How to Find the Right Swimsuit for Every Body Type
- Louisa Gabriel
- Jul 24, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 4, 2025
A Personal Stylist's Guide to Flattering Swimwear for Clients and Confidence Seekers Alike
Let’s be honest—swimsuit shopping has a bit of a reputation.
For many, the arrival of summer brings excitement for sunshine and seaside adventures. However, it also brings a little dread at the thought of slipping into swimwear. Whether you're a personal stylist helping clients prep for the season or you're hunting for the perfect suit yourself, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the endless options and even more endless mirrors.
But here’s the truth: EVERY body is a swimsuit body. No diets, no cover-ups, no guilt required. Finding the right swimsuit isn’t about changing your body—it’s about choosing pieces that flatter your shape, highlight your favorite features, and make you feel incredible.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best swimsuit styles for different body types. This way, you (or your clients) can hit the beach or pool with confidence, comfort, and style. Let’s dive in! (Pun intended)
1. Top-Heavy (Full Busts)
Style Goal: Support, lift, and secure
For those blessed with a fuller bust, support is non-negotiable. Skip the flimsy triangle tops and look for bra-sized bikini tops or underwire styles. Wide straps, molded cups, and halter necks can offer extra lift and keep everything in place. This way, you can splash, swim, and sunbathe without a wardrobe malfunction.
Best Picks:
Bra-style bikini tops with underwire
Halter tops with thick straps
High-neck swimsuits for extra security
Tops with adjustable straps and back clasps
2. Smaller Busts
Style Goal: Enhance and add volume
If you have a smaller chest, the world of swimsuit design is your oyster. Create curves with ruffles, padding, or embellishments. Triangle tops, bandeaus, and even deep plunge one-pieces can add visual interest and shape.
Best Picks:
Ruffled or fringed tops
Padded bikini tops or push-up styles
Bold prints and bright colours
Bandeaus and one-shoulder tops
3. Fuller Booty
Style Goal: Comfort and balance
If you’re working with a little (or a lot of) extra behind, choose full-coverage bottoms that stay put and make you feel secure. To balance proportions, opt for printed or detailed tops paired with solid bottoms. Let’s be honest—spending the day adjusting a tiny string bikini? Hard pass.
Best Picks:
High-rise or full-coverage bottoms
Boyshort or hipster cuts
Solid colour bottoms + printed tops
Retro-inspired styles
4. Flat Derriere
Style Goal: Add curves and dimension
If your backside is a little flat, you can create the illusion of more curves with ruching, frills, and bright colours. Avoid overly plain or saggy full-coverage styles that can flatten your shape even more.
Best Picks:
Bottoms with ruching or side ties
Bold prints and horizontal stripes
Frilled or skirted bottoms
Brazilian cut for a lift
5. Wide Hips
Style Goal: Create proportion and draw the eye upward
For those with curvier hips, balance is key. Stick to solid colours on the bottom, and bring the party to your top half with patterns, ruffles, or bright shades. This draws the eye up and elongates the silhouette.
Best Picks:
Solid bottom + printed or detailed top
Full-coverage bottoms
High-waisted styles
Deep V-neck or off-shoulder tops
6. Tummy Concerns
Style Goal: Smooth and streamline
Got a bit of a tummy you’d prefer to downplay? Welcome to the magical world of supportive one-pieces and high-waisted bikinis. Look for suits with control panels, ruching, or wrap styles that hug your curves in all the right ways.
Best Picks:
One-pieces with tummy control or ruching
High-waisted bikini bottoms
Tankinis with a flowy midsection
Deep V-necks to draw attention upward
7. Full Thighs
Style Goal: Provide coverage and balance
Full thighs deserve fabulous coverage. Skip string styles or tiny cuts and go for boyshorts or skirted bottoms that balance your shape and provide comfort without compromising style.
Best Picks:
Skirted bottoms or swim dresses
Boyshorts or longer-leg styles
Balanced silhouettes with detailing on top
Solid bottoms + attention-grabbing tops
8. Short Legs
Style Goal: Elongate the legs
Creating the illusion of longer legs is simpler than you think. High-cut leg openings visually lengthen your limbs, and string sides don’t interrupt the line of the leg.
Best Picks:
High-cut leg swimsuits
String bikini bottoms
Monochromatic one-pieces
Vertical stripes or plunging necklines
9. Short Torso
Style Goal: Add length and space
To make a shorter torso appear longer, lower necklines and halter-style tops work wonders. You can also choose two-piece suits with a bit more space between the top and bottom to stretch your silhouette.
Best Picks:
Halter tops
Deep V-necklines
Low-rise bottoms
Asymmetrical designs
Styling Tips for All Shapes and Sizes
No matter the body type, here are a few universal tips to keep in mind when swimsuit shopping:
✅ Fit first, fashion second: A trendy suit that digs, gapes, or rides up won’t do anyone any favours. Prioritise how it feels.
✅ Try it on in natural light: If you're shopping in-store, step outside the dressing room if possible. Good lighting makes all the difference.
✅ Don’t be afraid of colour and print: Black is slimming, sure, but colour and pattern are powerful styling tools!
✅ Confidence is your best accessory: The most flattering swimsuit is the one you feel amazing in. Period.
Stylists: How to Help Your Clients with Swimwear Shopping
As a personal stylist, helping your client feel confident in swimwear is one of the most impactful services you can offer. Remember to:
Lead with body positivity.
Focus on highlighting favourite features rather than hiding flaws.
Offer options and educate them on fit, not just fashion trends.
Encourage them to try different cuts, even ones they didn’t expect to love.
Remind them that everyone deserves to feel fabulous in a swimsuit!
Final Thoughts: Every Body is a Swimsuit Body
No more hiding behind beach towels or waiting until next summer. The right swimsuit isn’t about changing your body—it’s about celebrating it. Whether you're working with clients or shopping for yourself, remember: style is personal, and swimwear should make you feel like the best version of you. So go ahead—rock that suit, feel the sun on your skin, and don’t forget the sunscreen.
Happy Summer Styling!
Louisa 💕