Finding the perfect swimwear can feel like a challenge, but understanding your body shape can make the process much easier. Whether you’re planning a beach holiday or lounging poolside, the right swimsuit will flatter your figure, highlight your best features and make you feel confident. Here’s our guide to the best swimwear styles for six common body shapes: hourglass, neat hourglass, triangle, inverted triangle, rectangle and apple.
Hourglass 
Body Shape: Balanced bust and hips with a defined waist.
Best Swimwear Styles:
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Choose swimsuits that highlight your waist such as wrap styles or belted swimsuits.
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Underwired or structured tops offer good support and show off your bust.
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High-waisted bikini bottoms accentuate your waist and flatter your curves.
- This fabulous swimsuit from Lands’ End with its thick straps and wrap style will highlight your figure.
Colour and Print Tips: Go bold with prints or bright colours – your balanced proportions can carry them well. Try matching sets to keep the harmony.
Neat Hourglass 
Body Shape: Similar to hourglass but with a more petite or subtle curve.
Best Swimwear Styles:
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Look for swimwear that adds gentle volume, such as ruffles or frills at the bust or hips.
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Padded bikini tops help enhance your bust, while tie-side bottoms can create the illusion of fuller hips.
- This Pour Moi bikini will flatter your neat shape.
Colour and Print Tips: Use lighter or patterned fabrics where you want more emphasis.
Triangle 
Body Shape: Wider hips with a smaller bust.
Best Swimwear Styles:
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Draw attention upwards with detailed or embellished bikini tops.
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Off-the-shoulder styles help balance proportions but aren’t always practical so try a tankini instead.
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Choose plain or dark bottoms with more coverage to streamline your hips.
- The detail across the bust of this tankini from Freemans will broaden your upper half whilst the plain bottoms, will minimise.
Colour and Print Tips: Bright, bold or printed tops paired with darker, simpler bottoms create visual balance.
Inverted Triangle 
Body Shape: Broader shoulders and bust with narrower hips.
Best Swimwear Styles:
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Plunging swimsuits help break up a broad upper half.
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Opt for bottoms with details like frills or side ties to add volume to the hips.
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Choose halter tops with thin straps rather than thick ones to soften the shoulders.
- The combination of the side tie and halter neck top from Marks & Spencer is a good option.
Colour and Print Tips: Keep the top half simple and use colour or print on the bottom to shift the focus.
RECTANGLE 
Body Shape: Straight up and down with little definition at the waist. May carry weight around the middle.
Best Swimwear Styles:
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Create curves with one-pieces that have panel detailing.
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Push-up tops or padded bikinis add shape to the bust.
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High-leg styles can elongate the legs and break up a straight silhouette.
- Try a bold swimsuit with panel details such as this one from Lascana.
Colour and Print Tips: Bold patterns, horizontal stripes or ruching at the waist can help create the illusion of curves.
OVAL 
Body Shape: Fuller around the middle with a less defined waist.
Best Swimwear Styles:
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Ruched or draped one-pieces help disguise the tummy area.
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Tankinis can be a comfortable choice and offer a bit more coverage.
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Look for swimsuits with built-in tummy control or mesh panels.
- This pretty tankini top from Land’s End will help to disguise the tummy area.
Colour and Print Tips: Darker shades across the tummy help slim the midsection. Diagonal prints or panels draw the eye across the body, rather than to the middle.
Extra Tips for Disguising the Tummy
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Ruching and gathered fabric across the stomach is flattering and hides any lumps or bumps.
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Tummy-control panels provide gentle shaping without feeling restrictive.
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Pattern & print is good, it tricks the eye!
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Wrap styles create flattering diagonal lines that visually slim the waist.
The best swimwear shapes for every body type does exist but the most important thing to remember…confidence is your best accessory. Pick a swimsuit that makes you feel fabulous, no matter your shape. Add a few accessories such as chunky bangles, a killer pair of sunglasses and snazzy bag for the ultimate poolside glamour. Happy swimming!
Let us help you with your swimwear dilemmas. Get in touch with your local consultant to book your style consultation.
