The Best Plus Size Bathing Suits for Every Body Shape

Finding the perfect plus-size bathing suit can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance and the perfect fit, you can embrace your curves and feel confident at the beach or by the pool. Plus-size swimsuits have come a long way in recent years, offering a wide variety of styles that flatter different body shapes, provide support, and ensure comfort. Whether you’re pear-shaped, apple-shaped, hourglass, or athletic, there’s a bathing suit out there that’s perfect for you. Let’s explore the best plus-size bathing suits for every body shape.

1. Understanding Your Body Shape: The Key to Finding the Right Fit

Before diving into the best plus-size bathing suits for various body shapes, it’s essential to understand your own body type. Once you know your shape, choosing a suit that highlights your best features becomes much easier. Below are some common body shapes and the swimsuits that best suit each one.

Pear Shape (Wider Hips, Smaller Bust)

If your hips are wider than your bust and you have a more defined waist, you have a pear-shaped body. Swimsuits that balance your proportions and draw attention to your upper body will look stunning.

Best Swimsuits for Pear Shapes:

• Tankinis with a Bold Top: Tankinis with ruffles or patterns at the top can add volume and draw attention upwards.
• V-Neck One-Pieces: A deep V-neckline elongates the torso and accentuates your bust, balancing out your hips.
• High-Waisted Bottoms: Opt for bottoms with higher coverage to create a smooth silhouette while flattering your curves.
• Bandeau Tops: A bandeau style can add volume and create the illusion of a more balanced figure.

Styling Tip:

Look for swimsuits with details like ruching, draping, or textured fabrics at the bust area to add more attention to the upper body.

2. For Hourglass Shapes: Show Off Your Curves

If you have an hourglass shape, your bust and hips are about the same width, with a narrow waist in the middle. The goal here is to highlight your natural curves while maintaining balance.

Best Swimsuits for Hourglass Shapes:

• Underwired One-Pieces: Look for one-piece swimsuits with built-in underwires to provide support while accentuating your waist and bust.
• Belted Swim Dresses: A belted design helps cinch the waist, giving you that classic hourglass silhouette.
• High-Cut Legs: High-cut swimsuits elongate your legs and emphasize your curves without sacrificing comfort.
• Two-Piece Sets: A high-waisted bikini or tankini can enhance the waistline while providing flattering coverage to both the top and bottom.

Styling Tip:

Swimwear with structure (like boning or support bands) will keep everything in place and help shape your curves perfectly.

3. For Apple Shapes: Create Balance with Flattering Fits

Apple-shaped bodies often have fuller upper bodies with a smaller waist and hips. The goal for apple shapes is to create balance by drawing attention to the lower half and creating a more defined waist.

Best Swimsuits for Apple Shapes:

• One-Pieces with a Defined Waist: Choose one-pieces with ruching at the waist or an empire waistline to define your midsection.
• V-Neck or Scoop Necklines: A V-neck or scoop neck can create an elongating effect for your upper body and draw attention to your face and bust.
• Bikini Sets with High-Waisted Bottoms: High-waisted bikini bottoms can provide tummy control and balance out the fuller top half.
• Tankinis with Flared Bottoms: A tankini with an A-line or flared bottom helps create a flattering shape and draws attention away from the stomach area.

Styling Tip:

Look for swimsuits that offer extra tummy control with built-in panels or a slight ruching effect for a smoother silhouette.

4. For Athletic Shapes: Create Curves with Shape and Structure

Athletic body types are characterized by a more straight-line figure, with little definition between the bust, waist, and hips. The goal for athletic bodies is to create curves and add definition to the waist and hips.

Best Swimsuits for Athletic Shapes:

• Belted Swimsuits: A belted design or one with a cinched waist will add shape and create the illusion of curves.
• Ruffled or Peplum Styles: Ruffles, frills, or peplum details at the bust or hips help add volume and create a more feminine silhouette.
• Swimsuits with Padding or Push-Up Features: Suits with built-in padding or push-up features can add shape to the bust and create balance.
• Bikinis with Side Ties: A bikini with adjustable side ties allows you to customize the fit and create curves while offering more flexibility.

Styling Tip:

Try swimsuits with high-cut leg openings to elongate your legs and add a more feminine touch to your figure.

5. For Inverted Triangle Shapes: Balance Your Shoulders and Hips

Inverted triangle-shaped bodies have broader shoulders and narrower hips. The key is to balance the broader top half with styles that draw attention to the hips and lower body.

Best Swimsuits for Inverted Triangle Shapes:

• Bottom-Heavy Swimsuits: Opt for swimsuits that feature bold prints, ruffles, or patterns on the bottom half to draw attention downward.
• Halter Necklines: A halter neck swimsuit can provide a flattering fit for inverted triangle shapes by offering support while visually narrowing the shoulders.
• Skirted Bottoms or Boyshorts: A skirted or boyshort bottom adds coverage and helps create a more balanced look.
• V-Neck or Sweetheart Necklines: A deep neckline will help draw attention away from the shoulders and toward the bust area.

Styling Tip:

Choose swimsuits with solid or dark tops and patterned or brightly colored bottoms to add balance and enhance your silhouette.

6. Conclusion: Embrace Your Curves with the Right Swimsuit

No matter your body shape, there’s a perfect plus-size bathing suit out there for you. By understanding your body type and selecting swimsuits that complement your proportions, you can create a flattering, confident, and comfortable beach look. Whether you prefer a one-piece, bikini, or tankini, there are endless options to celebrate your curves. The most important thing is to choose a suit that makes you feel good in your own skin and ready to enjoy all your summer adventures.