Flattering Swimwear for Every Body Type: Find Your Perfect Fit

If your hips and bust are balanced, and you have a defined waist, wrap-around styles will beautifully highlight your waist and accentuate your curves.

One of the other most flattering women’s swimsuits for an hourglass figure is a matching bikini or tankini. High-waisted bikini bottoms will do wonders for your waist, and an underwired bikini top will provide plenty of support.

If you’ve been gifted with a fuller bust, you’ll want swimwear that offers the support and coverage you need while swimming, lounging or strolling along the sand. 

The best support swimming costumes are often underwired swimwear with full cups for structure. Wide, adjustable shoulder straps will help to avoid strain on your ligaments, too.

If you have a smaller bust, a halterneck swimsuit is the way to go - some even come with padded inserts to provide more definition. 

Padded bikini tops will be another comfortable option, and there really are no limits on the style you go for.

If you have a rounded tummy, you’ll look fabulous in a high-waisted bikini. Not only can they help balance proportions, but many styles also have tummy control features that smooth out the shape of your midriff.

 A tummy control swim dress or swimsuit will work in the same way, and also feature panels and elasticated support that create a flattering shape.

If you have rounder hips and a slimmer upper body, then the most flattering swimwear will draw attention upwards. Consider a bright or patterned bikini top with black or navy high-waisted bottoms.

 For those who would rather choose a swimming costume, look for styles with ruffles or textured details on the top half - this will have the same effect of drawing the eye upwards.

This is the classic swimmer’s body - slender hips and broader shoulders.

With swimsuits, a plunging neckline or halterneck style with thinner straps will create more ‘zones’ through the body to even out your shape. Frills and ruching on the bottom half will also create the impression of volume and balance.

If you have less definition at the waist and an even shape throughout, you may be looking to create a more contoured silhouette.

Ruffles or frills on swimsuits and bikinis will create the impression of curves, just like colour blocking or contrasting prints will.

Plus-size swimwear has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, and can really accentuate your best features.

The most flattering plus-size swimsuits tend to have tummy control features and wider shoulder straps for added support. If you’re looking for a plus-size bikini, high-waisted bikini bottoms will smooth your shape and add definition around your waist, while an underwire biknini top with full cups will offer a secure and comfortable fit.

Any poolside or beach outfit can be made even more flattering with some essential accessories.

●  Kaftans and wraps: Add an extra layer of style while keeping the sun off your shoulders with a chic kaftan or wrap that matches your swimming costume.

●  Beach bag: As well as carrying your oceanside essentials, a big beach bag can also have a slimming effect on your figure.

●  Wide-brimmed sun hat: Sunhats can also be slimming while keeping you shaded in the heat of the day.

●  Sunglasses: A pair of glamorous, statement sunnies will perfectly top off any beach look.

●   Linen trousers and tops: Lightweight, breathable and effortlessly cool, linen trousers and tops can be worn over beachwear when you’re nipping to a local restaurant for lunch.