Summer is quickly approaching us, and we all know what that means, bikini season! It can also be a time of insecurity and we all want to look and feel our best, which is why we are creating this guide to help you!
Picking the perfect bikini starts with knowing your body shape and learning which styles of swimwear suit it best!
Everyone's body is different and unique, and it may not even one hundred percent fit one of these categories, but let's start by listing the body types! Remember your body may not be an EXACT match to these, but choosing the closest may be able to help you!
Apple
Pear
Inverted Triangle
Rectangle
Hourglass
As a side note; body type isn't always about weight, you can have most of these at any weight!
How To Pick a Bikini for the Apple Body Shape?
The Apple shape describes women's bodies that tend to be top-heavy: broader in the bust and waist, and sometimes in the shoulders, in proportion to the hips.
Add emphasis to the curve of your hips with patterned bottoms and side-ties.
Plunging necklines and halter tops help to make broad shoulders and thick torsos look slimmer.
A tankini top paired with a high waisted bottom will tone and flatter your figure.
How To Pick a Bikini for a Pear Body Shape?
The Pear, or triangle shape is used to describe women's bodies that are wider at the hips, with a smaller bust and narrow shoulders. To balance it out, you're aiming to draw attention up and away from the hips.
Go for tops with bold patterns, elaborate styles, padded cups and plunging necklines to emphasize your bust’s natural curves.
For the bottom, stick with figure-flattering solid colors and darker shades.
High-cut bottoms help big thighs to look slimmer and longer.
How To Pick a Bikini for an Inverted Triangle Shape?
The Inverted Triangle body, also referred to as a ‘V’, ‘cone’, or ‘strawberry’ body shape is the most athletic build of all the body shapes. Characterized by a larger top half with strong broad shoulders, narrower hips, bottom and long slim legs. The Inverted Triangle body shape is slim and sporty looking.
Go for Plunge necklines that visually reduce the width of the shoulder, making the body appear narrower.
A tanktini top covers all or most of your midriff, visually drawing the eyes to the hips and legs.
For the bottoms, designs with ruffles or frills will add volume to the hip and bottom, slimming and defining the waist.
How To Pick a Bikini for a Rectangle Body Shape?
Rectangle body shapes have a straight silhouette, with minimal difference between waist, hip and bust measurements. All bikinis add a curve to the bust and hips, so the rectangle body is perfect for all bikini types!
Slimmer rectangle bodies are ideal for skimpy triangle style tops and side-tie bottoms.
One-piece swimsuits with cut-out sides can bring the illusion of an hourglass shape to the straightest of rectangles.
Bold patterns and colors, ruffles, frills and ruching are all great for adding extra volume to your hips and bust.
How To Pick a Bikini for an Hourglass Body Shape?
An Hourglass figure is the well-known term for an evenly proportioned bust and hips, with a well-defined waist. You can still be an Hourglass, even if you’re slender.
The Hourglass’s feminine proportions mean most styles are flattering – it’s up to you how much you want to emphasize your curves
High-waisted types of bikini bottoms will draw the eye to your slim waist – and cover up your tummy.
Stick to matching sets, as this will keep your body in proportion.
Please, remember - these are only SUGGESTIONS, do what makes you happy and feel your best, you don't have to conform to the rules.
To put the theory to the full test I went out and purchased a new bathing suit! I opted for a more high waisted bottom as it was suggested for a slim hourglass figure, as well as a matching set, so no funky patterns over here! ☹
I took it a step further and looked into what colors would best fit my skin tone, as some of you may know I'm of Japanese descent! Due to my cool undertones that a lot of East Asian possess colors like cool blues, soft pinks and jewel tones like sapphire or Emerald work best!
You can find my bikini at Haute I am wearing a size XS in bottoms and S in my top.
Enjoy a list of some of my favorite bikinis!
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-Mimi ᥫ᭡
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