Finding the Right Swimsuit for Your Body Type: 2023 Comprehensive Guide

Make a stylish splash into summer with a perfectly fitted, chic, comfortable women’s swimsuit! You may be thinking, “Well, that’s easier said than done,” and there is no doubt finding the perfect swimsuit can be a challenge for most people. That is why we have put together a comprehensive guide to help you find the most flattering swimsuit for your body type.

Determine Your Body Type

You can figure out your body type by evaluating the distribution of fat and muscle around your body. Typically, there are three main body types most people have: apple, pear, and hourglass. Apple-shaped bodies tend to carry their weight around the midsection, while pear-shaped bodies tend to have more weight in the hips and thighs. Hourglass-shaped bodies have a balanced distribution of weight between the waist and hips, with a defined waistline. To determine your body type, stand in front of a mirror and look at the proportions of your shoulders, waist, and hips. Measure your waist and hips and compare those measurements to your shoulder width. If your waist is significantly smaller than your shoulders and hips, you may have an hourglass body shape. If your waist is larger than your shoulders and hips, you may have an apple body shape. And if your hips are wider than your shoulders and waist, you likely have a pear body shape.

Accentuate Your Best Features

Once you have determined your body type, focus on accentuating your best assets, whether it’s your legs, bust, or waist. If you have long legs, go for high-cut bikini bottoms or a one piece swimsuit with high-cut bottoms. If you have a small waist, choose a swimsuit with a belt or a high-waisted bottom.

Choose the Right Cut

The cut of your swimsuit also plays a big role in the look and feel of a swimsuit that flatters your body type. If you’re looking to hide your tummy, go for a tankini swimsuit with ruching. If you want to elongate your legs, choose a bikini with a high-cut bottom. Additionally, strategically placed cut-outs can provide a great way to show off a little skin while still providing coverage in all the right places. For instance, a one-piece swimsuit with side cut-outs can create the illusion of a smaller waist (and it’s just a fabulous, unique style detail to have). Swimsuits come in an endless variety of styles and cuts, so a few ideas to consider include:

High-neck swimsuits: These swimsuits feature a higher neckline that can provide extra coverage while still being stylish and trendy.
One-shoulder swimsuits: With this style, one strap is thicker or more elaborate than the other, creating an asymmetrical look that’s both chic and flattering.
Cut-out swimsuits: Cut-outs can be placed in various areas of the swimsuit, such as the sides, back, or front, and can add a touch of sexiness and intrigue to your beach or poolside look.
Wrap-front swimsuits: This style features a wrap-around effect at the front, which can help accentuate your curves and create a flattering silhouette.
Retro-inspired swimsuits: Vintage-inspired swimsuits are a popular trend that can add a unique flair to your summer wardrobe. Look for styles with high-waisted bottoms, ruching, or bold patterns.

Use Color and Patterns to Your Advantage

The color and pattern of a slimming swimsuit will also affect how the swimsuit looks on your body. As a general rule of thumb, dark colors, and vertical stripes can help slim and streamline your figure, while bright colors and bold patterns can draw attention to your curves. Dark, rich shades like navy blue, deep purple, and black are timelessly stylish and provide a sculpted, toned look. Sticking to darker colors is perfect if you are looking to achieve a slimming effect, as they don’t draw attention to any particular area of the body. One idea is to wear a patterned top that can help accentuate your bust while wearing a solid-colored bottom to downplay wider hips if that is what you want to do. Alternatively, if you want to accentuate curvy hips, opt for print swim bottoms in patterns like floral, polka-dots, or animal prints. If you want a more distinct style, try a swimsuit with subtle texture or detailing, such as ruching, pleats, or lace trim.

Don’t Be Afraid to Try Different Styles

There is no rule that you must pick a specific swimsuit style, cut, or color, and never try something new. While certain styles may look more flattering, there is no need to give up the search for cute, trendy new styles every summer. Part of the fun is not only wearing the swimsuit but shopping for swimwear pieces that are new, exciting, and will undoubtedly make fabulous additions to your summer wardrobe! Experiment with different cuts, colors, and patterns until you find the one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Finally, you can’t forget about accessories! From cover-ups to hats and sunglasses, accessories can help tie your beach look together. Choose pieces that complement your swimsuit and add a stylish touch.