When it comes to swimwear, one size does not fit all — and the secret to feeling confident by the pool or at the beach is choosing the best swimwear for body type you actually have. At Sunburst Swimwear, we believe every body is beautiful, and with a few styling insights (backed by expert advice) you can find a swimsuit that flatters you, rather than making you feel like you’re trying to fit into a suit that flatters someone else’s shape.
In this guide you’ll learn how to decode your body shape, what styles work best, and why focusing on structure, support and silhouette (not just trends) matters big time.
Why body-type matters when picking swimwear
Before you add twenty suits to your cart, take a minute to tune into your own shape, how you move and what you want your swimwear to do for you.
According to fashion-guides, choosing swimwear involves looking at cut, pattern, structure — these all change how your body is framed.
For example:
A one-piece with smoothing panels can streamline the mid-section.
A well-fitting bikini bottom with a high-cut leg can visually elongate your legs.
So when you shop for the best swimwear for body type, you’re really asking: “Which style enhances me — rather than me adapting to a ‘model figure’ version of a swimsuit?”
How to figure out your body shape
Here are the common shapes we talk about (and yes, bodies can vary and mix, so treat these as friendly guidelines, not rigid rules).
- Hourglass – bust and hips are balanced, with a well-defined waist.
- Pear (or triangle) – hips are wider than the shoulders, narrower at the top.
- Apple (or round/oval) – fullness around the mid-section, often narrower hips and legs.
- Rectangle (or straight/athletic) – bust, waist and hips are similar widths; minimal natural waist definition.
- Inverted triangle – broad shoulders or bust, narrower hips.
Fashion experts recommend different tactics depending on these shapes — for instance, ruching, plunging necklines, or strategic colour-blocking to balance proportions.
Choosing swimwear for each shape
Let’s dive into what works (and why) for each body shape — focusing on the type of swimsuit for body type.
Hourglass
You’ve got curves and a defined waist — hooray! Aim to emphasise that waist, and choose styles that support the bust and hips equally.
- A plunge or halter top that gives lift without flattening the bust.
- Bottoms or one-pieces with a defined waist or belt details.
- High-waisted bottoms (ladies swimwear bottoms) can also work if you prefer some coverage.
According to one guide: “If you have an hourglass figure … the goal is to accentuate your curves and highlight your natural silhouette.”
So for you: go ahead and rock a supportive top and skirt-bottom or high-cut bikini bottom — just make sure the pieces fit snugly but comfortably.
Pear (Triangle)
Hips wider than shoulders means the aim is to draw attention upward, and create balance.
- Choose bikini tops with ruffles, embellishments or brighter prints (draw the eye up).
- Use darker, more solid bottoms (or subtle prints) to smooth the hip area. That’s the principle of balancing proportions.
- Bottoms: side-tie, high-cut or V-front help elongate legs.
- For example: “High-cut styles … add length to your legs and highlight your natural shape.”
If you’re choosing a top, you might look at padded bikini tops for added shape at the bust to balance your silhouette.
Apple (Round/oval)
If your midsection carries more fullness, pick swimwear that gives you support, streamlines the torso, and emphasises your legs or bust.
- One-piece with ruching or drape around the waist works great.
- Plunge necklines to draw the eye upward.
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For two-pieces: choose bottoms with a higher rise or structured waistband to smooth the tummy region.
So: a suit with inner control panels, supportive bust and a clean bottom will likely feel most comfortable and flattering.
Rectangle (Straight/Athletic)
With a straighter figure (similar waist, bust and hips), the goal is to create curves or visual interest.
- Choose styles with ruching, tie-sides, prints or details that add dimension.
- Plunge necklines, side cut-outs or high-leg cuts can all help create shape.
- You might also opt for bras without underwire (if you prefer comfort) in a top that adds shape through design rather than structure.
If you’re working with minimal natural curves, go bold on design details and embrace the suit as your styling partner.
Inverted Triangle
Broad shoulders or bust compared to hips? Your goal: bring balance downward.
- Choose bottoms with prints, colour or volume to widen the hip area.
- Tops should offer support (if bust is large) but avoid too much emphasis on widening the shoulders.
