Bikinis for large and small busts, pear and apple shapes, curvy and athletic figures© Asos/ Shopbop / Boohoo

Here Are the Best Bikinis According to Your Body Type

HOLA! shows you some ideas to consider the next time you go swimsuit shopping.


JUNE 30, 2020 11:11 AM EDT

Shopping for the perfect bikini takes time. The search may be focused on finding the cutest design or the season’s latest trends, but in order to find one that is wardrobe-worthy all summer long, you need to consider other factors that are sometimes overlooked, e.g., ensuring it’s the one that best flatters your figure and accentuates your best features.

A good fit, material that is stretchy enough, a neckline that covers what it needs to—or a swimsuit that provides less support in order to enhance the bust—are just a few of the factors to keep in mind. The same kinds of considerations apply to the bottoms. The purpose of this gallery is to show you some ideas to consider the next time you go swimsuit shopping.

© Asos

Large bust

Obviously, when you’ve got a large bust support is key. Choose tops with underwire or molded cups, adjustable ties and thick straps; the wider the better. To feel more comfortable, you can even go with straps that crisscross at the top or bottom. If you want to divert attention away from your chest, avoid ruffles or decorative details.

Good support

The Por Moi bikini top has underwire for support, is reinforced with adjustable straps, and has non-padded cups. The bottoms are high-cut. Asos ($29).

© Asos

Crisscross bottom straps

The Ivory Rose bikini in cobalt has an underwire top with crossover straps at the bottom and matching high-cut bottoms. Asos ($42).

© Shopbop

Wide straps

This We Wore What design in burnt orange consists of the Claudia top, with wide straps and cups, and the Emily bottom, with a belt detail. Shopbop ($240).

© Revolve

Small bust

Contrary to the previous case, you don’t need as much support on top, so you can look for styles with less coverage, ties, ruffles, 3D silhouettes, or any pattern that creates the illusion of a fuller bust, if you’d like. The classic triangle top, a bandeau, halter, or sweetheart neckline will look great on you, and bold prints are your best friend, as are padded cups.

Details

The Suraya bikini by Zimmermann has little ruffle details and ties around the neck. The bottoms are low-cut. Revolve ($120).

© Shopbop

Triangles in bright colors

The Brigitte set from Vix Swimwear has a triangular top with adjustable straps and removable padding as well as a low-cut bottom. Shopbop ($134).

© Revolve

Sweetheart neckline

The Horizon by Zulu & Zephyr has a sweetheart neckline with molded, padded cups and adjustable straps, along with a mid-rise bottom. Revolve ($55).

© Swimwear World

Rectangle-shaped or athletic body

This body type has fewer curves. What works best for you? Bikinis with less coverage because they create the illusion of a more contoured figure. Eccentric prints, ruffles, and cute details don’t just add an extra feminine touch, they also create the appearance of more curves. Pick bottoms that have knotted ties at the hip, which will also elongate your legs.

Small, triangular, and knotted at the hip

This design from Touche in a palm tree print has a triangular top and a bottom that ties at the hip. Swimwear World ($164).

© Net a Porter

Eye-catching print

This bikini top from Cult Gaia has an intricate neckline with thin ties that flatteringly cross over the chest and a low-cut, flexible bottom. Net a Porter ($298).

© Pretty Little Thing

Ruffles and decorative details

This design in a tropical print – one of the season’s biggest trends – includes ruffles, a tie-detail in the front, and a high-waist bottom that gives a more voluminous-looking effect to the top. Pretty Little Thing ($45).

© Urban Outfitters

Curvy

If you have a curvy figure, the key is to find a bikini that accentuates your curves, while providing enough coverage and support. To focus attention to your chest and make your neck and collarbone area stand out, go with an asymmetrical top. Your body type also looks great with color block designs, and with retro-vibe suits.

Asymmetrical

The Ellejay bikini with the Hayden one-shoulder top has cups with ruching, and the Carmen bottom has moderate rear coverage and a circular tortoiseshell accent at the ruched waist – a trend that’s also in-style this summer. Urban Outfitters ($159.98).

© Swimsuits For All

Halter top and a high-waist

The Elite bikini by Ashley Graham x Swimsuits For All has a top with triangular cups, self-tie halter straps and a high-cut bottom with adjustable ties. Swimsuits For All. ($69.60).

© Loft

Retro

This set in a vertical stripe print has a bikini top that provides sufficient support and a bottom that hugs the body’s curves. Loft ($104).

© Asos

Pear-shaped

This body type has curves at the hips and thighs, a smaller bust, and narrow shoulders. If you can identify with these characteristics, the ideal swimsuit for you is a bikini that balances out your proportions. You’ll look great with a deep neckline or eye-catching top that focuses the attention on your upper body, along with bikini bottoms that make your legs look longer. To soften the hips, don’t pick bottoms that are too wide; and if they are, opt for styles that have a darker panel on the sides and a different color in the center.

Deep necklines

This style in a contrasting floral print has top with a low neckline, elastic on the bottom and clasp fastening, and high-cut bikini bottoms. Asos ($45).

© Swimwear World

Shoulder details

The Arielle-Isabella bikini by Agua Bendita in pastel pink has a square neckline and high-waist bottoms with a tie in the front. Swimwear World ($190).

© Draper James

Dark side panels

This bikini from Draper James x Lands’ End has a square-cut bralette with adjustable straps and a high-waisted bottom in a retro-looking style. Draper James ($119.90).

© Madewell

Apple-shaped

This body type corresponds to a woman who has a larger chest and narrower hips or a smaller behind, often times, with a less-defined waist. That’s why it’s recommended you choose a design that has a top with ample support in the bust, provided by either a strong material or a solid design. Avoid wearing any small triangular tops or strapless bandeaus. To avoid attracting attention to the chest, choose a top in a solid color or mini print. Wearing bottoms that cinch the waist will flatter your figure the most because they make your legs appear more slender and conceal the tummy.

Flattering underwire

This bikini from Galamaar is made from sustainable nylon, has a contour-bust top that provides a lot of support thanks to its side seam and has a subtle, slightly padded cup. The bottoms have a high-band waist that reaches the belly button. Madewell ($282).

© Boohoo

Small details

Polka dots cover this classic black and white design, with a tie-front top and triangular bottom that cinches the waist. Boohoo ($12).

© Missguided

Solid colors

This design is solid orange. It has a halter top that provides good coverage, as do the bottoms. Missguided ($25).

Know your body and showcase your best assets. Remember that at the end of the day, you have to pick a swimsuit that makes you look and feel great.