Swimwear guide for summer

Choosing the right swimwear style to suit you.

 Hourglass Shape

Many styles will flatter the hourglass shape with its balanced proportions between the bust and hips with a defined waist. You can highlight these areas by opting for:

• Bikinis with underwire or bandeau tops to accentuate your bust without overwhelming it.
• High-waisted bikini bottoms or string bikinis that draw attention to your waist.
• One-piece swimsuits with a belted waist or cutouts that highlight your curves. Avoid too much fabric around the waist, as they can hide your natural curves.

 Pear (Triangle) Shape

With a pear shape, you want to balance your wider hips with your smaller upper body. Draw attention upward while keeping things streamlined below by choosing:

• Bikini tops with embellishments, ruffles, or prints to add volume to your upper body.
• Halter neck or plunging V-necklines to draw the eye upwards.
• High-cut or side-tie bikini bottoms to elongate your legs without adding width to your hips. Avoid boy shorts or bottoms with heavy detailing that can emphasize the hips.
• Skirted or ruched full costumes that smooth over the hips while balancing the shoulders.

 Apple (Round) Shape

This figure is fuller around the middle, often with a larger bust and slimmer legs. Try to create a definition at the waist and focus on enhancing the bust while downplaying the midsection.

• V-neck full costumes or plunge-neck bikinis to lengthen the torso and highlight the bust.
• Tummy control swimsuits with ruching or panelling to smooth out the midsection.
• High-waisted bikini bottoms to provide extra support and a smooth silhouette.
• Tankinis offer great coverage while giving the illusion of a longer torso.

Avoid swimming costumes with a lot of detailing around the waist that can add bulk.

 Rectangle (Athletic) Shape

With a rectangular shape, the shoulders, waist, and hips are about the same width and a more athletic build. Try to create curves and add femininity by emphasising the bust and hips by opting for:

• Ruffled, padded, or embellished bikini tops to add volume to the bust.
• High-cut bikini bottoms to create the appearance of longer legs and curves.
• Monokinis or one-piece swimming costumes with cutouts at the waist to give the illusion of curves.
• Bold prints, stripes, and colour blocking can create the illusion of a more curvaceous figure.

Inverted Triangle Shape

With broader shoulders and a narrower waist, the key is to balance the upper and lower body by drawing attention downward. We suggest:

• Triangle or scoop neck bikini tops to soften the shoulders.
• Bold or detailed, skirted or flared bikini bottoms to create the appearance of fuller hips.
• V-neck or asymmetrical one-piece bathing suits can divert attention away from the shoulders and down to the waist. Avoid swimsuits with a lot of detailing or embellishments on the shoulders, as this will further accentuate the upper body.

Swimwear Fabrics and Colours

Here are a few tips on choosing the right fabric and colour for your new swimsuit:

• Dark colours like black, navy, or deep green are slimming and can help minimise the areas you want to mask.
• Bold prints and bright colours draw attention and add dimension to areas you want to accentuate.
• Matte fabrics are generally more flattering, while shiny fabrics reflect light and can emphasise certain areas.

The most important thing to wear is confidence, regardless of shape or size! A well-fitting swimsuit that flatters your figure will offer support and comfort and ensure you hit the beach or poolside with confidence and style.