Are you planning your next sunny vacation and feeling overwhelmed by the wide variety of women’s swimsuits available? This article will help you choose the perfect style based on your body type, bust size, and personal style, so you can feel confident all summer long.
📌 Key Takeaways
Choosing a swimsuit based on your body type isn’t about hiding your body, but about highlighting your best features. By identifying your body shape (A, V, H, O, or 8), you can select styles that balance your proportions, provide good support, and let you feel beautiful and comfortable all summer long. Don’t forget: comfort is still the most important factor.
Choosing the Right Swimsuit for Your Body Type
To find the swimsuit that will flatter your figure, it’s important to identify your body type (A, V, H, O, or 8) and the level of support you need for your bust. The goal: to balance proportions, define your silhouette, and highlight what you love about yourself—all while staying perfectly comfortable.
- A-shaped body type (hips wider than shoulders): opt for a top that draws the eye (prints, ruffles, push-up) and a more understated bottom.
- V-shaped body type (shoulders wider than hips): opt for wide straps and form-fitting styles, with a more detailed bottom to balance the look.
- H-shaped body type (shoulders and hips aligned, barely defined waist): choose cutouts, belts, or color-blocking that accentuate the waist.
- O-shaped body type (curvy, with a prominent stomach and bust): Choose form-fitting or shaping swimsuits, comfortable fabrics, and good bust support.
- 8-shaped body type (defined waist, shoulders and hips aligned): Almost anything suits you—have fun experimenting with necklines and silhouettes to highlight your curves.
| Your body shape | Recommended swimwear | What to choose | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| A (wider hips) | Bikini or two-piece | Colourful or printed tops, ruffles or statement details | Ruffles or overly detailed bottoms |
| V (broader shoulders) | Bikini or one-piece | Printed, tie-side or colourful bottoms | Very structured tops or shoulder pads |
| H (straight silhouette) | Bikini or one-piece | Ruffles, cut-outs, belts, push-up styles | Straight cuts without details |
| O (rounder tummy) | Shaping one-piece swimsuit | Draping, V-necklines, high-waisted styles | Very thin fabrics without support |
| 8 or X (defined waist) | Bikini or one-piece | Balconette, triangle styles, belted designs | Overly loose-fitting styles |
Which swimsuit top is right for your bust size?
- Small busts: bandeau tops, triangle tops, or push-up tops to lift the bust if desired, with details that create visual volume.
- Medium busts: demi-cup, balconette, or light push-up styles for a good balance between comfort and cleavage.
- Full busts: underwire swimsuits, full-coverage cups, and wide straps for optimal support and a perfectly sculpted silhouette.
One-piece or two-piece: which to choose?
The advantages of the one-piece swimsuit
The one-piece swimsuit is making a comeback and establishing itself as a stylish, comfortable, and flattering choice.
- Sculpting effect: the one-piece gently contours the figure and smooths out curves, while remaining glamorous.
- Good support: it provides all-around support, ideal for those who are active, swim, or play with children.
- Versatility: worn alone, with shorts, or a skirt, it can also double as a bodysuit for a chic beach look.
The Benefits of Bikinis and Two-Piece Swimsuits
For those who love to sunbathe and mix up styles, the two-piece remains a must-have.
- Customization: You can mix and match different tops and bottoms to perfectly tailor your set to your body type (high-waisted bottoms, thongs, shorty bottoms…).
- Easy tanning: More skin is exposed, and removable or halter-style straps minimize tan lines.
- Freedom of movement: Lightweight and practical, the two-piece is perfect for both relaxing and light physical activities.
💡👙Our tips for choosing the right swimsuit
✔ First, choose the right support for your bust.
✔ High-waisted bottoms elongate the legs and define the waist.
✔ Wide straps offer greater comfort for larger busts.
✔ If you’re unsure between two sizes, always consult the brand’s size guide.
✔ Try different styles: an unexpected cut might be the one that flatters you the most.
✔ If you swim or play beach sports, opt for a style that offers excellent support or a sports swimsuit.
✔ Consider mix-and-match swimsuits so you can independently tailor the top and bottom to your body type.
✔ If you’re on your period, opt for a menstrual swimsuit.
✔ The most beautiful swimsuit is the one in which you feel comfortable and confident.
Swimwear FAQ
What swimsuit should you choose if you have an A-shaped body?
If your hips are wider than your shoulders, opt for a colorful, printed, or ruffled top to draw the eye to your upper body. Pair it with a simple bottom to balance your silhouette.
Which swimsuit flatters a full bust?
Styles with underwires, full-coverage cups, and wide straps offer excellent support while flattering the bust. Shaping one-piece swimsuits are also a great option.
Does a one-piece swimsuit slim the figure?
Yes. Thanks to body-sculpting fabrics and carefully designed cuts, a one-piece swimsuit can visually smooth out curves and create a slimming effect while remaining comfortable.
Can you wear a bikini regardless of your body type?
Absolutely. The most important thing is to choose a style that suits your figure and provides the right level of support. Bikinis let you mix and match different sizes and styles of tops and bottoms to create a perfectly tailored ensemble.
How do you choose a swimsuit if you want to conceal your stomach?
High-waisted bottoms, slimming one-piece swimsuits, draped styles, and solid colors are particularly effective at visually smoothing the silhouette while remaining elegant.
Should you choose your swimsuit based solely on your body type?
No. Your comfort, your bust size, your activities (beach, pool, water sports), and your personal taste are just as important as your body type. The best swimsuit is, above all, the one in which you feel good.
Check out DIM Mag' for all of DIM’s advice: practical guides, lingerie tips, and fashion inspiration to help you choose your essentials with confidence.
