Swimsuits for Hourglass Body Types: Enhancing Your Curves and Proportions
The hourglass body type is characterized by a waist that’s smaller than the bust and hips, thus creating the distinctive shape. Lands’ End has women’s swimwear to fit and flatter every body, including beach apparel designed to enhance an hourglass figure. We’ve put together some inspiration to help you put together swimwear looks that enhance your body type and keep you comfortable at the beach or pool.
Elegant Grecian Swimsuits
The Grecian-style bathing suit flatters every body type, including the hourglass figure. One feature that sets this style apart is the neckline. It has relatively wide straps and combines a V-neck look with a square neckline. The control fabric creates a streamlined look, while shirring provides a waist-enhancing effect.
Bold V-Necks
Another swimsuit style that’s great for hourglass figures is the V-neck. You’ll find daring V-necks and ones that are a bit higher to suit your preferred modesty level. This type of neckline is similar to the Grecian style and has the same shape-enhancing effects. Some V-neck one-piece bathing suits are made with control fabric, while others aren’t. You’ll find V-necks with shirring and classic styles with minimal embellishments.
Classic Scoop Necks
Every body type can wear the classic scoop neck. Look for Tugless Tank for the most comfortable wear. The Tugless Tank is designed to stay in place even through water sports, swimming, and jogging on the beach. Thanks to the innovative fabric and design, there’s no need to adjust the bodice or bottom of your suit to prevent any wardrobe malfunctions.
Surplice Wrap Swimdresses
This swimsuit has multiple features to look for if you’re dressing an hourglass figure. First, it’s a swim dress. These dresses have a retro vibe and flatter virtually everyone, as they’re available in all sizes and multiple styles and lengths. Look for a swim dress with a surplice wrap bodice to make the most of your hourglass curves. This style helps the waist appear smaller while accentuating the bust and hips.
Shirred Tankini Tops
If you prefer a two-piece over a one-piece, you’re not alone. Tankini swimsuits are incredibly popular because they provide more fashion versatility than a one-piece ever could. The tops and bottoms can be mixed and matched to create many swim styles, so you’ll never get bored with your summer look. Plus, they deliver the coverage and appearance of a one-piece, so you get the best of both worlds. Tankini tops with shirring are ideal for hourglass body types, as they provide the same figure-enhancing effect as shirred one-piece swimsuits.
Wrap Tankini Tops
The wrap tankini top may or may not feature shirring, depending on your chosen style. Either way, wrap-style tankinis and one-pieces accentuate the waistline. The waist-snatching effect is even greater if you opt for a tankini top with smoothing control fabric. This type of fabric creates a smooth, streamlined effect thanks to the addition of Lycra® XtraLife™ spandex, which wears 10 times longer than regular spandex and doesn’t lose shape.
Halter Tankini Tops
The halter tankini top has a retro look that’s right on-trend. Plus, it’s great for making the most of your hourglass shape. Some halter tankini tops are shirred for further enhancements, but all have the traditional halter neck style to flatter your figure. As with the other tankinis and one-pieces mentioned here, some halter tankinis have control fabric to smooth your midsection.
Tankini Bottoms for Hourglass Shapes
There are plenty of tankini bottoms with which to coordinate the tops. Swim shorts are one option if you want ample coverage for your hips and bottom. There are swim skirts that pair well with tankini tops of all kinds, or you can opt for a high-waisted swimsuit bottom. Tankini bottoms also come in low- and high-cut bikini styles.
Swimwear Fabrics, Colors, and Prints
Now that we’ve discussed styles we love for hourglass shapes, let’s touch on fabrics, colors, and prints. Most swimwear is made from polyester with spandex, which is fast-drying and has plenty of stretch. Lining in the bust area is a feature to look for, along with adjustable straps and the previously mentioned Lycra® XtraLife™ spandex. Chlorine-resistant swimsuits are a must-have if you want swimwear fabric that lasts all summer without fading or losing structural integrity.
Hourglass shapes can wear any colors and prints they prefer. Choose navy or black if you want a solid color and a modest look. If bold is your style, there are plenty of vibrant summery hues from which to choose. A swimsuit that combines a solid color with a coordinating print can flatter this body type, too. For example, you might select a tankini top with a floral motif and solid-color bottoms in a complementary hue.
Accessorizing Your Swim Look
You don’t need much to accessorize your swimsuit. Rash guards are a must for protecting against UV rays, although you’ll still need sunscreen. Canvas totes can be packed with beach towels, extra clothes, and other must-haves for a beach day. Finish your summer swim look with a wide-brim hat, flip-flops, or water shoes and you’re all set.