Summer is here, and you’re ready to hit the beach or the pool. But how do you choose the right bikini swimsuit for your body type? There are so many styles, colours, and patterns to choose from, but not all of them will flatter your figure. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect bikini for you.

 

❖ Know your body shape:

The first step is to know your body shape and what suits it best. There are four main body shapes: hourglass, pear, apple, and rectangle. Here’s how to identify yours:

  • Hourglass: You have a well-defined waist and your bust and hips are roughly the same size.
  • Pear: You have a smaller bust and a larger lower body, with wider hips and thighs.
  • Apple: You have a larger upper body and a smaller lower body, with a fuller bust and waist.
  • Rectangle: You have a straight silhouette with little difference between your bust, waist and hips.

 

❖ Choose the right top:

The top of your bikini should enhance your bust and balance your proportions. Here are some guidelines for each body shape:

  • Hourglass: You can wear almost any style of top, but avoid ones that are too small or too large. Look for tops that offer good support and coverage, such as underwire, halter or balconette styles. You can also opt for padded or push-up tops if you want to accentuate your curves.
  • Pear: You want to draw attention to your upper body and create the illusion of a fuller bust. Look for tops that have ruffles, frills, embellishments, or prints. You can also choose tops that have padding, push-ups, or triangle cups. Avoid tops that are too plain or too tight.
  • Apple: You want to minimise your bust and create a more defined waist. Look for tops that have wide straps, full cups and underwire support. You can also choosetops with shirring, ruching or wrap details to create some shape. Avoid tops that are too skimpy or too loose.
  • Rectangle: You want to add some volume and shape to your bust and create a more feminine silhouette. Look for tops that have ruffles, frills, embellishments, or prints. You can also choose tops that have padding, push-ups, or triangle cups. Avoid tops that are too plain or too flat.

 

❖ Choose the right bottom:

The bottom of your bikini should flatter your hips and legs and balance your proportions. Here are some guidelines for each body shape:

  • Hourglass: You can wear almost any style of a bikini bottom, but avoid ones that are too small or too large. Look for bottoms that offer good coverage and fit well, such as hipster, boyshorts or high-waisted styles. You can also opt for bottoms that have ties or cut-outs if you want to show some skin.
  • Pear: You want to slim down your lower body and create the illusion of longer legs. Look for bottoms that have high-cut legs, such as string, thong or Brazilian styles. You can also choose bottoms that have solid colours or vertical stripes. Avoid bottoms that have ruffles, frills, embellishments or horizontal stripes.
  • Apple: You want to smooth out your lower body and create a more defined waist. Look for bottoms that have high-waisted, shirred or ruched styles. You can also choose bottoms that have solid colours or diagonal stripes. Avoid bottoms that have low-waisted, skimpy or tight styles.
  • Rectangle: You want to add some volume and shape to your lower body and create a more feminine silhouette. Look for bottoms that have ruffles, frills, embellishments or prints. You can also choose bottoms that have ties, cut-outs or flared styles. Avoid bottoms that are too plain or too flat.

 

❖ Mix and match:

One of the fun things about bikinis is that you can mix and match different tops and bottoms to create different looks. You can also play with colours and patterns to suit your mood and personality. At Stylewise Direct, women’s wholesale fashion retailer, we have a range of bikinis in our Swimwear & Beachwear department.