Trendy swimwear isn't always the best swimwear for you. Finding swimwear is less about following trends and more about feeling confident in your own skin. To do that, you should learn about your body shape and what looks best on it. The right cut, fabric, and fit can make a real difference, whether you want a bikini that creates definition, a one-piece that offers support, or a high-waisted style that balances proportions.
This guide covers the most flattering swimwear styles for five key body shapes, with specific style recommendations for each. Use the following as a starting point, because the best swimwear is ultimately whatever makes you feel good in it.
Best Swimwear for Body Shape: How to Understand Yours
Before we recommend the best swimwear for each body shape, it helps to understand the five body shape categories most swimwear guides work around. These aren't rigid boxes — most of us fall somewhere between two categories — but they're a useful framework for narrowing down what works for your figure.
Hourglass
If you have an hourglass shape, it's important to balance your bust and hips and to create a defined waist.
Pear
If you have hips that are wider than your bust, with a narrower upper body, then your body likely fits the pear shape category.
Apple
The apple shape is fuller through the middle, with a less defined waist at the top.
Athletic
If you have broader shoulders and bust, with narrower hips, then you have more of an inverted triangle shape.
Rectangle
For those with a similar width at bust, waist, and hips, with minimal curves, you likely have a rectangle shape.
Best Swimwear for an Hourglass Body Shape
An hourglass figure benefits from highlighting the waist definition between the bust and hips, rather than hiding it. Look for styles that frame rather than cover your natural shape.
- Underwire or structured bikini tops that support and lift without adding unnecessary volume.
- High-cut bikini bottoms that elongate the legs and draw attention to the waist.
- Belted or ruched one-pieces that put the spotlight on the waist rather than skimming over it.
- Wrap tops that tie at the natural waist and create a flattering V-neckline.
Avoid oversized boardshorts or baggy cover-up style swimwear that hides the waist entirely. That works against the shape rather than with it.
Pro Tip: Bold prints and bright colours work particularly well for hourglass figures since the shape carries them confidently. A matching set in a statement print is a strong choice.
Browse our full luxury swimwear collection for styles that highlight and support this shape.
Best Swimwear for a Pear Body Shape
A pear body shape usually features hips wider than the bust, with a smaller upper body and defined waist. The most flattering swimwear for a pear body shape draws attention upward and balances proportions between your top and bottom halves.
- Ruffled bikini tops that add volume and draw the eye upward.
- Embellished and padded tops that increase volume and balance your natural curves.
- Darker, plainer bikini bottoms that reduce attention on your hips.
- High-waisted bikini bottoms that cover and smooth your hip area while helping define your waistline.
- Tankini tops that fit below the waist and create extra coverage on the lower half of your body.
Pro Tip: High-waisted bikinis are versatile and create a flattering retro silhouette with practical coverage. A one-piece with a high leg cut achieves a similar effect, elongating the leg and drawing the eye upward. Avoid bottoms with busy patterns.
Best Swimwear for an Apple Body Shape
An apple body shape typically carries more volume through the middle, with a less defined waist and often a fuller bust. The most flattering swimwear for this body shape draws attention to the legs and décolletage rather than the midsection.
- V-neckline one-pieces that draw the eye vertically and elongate the torso.
- Ruched or draped one-pieces that gather fabric at the centre, creating the impression of a waist.
- Tummy control swimwear with built-in panels that smooth and support without flattening.
- Tankinis with a flowing or A-line lower half that create a relaxed fit through the middle of the body.
Pro Tip: A well-chosen one-piece swimsuit is one of the strongest options for an apple body shape. Look for styles that include ruching through the midsection, a deep V or square neckline, and a higher leg cut. Dark coloured one-pieces with strategic ruching or side-panel detailing are a classic choice for apple shapes.
Best Swimwear for an Athletic or Inverted Triangle Body Shape
An athletic or inverted triangle body shape features broader shoulders and a wider bust relative to the hips. The goal with swimwear for this shape is to soften the shoulder line and add volume and interest to the lower half to balance proportions.
- Halter neck styles that draw attention to a strong shoulder line in a flattering way.
- Bikini bottoms with ruffles, frills, or side ties that add volume at the hip.
- Patterned or brightly coloured bikini bottoms paired with a simpler top, to draw the eye downward.
- Bandeau or straight-across tops that sit horizontally and reduce the visual width of the shoulders.
Pro Tip: Add definition by choosing a belted one-piece or a bikini with a ruched or tie-front top. One-piece swimsuits in block colours with interesting cut-out or wrap details are also a strong option for this shape. Avoid strong horizontal stripes across the top half.
Best Swimwear for a Rectangle Body Shape
A rectangle body shape features similar measurements at the bust, hips, and waist, with a straighter silhouette. The right swimwear creates the appearance of curves and adds shape and dimension.
- Bikinis with underwire or padded tops that add volume at the bust.
- Ruffled, frilled, or embellished bikini bottoms that add visual width at the hips.
- One-pieces with cut-outs at the waist to suggest curves where there are fewer natural ones.
- High-waisted bikini bottoms that cinch at the waist to create a more defined silhouette.
A high-waisted bikini in a contrasting colour, with darker bottoms and a patterned top, is a simple but effective way to break up a straight silhouette.
How to Choose the Right Swimwear for Your Body Shape
Beyond body shape, a few practical factors are worth considering when you're choosing swimwear:
- Support level. If you have a fuller bust, prioritising underwire or structured support will make a real difference to both comfort and how your swimsuit looks.
- Coverage preference. Flattering doesn't have to mean minimal coverage. High-waisted bottoms, tankinis, and one-pieces can be just as striking as a bikini, especially when the cut and fabric are right.
Browse our women's swimwear collection to shop by style, including one-pieces and high-waisted bikinis, to find the right fit for your shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bikini suits my body shape?
It depends on your proportions. Hourglass shapes suit structured bikinis that highlight the waist. Pear shapes do well with embellished tops and plain bottoms. Apple shapes look wonderful in ruched or V-neck one-pieces. Study your body shape to find the right swimwear.
Is a one-piece or bikini more flattering?
Neither is universally more flattering; it depends on your shape and what you're looking for. The best choice is the one that makes you feel most confident.
What swimwear colours are the most flattering?
Darker colours on the areas you'd prefer to minimise, and lighter colours or bold prints on the areas you'd like to highlight, is a simple and effective approach. Above all, wearing what you love and feel confident in will always be more flattering than any colour theory.
What swimwear is best for tummy control?
Ruched one-pieces, high-waisted bikini bottoms, and swimsuits with built-in control panels are the most effective option for tummy control. Look for styles with structured fabric panels at the midsection instead of choosing a smaller size in a regular style.
The Right Swimsuit is The One You Feel The Best in
There is no single most flattering swimwear style. Only the styles that work best for your shape, your preferences, and how you want to feel. We hope this swimwear guide gives you a good starting point to find the best swimwear for your body shape.
Shop our full range of women's swimwear at Sand Dollar Dubai, with same-day delivery across Dubai and worldwide shipping available.
