Swimsuit Styling- How to find the best swimsuit for your Body Shape
What’s the Best swimsuit for your body type?
One of the key factors to rocking your Style is knowing your body shape and the best cuts that fit and flatter your figure. When you dress for your shape, you emphasize your assets and feel comfortable in your skin, which then communicates Confidence.
Shopping for a swimsuit doesn’t have to be painful, not when you know which cut will give you the best fit! So I am going to share with you the best swimsuits for the five body shapes that I have identified; The Hourglass, the Column, the Cone, the Triangle, and the Circle. I will share a two-piece style and a one-piece style for each shape.
The Hourglass – If this is you, you have a feminine curvy figure defined by a waist distinctly smaller than your bust, shoulder and hips by 3-4 inches or more. Your hips, bust and shoulders are the same size, and your waist is extremely well- defined.
La Blanca Ocean Oasis Halter Top Bikini
Two-Pieces are a great choice for showing off the hourglass figure – especially those with underwire support. There are so many two-piece options, one of my favorites for the hourglass is the halter or triangle bikini top paired with a triangular bottom. With this curvy shape you can also wear a straight cut bottom it looks great!
Rivieracoco.com Eze yellow stripe lace up
For the one-piece version chose a style where the leg is cut high to give your legs length and emphasize your curves. A deep V or plunging neckline adds a glamourous flash.
The Column – this is a relatively straight shape with a smaller bust. Shoulders are the same width as the hips, with a smaller bustline and undefined waist. Typically, there is no more than a 2-inch difference between your bust, waist, and hips.
Nordstrom.com Sea Level Bikini
Wear a two-piece in bright colors and patterns-especially feminine patterns (if that’s your style). Try a padded bikini top with embellishments such as ruffles and bows. Avoid those that cut straight across your body as they will give you more of a boyish look.
Intermix.com
Try tankini and one-piece suits that come with a form fitting waist or have belts or buckles to cinch to add definition and shape to your waistline.
The Cone – This shape’s curves are on top with larger shoulders and bustline than your lower half. You are fuller busted with broad shoulders, narrow hips, and longer legs. Often you can have an athletic build
Landsend.com
Two-pieces should balance your shape- make sure the top is supportive and minimal in design. Try a top with a slightly low-cut neckline and/or with wide set straps- they are flattering and even your shoulders. Avoid tiny bottoms and find styles with designs that accent the lower body (retro styles, low-rise or boy cut). Play up your figure by pairing a solid color top with at printed bottom to visually even out your shape.
La Blanca Ocean Oasis shirred one shoulder one-piece
Try a one piece with a high-cut leg opening. This style with the one thick strap at the shoulder, draws the eye downward to let your legs do the talking.
The Triangle – Your shape is defined with narrow shoulders, small waistline with a shapely bottom half. Your shoulders, bust and waistline are smaller than your hips. The idea here is to enhance your waistline and arms and add volume to shoulders and upper body for a balanced silhouette.
Landsend.com
Two-piece suits should focus on the top; tops with thick or wide-set straps this helps to elongate your shoulders. Triangle tops as well as ruffles or embellishments visually balance out your curvier bottom half. Mix and match bikinis with a lighter top and darker bottom to draw attention to your upper body. Keep the lower half free from side details like strings and tassels and avoid boy shorts. Tying a sarong around your waist can also minimize your hips and thighs.
La Blanca Island Goddess off shoulder one-piece
One-piece suits should follow the same guidelines as a two-piece style. Keep the bottom half to a minimum. Try a higher cut leg to elongate and lengthen. An off the shoulder style, thick halter style and bandeau style on top will bring attention up and help to balance out your figure.
The Circle – Your goal is to elongate your torso and draw attention to your legs and create an illusion of a waist. If you are a circle shape you have an average to bigger bustline, broader shoulders, with fullness around the middle with a less defined waist, which is larger than your bust and hips by 2 inches or more. You have narrow hips with good legs.
Amazon.com
Two-piece suits should define your waist and add curves. Always choose a top with build in support for your chest. Tankini’s are flattering, especially with a midsection that drapes loosely. For your bikini bottom go high waisted – choose a style with control panels which can smooth and flatten your tummy- team it with a shirred tankini top, blouson style or and A-line tankini top.
Swimsuitoutlet.com
Choose one-piece suits that gather on the sides or in the middle to create an illusion of a smaller waist. You can add an effect such as a pattern or texture to a suit that is gathered to the side or overlapping down the middle to highlight the upper waistline giving you the effect of a curvaceous body. A deep neckline will generate a vertical accent drawing the eye up and down, accentuating the bust and elongating your body.
Knowing your body shape and understanding the best swimsuit styles for it will assure you look your best at the pool or beach this summer, and you will be Comfortable, Confident and Styled!
Have a Styling Day!
xoxo