The Best Bathing Suit for Different Body Types

4 hours ago 2

The shopping experts at RetailMeNot are just like you: We make spreadsheets we never open again, Google “how to boil eggs” more than we’d like to admit, and when summer rolls around, some of us downright dread shopping for swimsuits.

The fluorescent lighting and awkward mirrors in dressing rooms don’t make the experience any better. Not to mention the confusing sizing that somehow changes between every brand. Plus, trying on ten swimsuits that promise to “flatter every body,” and discovering the brand meant everybody else’s body, can feel really defeating.

And don’t get us started on the mental gymnastics that can come with shopping for swimsuits online. Is that model 5’2” or 6’1”? Is “cheeky” a little cheek or full cheek? Will that strappy situation even stay on if you, say, breathe too hard?

Here’s the thing though: Swimsuit shopping shouldn’t be this stressful. And instead of walking away thinking something is wrong with the sizing, some of us leave thinking there’s something wrong with our bodies. If you’ve ever felt that way, understand that we’ve been there too, but are here to assure you that you are not the problem. The fashion industry as a whole has a ways to go when it comes to inclusive sizing, and the same tired swimsuit styles simply don’t do a good job at all accommodating everybody’s unique shape.

That’s why we put together this guide of the best swimsuits for every body type. Whether you’re pear-shaped, petite, curvy, or somewhere wonderfully in between, there’s a suit out there for you, and we’re here to help you find it.

The Best Bathing Suits for Pear-Shaped Bodies

A woman wearing a colorful, floral-patterned, ruffled bikini top with thin straps, paired with black bottoms. She has long hair, hoop earrings, and layered necklaces. The photo is cropped above her knees.

Got wider hips, narrower shoulders and a booty that turns heads? Sounds like you’ve got a pear-shaped body. For this body type, the goal is all about balancing your proportions and showing off your curves.

Best styles: Go for bold, attention-grabbing tops (think ruffles, embellishments, or colorful patterns) to add volume and draw the eye up. Halter tops, off-the-shoulder styles and padded bras are your friends.

The Long Torso Sidestroke: $95 at Summersalt
Herseas Women’s Bikini: $35.99 at Amazon
Tempt Me Ruffled Bikini Top: $23.99 at Amazon

The Best Bathing Suits for Apple-Shaped Bodies

A woman with curly hair poses with her arms raised, wearing a high-neck, sleeveless crop top with a black and white leaf pattern and high-waisted, solid brown bikini bottoms, standing against a plain background.

Do you have a fuller bust, narrower hips, and carry weight around the midsection? Our experts recommend elongating your torso and creating a defined waist.

Best styles: Look for high-waisted bikinis and one-pieces with tummy control panels. Ruching or wrap details around the middle help smooth things out and create a natural waistline. A V-neckline will draw attention up and away from your tummy. Look for suits that offer support, like tankinis or one-pieces with built-in bras.

Women’s Pinchless High Waisted Bikini Bottoms: $59.95 at Land’s End
Sea Glass Ruched High-Waisted Bottoms: $64 at Albion
LookbookStore Tankini Top: $23.99 at Amazon

The Best Bathing Suits for Hourglass Figures

A woman with long curly hair wearing a red one-piece swimsuit with a side tie stands confidently against a plain light background.

With balanced proportions between the bust and hips and a defined waist, hourglass figures are naturally symmetrical. The trick here is showing off that waist while embracing the curves.

Best styles: Underwire tops or balconette bikinis will give you the lift and support you need without flattening your shape. High-waisted bikini bottoms and one-piece styles with a wrap or belt can emphasize your waist. Choose classic cuts to accentuate your curves.

Scarlet Garden Push Up Bikini Top & Cheeky Bottoms Set: $37.99 at Cupshe
Side Tie Wrap One Piece Swimsuit: $67.47 at Land’s End
Textured Underwire Balconette Swim Top: $14.99 at Old Navy

The Best Bathing Suits for Athletic or Rectangular Bodies

A woman wearing a black one-shoulder swimsuit with sheer mesh cutouts stands smiling and looking to the side against a white background.

If your figure is more straight up and down with fewer curves, you likely have an athletic or rectangular shape. For rectangular-y gals, it’s all about creating the illusion of dimension and adding volume to your silhouette.

Best styles: Go for bold ruffles, padded tops, and prints that add volume. High-cut bikini bottoms will make your legs look longer, while cheeky cuts give your rear end some oomph. Cut-out one-pieces or monokinis are perfect for adding depth to your torso.

Orange Creamsicle O-Ring Monokini: $26.33 at Cupshe
Women’s One-Shoulder Mesh Cutout Swimsuit: $49.35 at Macy’s
Viottiset Women’s Cut Out Drawstring One Piece Swimsuit: $35.99 at Amazon

The Best Bathing Suits for Plus-Size Figures

A woman wearing a sage green one-piece swimsuit, a large straw sunhat, and gold jewelry smiles while looking to the side. She has long wavy hair and holds a woven bag. The background is white.

Confidence starts with comfort. If you have a fuller figure, the right swimsuit can provide both without compromising on style. The secret is support and details that highlight your favorite features.

Best styles: Ruching and tummy control are key, and high-waisted bottoms will help smooth things out. Look for one-pieces with great support, or a swim dress for a little more coverage. Off-shoulder and wrap styles can highlight your neckline, and an underwire bra will support your bust.

The Perfect Wrap One-Piece: $95 at Summersalt
Emerald Wave Sage Plus Size One-Piece Swimsuit: $23.99 at Cupshe
Swimsuits For All Women’s Plus Size O-Ring Long Sleeve Bikini Top: $37.99 at Amazon

The Best Bathing Suits for Petite Frames

A woman wearing a stylish black one-piece swimsuit with a front cutout and gold buckle detail, standing against a plain background. Her face is not visible in the image.

On the shorter side? Your goal is to elongate your body and create the illusion of height without overwhelming your frame.

Best styles: High-cut bottoms are a game-changer for making your legs look longer, while deep-V necklines and triangle tops lengthen your torso. Minimalist suits, like simple bikinis or sleek one-pieces, will help you avoid looking like you’re drowning in fabric.