- A one-piece with subtle hip details or a belted shape can help.
Here you might look for swimwear that subtly blends your upper and lower halves in a unified look rather than exaggerated contrast.
Beyond shape: fit, fabric & real-world check
Getting the shape right is half the battle — the other half is how it fits and how you feel in it. Here are some pro-tips:
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As noted by expert advice: buy your correct size or even slightly smaller if it fits well, rather than going up in size to “be safe”.
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Fabric matters: matte finishes tend to be more forgiving than shiny ones (which highlight everything).
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Support features: for bust, choose wider straps, adjustable features, built-in cups or shelf bras.
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Try movement: sit, bend, raise your arms — does the suit hold in place? Does the bottom ride up or the top shift? If yes, it’s not a good fit.
- Quality matters: better construction = better fit = more confidence. The difference shows in the way the suit feels and holds you.
How to shop smart at Sunburst Swimwear
Since you’re shopping (or exploring) at Sunburst Swimwear, here’s how to make your visit/stretching-session worth it:
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Look at the product detail: if you see ladies swimwear bottoms in high-cut, side-tie or high-waist styles, try them if you want to elongate legs (especially good for pear / rectangle shapes).
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If a top mentions bras without underwire and you favour comfort, check how the straps lay, how the bust is held — many modern designs give great support without the underwire squeeze.
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If you're considering a two-piece and want extra shape on top, explore the padded bikini tops — these help enhance or balance your bust measurement.
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Read the size-chart, note the fabric (stretch %, lining etc), and check return policy (because fit matters).
- Take a mirror selfie, try a small walk, raise arms – if you feel good, you’re likely onto a winner.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best swimwear for body type isn’t about fitting into a trend, it’s about finding what flatters you, supports your comfort, and makes you feel confident enough to live your beach or pool day. Whether you’re working with curves, straight silhouette, broader shoulders or more weight around the middle — there’s a style that’s just right.
So take that moment: check your shape, note your preferences, dive into pieces that speak to your take-on-style (and maybe follow the body-type suggestions above), and don’t settle. At Sunburst Swimwear, you’re not looking for just “a suit” — you’re looking for your suit.
What will you do right now?
Head to the swimwear section and pick three styles you’d love. Try each one (even if just mentally) and ask:
Does this suit support my bust in a way that’s comfortable?
Does it balance or enhance my silhouette the way I like?
Will I feel confident wearing this into the water, lounging, moving, posing?
Pick the one that gives you that “yes!” feeling. And whether it’s a sleek one-piece or a fun bikini pair, you’ve got this. You deserve swimwear that fits you perfectly.
FAQs
- What is the best swimwear for body type when I’m not sure which shape I am?
Ans: Start by measuring your bust, waist and hips. Compare proportions: if one area is noticeably larger or smaller than others, you’ll likely fit one of the classic shapes (hourglass, pear, apple, rectangle, inverted triangle). Choose styles aimed at balancing or enhancing your key proportions.
- Are high-waisted bikini bottoms good for every body shape?
Ans: They’re especially great for pear, apple and hourglass shapes (they define waist, elongate legs or smooth tummy). For rectangle or inverted triangle bodies, you might prefer mid-rise or side-tie bottoms to avoid over-emphasising waist or hips.
- If I have a larger bust, what should I look for in swimwear?
Ans: Prioritise support: wider adjustable straps, under-band or shelf bras, structured cups (if you choose padded bikini tops), and avoid straps that dig or ride off shoulders. Experts also suggest choosing V-necks or plunge front styles to balance the bust visually.
- What features help if I’m worried about my mid-section (tummy area)?
Ans: Look for one-pieces or two-pieces with ruching/draping around the waist, smoothing panels, darker solid bottoms or high-cut legs to draw attention away from the mid-section.
- How do I know the swimwear will fit correctly, not just look good?
Ans: Try it on (or review size-chart carefully). Move around: raise your arms, bend over, walk. If the fabric digs in, rides up, or straps fall off, it’s not a proper fit. Good guidance says: “If you keep tugging on your suit … go up in size; if straps fall off, go down.
