FASHION
Summer holidays mean it’s time to find the perfect bikini. But let’s be real—shopping for swimwear can feel daunting, especially when changing room lighting is harsh and mirrors show every thing we hate about our bodies. But the good news? There’s a bikini out there for every shape and size, designed to highlight your best features and boost your confidence. Plus, we order online, forget changing room dramas.
Hourglass: Embrace Your Curves
If you have an hourglass figure, your hips and bust are about the same width, with a narrower waist. Your shape is all about balance, so look for bikinis that accentuate your curves without overwhelming them.
What to Wear:
- High-Waisted Bottoms: These will highlight your waist while providing coverage, creating a stunning retro vibe.
- Underwire Tops: For bust support and a little lift, underwire bikini tops are a great choice. Look for options with adjustable straps to ensure the perfect fit.
- Wrap Styles: A wrap bikini top draws attention to your waist, emphasising your hourglass figure beautifully.
Pro Tip: Avoid overly busy prints or embellishments that can throw off your natural balance. Stick to solid colours or subtle patterns that enhance your shape.
Pear-Shaped: Balance Is Key
If you’re pear-shaped, your hips are wider than your bust, and your waist is well-defined. The goal is to balance your proportions by drawing attention to your upper body.
What to Wear:
- Bold Tops: Go for bikini tops with eye-catching details like ruffles, embellishments, or bright colours to bring focus to your upper body.
- High-Cut Bottoms: These will elongate your legs and create a more balanced silhouette.
- Supportive Tops: Halter necks or bandeaus with padding can give you that extra lift and draw the eye upwards.
Pro Tip: Darker-coloured bottoms with a higher waistline can help streamline your lower half while letting your top half shine.
Apple-Shaped: Show Off Your Best Assets
Apple-shaped bodies tend to carry weight around the midsection, with slimmer legs and hips. The key is to find a bikini that draws attention away from the waist while highlighting your legs and bust.
What to Wear:
- Tankinis: A tankini offers more coverage around the tummy area while still feeling breezy and beach-ready.
- Ruching and Draping: Bikinis with ruching across the midsection can be incredibly flattering, creating the illusion of a more defined waist.
- Deep V-Necks: A plunging neckline can elongate your torso and draw attention to your décolletage.
Pro Tip: Look for styles that emphasise your legs or bust, such as high-cut bottoms or tops with unique details like ruffles or off-the-shoulder designs.
Athletic Build: Add Some Curves
If you have an athletic build, your body is often more straight up and down, with fewer curves. The goal is to create the illusion of curves and add a touch of femininity to your silhouette.
What to Wear:
- Ruffled Tops and Bottoms: Details like ruffles or frills can add volume where you need it, creating a curvier appearance.
- Bold Prints: Don’t be afraid to go bold with prints, patterns, and colors—they can help enhance your natural shape.
- Triangle Tops: Triangle tops are perfect for giving the illusion of a fuller bust, especially when paired with low-rise bottoms.
Pro Tip: Look for bikinis with padding or push-up features to give your bust a boost and create a more hourglass-like silhouette.
Full Bust: Support Is Everything
For those with a fuller bust, finding a bikini that offers enough support is crucial. You’ll want styles that are both flattering and functional, keeping you comfortable while providing the coverage you need.
What to Wear:
- Underwire Tops: An underwire bikini top will give you the support you need, much like your favourite bra.
- Wide Straps: Look for tops with wide straps—they provide extra support and distribute weight more evenly.
- Full-Coverage Tops: These offer more coverage and security, allowing you to move freely without worrying about anything slipping out of place.
Pro Tip: Avoid strapless styles, which may not provide the support you need. Opt instead for halter tops or balconette styles that keep everything in place.
Small Bust: Enhance and Flaunt
If you have a smaller bust, you have the freedom to play with a variety of styles, especially those that add volume or enhance your upper half.
What to Wear:
- Padded Tops: Padding or push-up bikini tops can add some extra oomph and create a fuller look.
- Embellished Tops: Ruffles, fringe, or textured fabrics can add dimension and draw attention to your bust area.
- Bandeau Tops: These are great for creating the illusion of a fuller bust and are super versatile for mixing and matching.
Pro Tip: Don’t shy away from bold prints and bright colours—they can add visual interest and make your bust appear fuller.
Final Word: Confidence Is Key
The most important thing to remember when choosing a bikini is that confidence is your best accessory. Whether you’re curvy, petite, athletic, or somewhere in between, there’s a bikini out there that will make you feel amazing. It’s all about finding the right style that flatters your unique shape and makes you feel comfortable and confident.
So, embrace your body, enjoy the process, and get ready to rock that bikini with confidence and style this summer. After all, every body is a bikini body.