The right bathing suit for your body: Foolproof tips, from lanky to pear shaped and everything in between
If you’re anything like me, the struggle to find a bathing suit for your body that not only flatters curves but figure flatters is one that fills me with more anxiety than finals, first dates and family functions combined.
Growing up, I was always on the chubbier side of the spectrum. Never morbidly overweight, but definitely holding on to my cozy layers of baby fat far into puberty. When summertime came and it was time for all us kids to get shipped off to summer camp, I dreaded days spent lounging on boardwalks and beaches, fearing the scrutiny of my skinnier peers. I remember the first bikini I ever bought that made me feel confident in my skin. It was a turquoise triangle bikini with thick bands, palm trees and pineapples adorning my teenage tatas. Since then, I have owned one bathing suit for nearly 7 years–a low-cut, black one-piece that screams “I don’t want to be wearing a bathing suit right now!”
Well, no longer. Sure, over the years I have slimmed out and have grown into my fuller hourglass figure. But most importantly, I grew into the idea that summer was meant for fun, and hiding under a beach blanket is no way to spend it.
Similar to shopping for the perfect bra or pair of jeans, swimsuit shopping can be downright daunting. There are just too many people out there telling us to suck in, cover up and, god forbid, wear a tankini if our mid-sections aren’t quite as chiseled as Candace Swanepoel’s. So, I will not sit here and barrage you with options for covering up your “ass”ets. Nope! Instead, I want us all to focus on highlighting what our mamas gave us. Embrace curves, accept flat chests, let your ba-donk-a-donk jiggle free! Here, we’ll show you how to find the right bathing suit for your body from long and lanky to pear shaped and beyond.
Athletic
Lacking the curves and cushioning that give you that Baywatch babe strut? Embrace texture and patterns to enhance what you’ve got and create the illusion of curves. If one-pieces are your jam, opt for a sexy side-cut out that enhances the natural curve of the torso and elongates a slender frame. Or embrace your inner Rihanna and grab a fierce photo-print one piece that really wows.
Oye Bane one piece ($350, oyeswimwear.com)
Pear Shaped
Step away from the booty shorts my bodacious friend! There’s no need to cover up your more curvaceous half this summer. Opt for string bikini bottoms that reveal a whole lot of thigh and will elongate the leg, slenderizing your shape from head to toe. When looking for a one-piece, try something with a higher cut in the leg, like this Baywatch inspired look available at Urban Outfitters. Pro Tip: It can be incredibly frustrating sometimes to find a bikini with a top and bottom that fit your proportions, so instead of looking for a the perfect pre-set suit, opt for a mix-and-match.
Pamela one-piece swimsuit ($49, urbanoutfitters.com)v
Apple Shaped
For lack of a better universal descriptor, when shopping for the “apple” shaped figure, there’s no need to stick to a basic black one-piece any longer. Though solid colors, especially darker shades, do tend to slim down any figure, opting for a subtle pattern like a tie-dyed suit can be the perfect stylish touch. Just remember, the bigger the pattern, the bigger you appear so stick to micro-florals or vertical striping.
Other great pro-tips: Ruching along the side of the torso is a great way to create the illusion of an hourglass figure. When looking for a flattering two-piece set, don’t run directly for the tankini aisle, just opt for thicker-banded pieces, that don’t pinch, like this Shan swim suit which has a soft band and ruched bottoms.
Shan passion demi cup bikini (top, $235, and bottom, $135, shan.ca)
Hourglass Figure
Sure, you’ve got the shape that all the girls envy and all the boys crave. You’ve got equal parts T and A and by golly, it’s like you were born to strut your stuff all year long. Embrace the classic, vintage trend with a high-waisted bottom and classic bustier top for a chic look that will accentuate your curves. When searching for a one-piece, opt for shapes that follow the natural curve of your hips and waist, like this chic little number for Canadian brand Aqua di Parma.
Minnow rock heart suit ($145, minnowbathers.com)
