The Fit Issues Part 2: Swimsuits for Every Body Type
We definitely understand that finding the right swimsuit can feel impossible. Sizes vary, fabrics stretch when they're wet, and every woman’s body is beautifully different. While we know no one can be perfectly defined by the name of a fruit or shape, these terms have served as helpful guides for years. Understanding your general proportions can make swimsuit shopping, especially online, much easier and empowering.
Our Beach2Ocean swim stylists are here to help you feel confident, supported, and informed when choosing the best swimsuits for your body type. So, we’re breaking down the most common body-type terms we hear from customers - what they typically mean, and the swimsuit styles that flatter them best.
Body types:
Hourglass -
Most commonly feature a “balanced” bust and hips with a defined waist. Hourglass proportions look their best when the waist is highlighted, not hidden.
What styles to look for:
-
Styles that highlight the waist - high waisted bottoms and one pieces with cuts following the natural curve of your waistline emphasize this beautiful feature.
- Wrap tops, balconette bikini tops, and bralette-style swim tops offer the bust support hourglass figures often need, especially in swimwear that stretches when it’s wet.
Our stylists recommends styles like these:
Pear Shape -
Sometimes referred to as a Triangle, your hips are broader than your shoulders, and your weight is usually carried through your lower body. Pear shapes often have narrower shoulders or a smaller bust compared to the hips.
What styles to look for:
-
Tops that balance the hips like a plunge neckline, or detail focused tops. Adding detail and interest up top will balance your silhouette, making it more symmetrical.
-
High cut leg lines to elongate your legs - these elongate your legs without emphasizing width.
-
Ruched one pieces - these work with wider hips while visually balancing the torso.
Our stylists recommends styles like these:
Apple Shape -
Sometimes referred to as an Oval, your weight is carried in your midsection with slimmer legs, narrower hips, and oftentimes a fuller bust.
What styles to look for:
-
Ruched or draped fronts - styling fabric like this softens the midsection and creates shape without feeling tight or restrictive.
-
Structured Tankinis - ideal for women who carry weight higher on the torso and want lift, security, and flexibility in sizing.
-
V-necklines can draw the eye upward, elongating the look of the torso.
- Supportive one-pieces with tummy control - you might like the extra support and smoothing a tummy control swimsuit has. Power-mesh lining or an inner shaping panel offer comfortable smoothing for the midsection.
Our stylists recommends styles like these:
Rectangle -
This is also called a “straight” or "athletic" build. Your bust, waist, and hips are similar in measurement with subtle or minimal curves.
What styles to look for:
- Waist defining cuts that are designed to enhance curves. Think swimsuits with cutouts, and belts. Rectangle shapes have a torso that is naturally straight and these details help create the illusion of an hourglass shape.
-
Asymmetric one pieces - since a rectangle shape naturally has even, straight proportions from shoulders to hips, an asymmetric neckline disrupts that line, instantly adding shape. This style makes the upper body look fuller and more sculpted.
- Sweet heart or deep-V necklines - these styles add natural shape and roundness to the bust area which can enhance your curves.
Our stylists recommends styles like these:
Inverted Triangle -
Your shoulders and bust are broad and you have narrower hips. Inverted triangles are “top-heavy” and benefit from styles that balance their proportions.
What styles to look for:
-
Hip balancing bottoms and supportive tops - a combination that evens out your silhouette.
-
One shoulder asymmetric tops - diagonal lines break up shoulder width, and add interest without adding bulk to your silhouette.
-
Side ties or v-style bottoms - these styles work to accentuate the hips by adding volume at the hip to balance the upper body.
- Plunge tops - V-necks and plunging cuts draw the eye vertically, reducing focus on your shoulder width.
Our stylists recommends styles like these:
Other body features (not types) you might want to dress for:
Curvy -
While curvy isn't any particular body type, it refers to women who have fuller proportions whether through the bust, hips, thighs, or overall shape. Curvy figures benefit from a swimsuit that has features that support, enhance, and balance their natural proportions.
What styles to look for:
-
Supportive fit and curve friendly fabrics and silhouettes. Underwire swim tops and wide straps provide lift and all-day comfort and support.
- High rise bottoms and one pieces with shaping panels that offer smoothing features - these swimsuits smooth the tummy and sides without squeezing, offering gentle shaping where you might want it.
Our stylists recommends styles like these:
Busty / Large Bust -
A fuller bust can appear across any body type. Bust support is essential for comfort, shape, and confidence, especially on vacation, lounging by the pool, or during busy beach days.
What styles to look for:
-
Built-in structure - think: wide straps, molded cups, underwire support. These built-in features provide lift and shaping, keeping the bust lifted and secure which are essential for security and comfort.
-
Adjustable fit details - adjustability helps customize support so your new swimsuit fits your proportions perfectly.
Our stylists recommends styles like these:
Final thoughts?
By knowing what styles flatter your natural shape you can shop smarter, feel more confident, and enjoy your time in the water without tugging or adjusting your swimsuit. At Beach2Ocean we’re dedicated to helping every woman feel supported, stylish, and completely herself. When you’re ready to find your best fit, we’re right here with you.
Explore other common fit issues here