Bathing suit season is fast approaching…are you ready? Whether you’re psyched to break out that teeny-weeny bikini or still have plans to hit the gym, here are some tips for choosing the best swimsuit to flatter your shape-no Spanx required.
There a four main body categories that most women fall into—the rectangle, the apple, the pear, and the hourglass. The first step is to figure out what your body type is—and now you’ve got to figure out how to dress it.
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The Rectangular Shape
Slim bust and hips with little waist definition
Also known as: the boy shape, the banana, athletic
First things first-go for strings! A string bikini style is ideal for a rectangular body shape, because you don’t have much to hide! You probably don’t need a whole lot of coverage or support, you lucky girl. To give the illusion of a larger bust or butt, go for suits with ruffles, horizontal stripes, bold colors, etc. It’s all in the details.
A monokini style is also good for a rectangular shape, as it creates the illusion of an hourglass figure.
Old Navy String Bikini
Roxy Sweetheart Monokini
The Apple Shape
Larger shoulders and bust, slimmer hips and butt
Also known as: the inverted triangle
One pieces can still be sexy! For an apple shape, choose a suit that offers support and coverage on top (I recommend a halter style), and in the midsection as well if needed, but that will still show off your great legs. This could be a ruched one-piece style, or a two-piece with an underwire top.
Leilani Halter Suit
Old Navy Halter Tankini
The Pear Shape
Small shoulders and bust, larger hips and butt
Also known as: the triangle
As a pear shape myself, I understand the struggle-how to enhance one’s bust while also making the hips look slimmer? The trick: a padded top paired with a solid colored bottom that offers a good amount of coverage—but avoid boyshorts like the plague! A boyshort will only make your legs and butt look more disproportionate. If you want more coverage, go for a suit with a skirt attached-ruffles and fun prints keep this style from looking too grandma.
American Eagle Polka Dot Bandeau
Billabong Erin Bikini
The Hourglass Shape
Shoulders and bust are proportionate to hips and butt. Waist is well defined.
Also known as: the perfect shape for swimwear
Congratulations, you’re an hourglass! You have the ideal womanly shape, and can pretty much wear any bathing suit style you like. Show it off! Have fun with bold colors and prints, metallic accents, or cut-outs.
Iron Fist Zombie Bikini
Volcom Tropical Fish Swimsuit
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With the option of swimwear separates, buying a suit that fits your body perfectly is easier than ever. Take these tips into account when shopping this Spring Break, but as with any type of clothing—if it looks good, and you feel great, forget the rules!
Good Luck!
xo Le Petit Lapin
tweet me @headbandit with ideas for trend-inspired DIY projects, and be sure to follow @everybodyisugly for updates on all things UGLY!
the drawings in this article are images from vintage Jantzen swimwear advertisements
