Pear Shape

Pears are curvier on the bottom and smaller on the top. Look for swimsuits that draw the eyes upward while minimizing the lower half. These work well for pears and help to create a more proportioned silhouette.
What Works:

• Suits with skirted bottoms – skirtinis, swim dresses, etc.
• Plunging necklines and cutout tops (drawing the eye upward)
• Eye-catching patterns on top paired with a solid bottom
• Any swimsuit that shows off your shoulders

What to Avoid:

• Boyshort bottoms – they can overemphasize and add volume to your lower half

Large Bust

It’s all about the support here. You will want to find a suit that fits comfortably like a bra with actual cup sizes and underwire for support. Make sure your top fits well also and there is no “spillage” when wearing.
What Works:

• Suits with higher backs often offer more support
• Thick straps
• Suits with underwire support and bra cup sizes

What to Avoid:

• Traditional “triangle” tops that offer no support

Small Bust

What you weren’t born with you can create! You can play up your top half and give the illusion of curves, it’s really quite simple!
What Works:

• Triangle tops help create a curvier look up top
• Padded or push-up bra tops amplify what’s already there
• Embellishments and details like ruffles can help fill in volume and create the look of a larger chest

What to Avoid:

• Solid swimwear with no embellishments or cut outs

Curvy

You would think that girls with hourglass figures would have an easy time finding the ideal bathing suit, but that’s not always the case. Curvy girls want to make sure they keep their natural balance without playing up their top OR their bottom too much!
What Works:

• Color Block patterns always create a balanced look
• Retro styles with high-waisted bottoms and halter tops keep the emphasis on both your top and bottom while accentuating your waist
• Any suit with horizontal stripes helps to elongate your body and keep your look perfectly proportioned

What to Avoid:

• Prints that don’t match. They can throw your silhouette off completely

Athletic Build

Ladies with an athletic build have a somewhat straight silhouette, their bust, waist and hips are all narrow and the measurements don’t vary greatly. When searching for swimwear, you want one that creates the illusion of curves.
What Works:

• Have some fun with bold prints, ruffles and other embellishments. These add feminine flair and volume.
• A monokini with cutouts or an asymmetrical cut mimics curves
• Side tie bikinis emphasize the hips and again, mimic curves

What to Avoid:

• Bandeaus or any other type of top that is cut straight across

Tummy Taming

Not so much a body type as an area of opportunity, there are plenty of suits out there that help tame your midsection, leaving you feel more confident while soaking up rays.
What Works:

• Slimming suits with built-in tummy control
• Any suit that is ruched so the fabric does not sit flat against your body, but instead is gathered providing camouflage where it is needed
• High-waisted suits
• Tankinis that provide the ease and look of a two-piece with the coverage of a one-piece
• Suits with a surplice v-neckline and wrap silhouette

Maternity Styles

Good news! There are plenty of swim styles to choose from that are designed specifically for your changing body. You can rock a one-piece or two-piece suit, depending on your style and comfort level. Many one-piece suits provide a little extra support for your growing bump, while two-piece suits are usually designed with a little extra stretch to help accommodate the changes your body will go through.

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