Whether you’re an apple, pear, hourglass or rectangle, this guide will help you find the right bathing suit! When you think about shopping for a bathing suit, the music from “Psycho” should not be playing in the background. Knowledge is power, and power will keep you sane in the dressing room. Now let’s get to it!
Step 1: Identify Your Shape
- Apple: Your waist is much wider than your hips and is the same size, or almost the same size as your bust.
- Pear shape: Your hips are wider than your waist and your bust.
- Hourglass: Your bust and hips are about the same width and your waist is much smaller.
- Rectangle: You’re thin with little or no difference between your hips, waist and bust.
Step 2: Choose Your Cut:
- Waist
- To flaunt your waist: A tankini will draw attention to the tiny sliver of skin that’s showing. If you want to draw attention away from your thighs, this is how to do it!
- To conceal your waist: Choose a one-piece or a sexy high-waist bottom with ruching. If you want to go an extra step, choose a dark solid color as well.
- Hips and Legs
- To flaunt your hips and legs: Boy shorts will make your hips look wider. If you’re trying to “fake” an hourglass shape and have a large bust, this is the trick for you! High-cut bottoms will also make your legs look longer. This is a great option if you are short or have a long torso. Ruffles and large prints will also draw attention to this area. So if you want to look like there’s a little something extra in the back, pile these on!
- To conceal your hips and legs: Swim skirts can actually help you in this area because they’re a cover-up that doesn’t scream I’m covering up something she doesn’t want you to see! And as usual, dark solid colors are your friend.
- Bust
- To flaunt your bust: Halter and triangular tops draw attention to your bust and a tie-front top will make your breasts look bigger. These are great options for ladies who want a little more up top. If you have a pear shape and want to “fake” an hourglass, a bandeau top will make your bust look wider to match your hips and will give the illusion of a smaller waist.
- To conceal your bust: A top with thick straps and a straight cut will minimize your bust size. You can also look for a bikini top with underwire and great support.
Step 3: Find The Purpose:
Is your bathing suit going to be for lounging poolside or swimming in the ocean? Wearing the wrong type of suit can lead to those embarrassing stories that no one likes to tell. If you’re not sure if your bathing suit will hold up, try doing jumping jacks and squat jumps in the dressing room. That will tell you everything you need to know!
We hope these tips will help you out and remember, not all bathing suits are created equal so buying separates is a great idea! If you have bathing suit questions, feel free to tweet us @lucilleroberts!
