps, built-in bras and underwire options help with lift. Tugless suits thrive here because nothing shifts or slides while you move.
• Coverage should match your comfort level. High-neck swimsuit styles, swim tees, short-sleeve SunShade UPF 50 tops and longer tankini lengths give you options without feeling heavy.
• Confidence carries everything. If you feel good in it, that energy sticks. We focus on flattering swimwear because it supports your shape without trying to change you.

Best Swimsuits for Apple-Shaped Bodies

Apple shapes benefit from structure through the midsection. Ruching helps smooth and shape while drawing the eye upward. Wrap-front one-pieces lengthen the torso and create definition. A higher-cut leg balances proportions and gives a long, clean line.

Slender one-pieces bring in gentle shaping that supports your middle without compressing. Tankini tops with V-necks or surplice designs skim the torso while offering flexibility in sizing. If you want extra sun coverage, SunShade UPF 50 tops keep things comfortable while still flattering the neckline.

For apples searching for the best swimsuit for your body type, this mix lifts, lengthens and smooths without sacrificing comfort.

Best Swimsuits for Pear-Shaped Bodies

Pear shaped body-types shine when swimwear balances the lower half with visual lift up top. A bright or patterned top with dark colored bottoms naturally enhances that effect. Halter styles add presence at the shoulders, while sweetheart necklines offer soft structure.

High-waist bikini bottoms give controlled coverage around the hips. Tugless one-pieces also work well because they stay secure even when you’re running for the next wave. If you prefer two-piece swimsuits, tankinis with adjustable straps help fine-tune your fit.

Pear shapes often find the best swimsuit for their body type by picking tops that build volume and bottoms that streamline. It keeps the look balanced and comfortable all day.

Best Swimsuits for Hourglass Figures

Hourglass figures already have balanced proportions, so the goal becomes highlighting the waist while keeping support steady. Wrap styles, surplice necklines and defined waist seams play well here. Our SlenderSuits excel because they maintain clean shape and light compression without limiting movement.

Bikini sets with supportive tops help keep everything anchored. Tankinis with fitted bodices maintain your natural line. If you prefer more coverage, SunShade UPF 50 zip-front tops give you control over neckline and airflow.

An hourglass shape makes choosing flattering swimwear easier because so many styles work. The main priority is support and a silhouette that respects your curves.

Best Swimsuits for Rectangle-Shaped Bodies

Rectangle shapes get great mileage from swimwear that creates curves. Look for pieces with side ruching, strategically placed color blocking or curved seams that build shape visually. Ruffles at the neckline or hips add dimension without overwhelming the frame.

SlenderSuits with shaping zones help carve definition softly. Tankinis with twist fronts or gathered fabric add movement and structure. If you love sporty styles, Tugless designs keep everything smooth and simple without losing shape.

The best swimsuit for your body type in this category usually includes styles that guide the eye and build softness through the waist or bust.

Best Swimsuits for Athletic Builds

Athletic builds look incredible in suits that highlight the shoulders and create balance through the hips. One-shoulder designs, square necklines and sleek, color blocked pieces always land well. Bikini tops with strong support help maintain lift, especially during active beach days.

If you want added femininity, styles with gathering, softer lines or side cutouts bring instant shape. High-leg cuts lengthen the lower half.

You can find the best swimsuit for this body type by choosing pieces that mix function and shape, giving performance and a strong visual line.

Universal Tips for Choosing Swimwear

A good swimsuit guide goes beyond measurements. Here are the things everyone should keep in mind:

• Try multiple silhouettes, not just multiple colors. One small change in neckline or strap position shifts everything.
• Choose fabrics that hold their shape after hours in chlorine or salt water.
• Pick swimwear that stays comfortable when wet. If it pinches dry, it will pinch more once you jump in.
• Bring movement into your test run. If the suit shifts when you lift your arms, find a style with stronger straps.
• Use your beach tote to plan full outfits. Toss in a cover-up, sandals and your favorite sunglasses so you see the whole look together.
• Never talk yourself into a suit that you “might” grow into. If you love it in the moment, that’s your answer.

The best swimsuit for your body type always provides comfort first and structure second.

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