The comprehensive guide to shopping for bikinis for every body type

However, bikinis can be quite versatile and are often a girl’s best friend at the beach or at a pool party. While some people shy away from them, knowing some of the bikini styles that work for different body types can help women feel more confident about their bodies and rock their favorite bikini styles with confidence.

There are broadly 5 different body types that women are categorized into. While this is quite limited in terms of identifying the specifics of someone’s body, these are some of the more generalized guidelines to help women find the right swimwear that can flatter their bodies.

Slender

A lot of slender women, whose body measurements, that is, their waist, bust and hip measurements are aligned with each other (with ½-1-inch differences maximum) are generally skeptical while picking a bikini as it tends to look boxy and shapeless. The best types of bikinis that can fit these body types include pieces that have some cutouts, which can help add some dimension to their body shapes. Choose bikinis that have waist cutouts or keyhole details at the bust to add dimension. High waist bottoms in neoprene can also help to add a lot of dimension to a slender body type. Playing with prints or dual toned bikinis can help add texture to the look.

Pear

With a larger hip and thigh area, pear shaped women often think about shying away from bikinis, however, it is only a matter of finding the right bikini for the body type. A side tie bottom that has longer ties and hangs along the thighs can help take the focus away from the bottom weight. Another good option can be to look for high rise bikinis as opposed to high waist or low-rise bottoms which can add more dimensions to the bottom half. A neoprene bikini can be a great idea as they stay in place and can help keep the lower abdomen area looking smooth and flat. Pair the bottoms with a bust accentuating top to draw attention to the bust.

Athletic

These are women with muscular builds, with broader shoulders than hips or waist. Looking for bikini tops with thick straps can help balance out the structure. This does not hide the shoulders but adds a flattering touch to them. Curved lines can add a hint of roundness to soften the muscular look while thicker banded bottoms, bottoms with cut outs and other delicate details can help balance the look.

Curvy

Curvy body types have wider hips than waists/are top heavy. For curvy body types, solid colors can be a great choice with simpler lines. It is extremely important that people of these body types find the right fit. Looking for wider straps on the bust can help support the bust and pair the tops with boy short bottoms that can give an instant lift. A wetsuit vest women’s wear style top can also be a good idea if someone is uncomfortable with bikini tops.

Hourglass

With narrower waistlines compared to shoulder and hips, matching bikinis can help draw attention to the small midsection. Bikinis with thicker bands on both top and bottom or a neoprene bikini can work really well.