Well summer’s right around the corner and that means the swimsuits are coming out to play. Are you not looking forward to swimsuit season because you just can’t stand the way you look in your bikini? You aren’t the only one. But there may be something to help you this season. Learn a little bit about your body and then you’ll be ready for the beach in no time.
Knowing your body type is the first step to choosing your perfect swimsuit. There are 5 body types. Below I’ve described and offered swimsuit suggestions for each.
1. Apple – this body type appears to be top heavy. Apple bodies have a wide torso including a full bust, waist and upper back. They also have broad shoulders. They may have slim arms, legs, and hips. Weight gain will normally go towards the waist line. In general the upper body is noticeably larger compared to the lower body.
Swimsuit tips — This body type is one of the more challenging ones to dress. You should avoid wearing low cut tops, and choose swimsuits with a higher neck or with thick straps that will be much more comfortable than those thin spaghetti straps. Wide, square necks can also make your wide shoulders appear slimmer. Look for suits that provide chest support, such as underwire. Halter-tops can provide great support while also giving you a sexy look. Look at one-pieces that have soft foam cups or at least a shelf bra if you don’t want to go with underwire.
It you want to go with a two-piece, choose a skirted bottom to keep your wider top looking a little more balanced. For the top, choose a style that is banded around the midriff and can be tied both around your neck and in the back. Avoid strapless bandeau tops and triangle tops. They won’t offer you enough coverage. Tankinis work great for this body type since often times your bottom and top sizes differ.
2. Pear – this body type is the exact opposite of an apple shape and it is extremely common. Pear bodies are noticeably smaller on top than they are on bottom. Weight gain will normally go to the hips and thighs, therefore pear bodies will appear larger in this area. This body type may have a slender neck with narrow shoulders. Pears will always have a curvy bottom.
Swimsuit tips — Swimsuits with a pattern or light color on top with a dark color on bottom look best on this body type. The reason being that the eye is drawn to your top instead of your wider bottom. Color block swimsuits can focus attention on the center of your body rather than your curves as well. Swimdresses and two-pieces with a skirt or boy shorts work well for this shape. As for tops, look for those with some padding or a demi-bra style (with underwire) to make your bust appear bustier. Triangle tops and bandeau tops can be worn well with this body type but keep in mind that a top that adjusts at the shoulders/neck and around the back are best to help you in filling out. Wide straps can help to even things out. Avoid tops that have too much fabric or that don’t fit well and avoid high cut bottoms as these will emphasize you large hips. This body type is best suited for separates so that the top and bottom fit properly. Go for a tankini if you want more coverage.
3. Rectangle – this body type has very little curve. Rectangle bodies have small frames and are considered athletic or slim. These are those “skinny” bodies that will many times wear petite or tall sizes. They also often times have a small chest size. The rectangle body looks straight up and down. Weight gain would deposit evenly throughout the body.
Swimsuit tips — Go for a swimsuit that is going to show off your body. Two pieces do just that and make you appear a little curvier. Wear a top with some padding to increase your bust size. Choose solid colors to make your bust and butt stand out. Avoid detailed designs as you won’t get that same effect and avoid those string bikinis. Belted bottoms will look great on this body type as will bandeau tops. If you really want a one piece, choose one that does have some detail but only around the waist line. This brings the eye to your top and bottom, making you appear curvier. Diagonal lines can do much the same. Stay away from stripes. Also for a one-piece, piping and princess seams can give this body type the appearance of curves.
4. Hourglass – this body type is the one that most women want. It is considered curvy but proportional. Hourglass bodies have well defined waists with hips and shoulders that are balanced. Weight gain distributes evenly throughout the body with this body type as well.
Swimsuit tips — You have the ideal shape as you can wear pretty much any style of swimsuit you want. A few tips for what’s going to accentuate what you’ve already been blessed with: try a suit that is going to keep the eye busy or accentuate your waist line. All-over prints and patterned waistlines look great with this body type. Wide strap tops and underwire bras with soft cups will give you the best support. If you want to minimize cleavage, go with a straight or high neckline. Many tankinis and bikinis offer enough support to provide plenty of lift. Halters and triangle bikinis are really going to look great on you. You have plenty to choose from though so feel lucky!
5. Circle/Round – this body type has a lot of weight around the tummy and will likely have large breasts. The waist line is not well defined. Many women fall into this category due to weight gain or natural changes in the body with age. Shoulders and hips appear narrow. Weight gain would deposit around the waist with this body type.
Swimsuit tips — You will want a swimsuit that’s going to draw the eye away from the suit itself. Get a suit that has detailing around the top such as jewels or has a v-neck or halter neckline to draw the eye up. Shirred fabric around the waist work well for this body shape. One-pieces that have prints and patterns can distract but a solid dark color can also do wonders in minimizing. A one piece with a diagonal print or a diagonal fabric cut is also a great choice for those with thicker middles. Avoid horizontal stripes at all costs. Tummy control suits are also a great idea to help flatten your stomach. High cut legs will make your body appear longer while thinning the thighs and butt. Stay away from the two piece swim suits that bare your midriff as these will draw the eye towards your middle section.
Did any of that help? Hopefully now you have a better idea of which swimsuit is going to flatter your body type. No reason to fear the swimsuit season girls. Suit up confidently and have some fun this year!
