To end stressful and frustrating swimsuit shopping this year, we rounded up a list of stylish and flattering picks that are perfect for you. From curvier frames to athletic body types, we're helping to make sense of the endless swimwear options and narrowing them down to the choices that were made to fit and flatter your frame. Want to know what you should be looking for? Read on to get the experts' does and don'ts, find your perfect suit, and never hate bikini shopping again!
Pear Shape
Best Swimsuits For Pear Shape
Pear shape: You're curvy at the hips and thighs and smaller on top
What to look for: The key to the perfect swimsuit is balancing your proportions and getting the coverage you need for your bottom half.
Tips and tricks:
For a traditional fix, look for a clean-skirted bottom that falls just below the largest part of the upper leg.
Avoid reaching for a boy short or thick-banded bottom. The extra fabric will only call attention to the area you're trying to mask.
A plunging neckline or eye-catching top draws the eye upward, minimizing the bottom.
Recommend for Pear Shape
Small Bust
Best Swimsuits For Small Bust
Small bust: Proportionally, you're smaller on top with an A or B cup
What to look for: A smaller chest requires less support, so you can look for styles with more minimal coverage or embellished detailing, bows, and patterns to create the illusion of a larger chest.
Tips and tricks:
Triangle tops create the illusion of curves, as do tops with bold prints or embellishments with ruffles.
Bra tops and padded push-up tops offer extra lift and can create cleavage, as can certain halter tops.
A smaller bust always means you can wear tiny scoop tops or bandeaus — embrace them!
Recommend for Small Bust
Large Bust
Best Swimsuits For Large Bust
Large bust: Ample cleavage; you're chesty and require more support up top.
What to look for: If you're more well-endowed on top, then support is key. Opt for suits with underwire or molded cups to give the girls the support they need. Avoid ruffles or embellishments up top if you're hoping to minimize the focus on your chest.
Tips and tricks:
Bra-style tops with underwire and adjustable straps provide extra bust support. The thicker the strap, the more support.
Higher backs are also a good fit for helping to keep the girls up.
Molded cups provide extra support and are available in many different styles.
Explore suits marked with sizing like your regular bra, including styles that go above a D, which are constructed to support a larger bust.
Recommend for Large Bust
Curvy
Best Swimsuits For Curvy Women
Curvy: You're curvy throughout with a full bust, hips, thighs, and butt.
What to look for: For curvy frames, the key is to highlight your curves while providing enough support and coverage. If you're not keen on exaggerating your curves, then steer clear of monokinis or string bikinis with thicker ties, which can accentuate your widest areas.
Tips and tricks:
Asymmetrical suits draw the eye toward the neckline, highlighting the beautiful line from a woman's neck to her collarbone.
Colorblocking can help highlight your shape, as can retro suits (think high waists and boxy halter tops).
Recommend for Curvy Women
Athletic
Best Swimsuits For Athletic Women
Athletic: You're more straight up and down and have fewer curves
What to look for: The name of the game is playing up your curves with styles that flaunt your frame. Suits with less coverage help to create the illusion of a shapelier figure.
Tips and tricks:
Tops or bottoms with bold prints, ruffles, and embellishments add intrigue and feminine flair and can create the appearance of more curve at top and bottom.
Monokinis create fabulous curves, as do one-pieces with slashes or strategically placed cutouts.
The smaller the swimsuit bottom, the fuller and curvier the derrière appears.
Tie-side bikini bottoms enhance curves and adjust perfectly to your size.
Recommend for Athletic Women
Tummy Concealing
Best Swimsuits For Tummy Concealing
Tummy concealing: You're built a little more like an apple shape and carry your weight mostly in your middle.
What to look for: Whether you prefer to be covered up or you're out to slim your middle, there are a number of one-pieces and two-piece suits, like high-waisted or tankini styles, that help to smooth out your middle.
Tips and tricks:
Shirring works miracles. The gathered fabric hides bulges and creates definition in the waist.
A figure-flattering surplice-wrap silhouette trims the waist with its crossover fabric.
If you carry your weight in the lower part of your belly, try on a retro-inspired, high-waisted suit. They're on-trend and cover the abdomen.
Recommend for Tummy Concealing