How To Choose a Bikini By Body Shape

With so many swimwear choices available, you may find yourself not knowing where to start when it comes to finding a new swimsuit. One approach to simplifying the shopping process is starting with body type – and while everyone's body is unique and beautiful, we'll cover the five most common body types and swimwear styles that complement them.

What Is Your Body Shape?

Your body is shape is typically determined by the ratio between your shoulder/bust, waist and hips that is simplified into a shape. The five most referenced body shapes are apple, pear, athletic, hourglass and rectangle.

Apple body shape – Broader bust and waist than hips.
Pear body shape – Broader hips than waist and bust.
Athletic body shape – Broader shoulders with straighter hips and waist.
Hourglass body shape – Similar bust and hips with a defined waist.
Rectangle body shape – Similar bust, waist and hips.

While we know that many of our bodies may not fit into just one of these categories, the recommended styles can give us new ideas for swimsuit styles that make us feel confident and beautiful.

How To Pick a Bikini for the Apple Body Shape

The apple shape describes women’s bodies that tend to be top-heavy: broader in the bust and waist, and sometimes in the shoulders, in proportion to the hips.

Add emphasis to the curve of your hips with patterned bottoms and side-ties.
Plunging necklines and halter tops help to make broader shoulders and torsos look slimmer.
A tankini top paired with a high waisted bottom will tone and flatter the midsection.

Read our dedicated guide on How To Choose a Bikini for an Apple Body Shape for more recommendations.

How To Pick a Bikini for a Pear Body Shape

The pear or ‘triangle’ shape is used to describe women’s bodies that are wider at the hips, with a smaller bust and narrow shoulders. If you're aim is to balance out these proportions out, you can try drawing attention to your upper half.

Go for tops with bold patterns, elaborate styles, padded cups and plunging necklines to emphasize natural curves.
For the bottom, stick with figure-flattering solid colors and darker shades.
High-cut bottoms help elongate the legs.

Read our dedicated guide on How To Choose a Bikini for a Pear Body Shape for more recommendations.

How To Pick a Bikini for an Athletic Body Shape

Also known as an ‘inverted triangle’, athletic body shapes tend to combine broad shoulders with a straight bust, waist and hips.

Combine simple, plain tops with fancy bottoms to balance out shoulders and hips.
Plunging necklines and padded cups minimize broad shoulders, while adding shape to the chest.
Bottoms with bold patterns and styling will draw attention to the legs and add definition to the hips.

Read our dedicated guide on How To Choose a Bikini for an Athletic Body Shape for more recommendations.

How To Pick a Bikini for an Hourglass Body Shape

An hourglass figure is the term for an evenly proportioned bust and hips, with a well defined waist.

Since the hourglass body shape has a balanced top and bottom and naturally-cinched waist, it's up to you what you want to draw attention to.
High-waisted bikini bottoms will draw emphasis to the waist while providing coverage.
Matching sets are a good way to keep proportions balanced.

Read our dedicated guide on How To Choose a Bikini for an Hourglass Body Shape for more recommendations.

How To Pick a Bikini for a Rectangle Body Shape

Rectangle body shapes have a straight silhouette, with similar waist, hip and bust measurements.

Slimmer rectangle bodies work well with skimpy triangle style tops and side-tie bottoms.
One-piece swimsuits with cut-out sides can create more cinching in the waist.
Bold patterns and colors, ruffles, frills and rouching are all great for adding extra volume to your hips and bust.

Read our dedicated guide on How To Choose a Bikini for a Rectangle Body Shape for more recommendations.

If you've found a new style you're excited to try, the next thing you'll want to consider is where you'll be wearing it – tanning by the pool or paddling in big swell? If you’re planning on surfing, make sure you check out our Surf Bikini Guide. Regardless of your body shape, we hope you find a swimsuit that has you feeling your best!