The Bikini Files Part 5: Bikini for Body Shapes

Holiday season may be coming to an end, but if you’re jetting off to catch those last rays of sun some place tropical, then you’ll want to be looking your best. The fourth part of our bikini survival guide is a guide to finding the perfect bikini for your frame. Read on for our expert tips on how to find the perfect bikini for body shapes of all types.

The secret to finding the perfect bikini for your figure is firstly to know your shape. Which one are you?

Hourglass | If your bust and hips are about the same width, but your waist is significantly smaller.
Athletic | If you’re thin all around, with no significant difference between your hips, waist and bust, and a muscular build.
Pear | If your hips are significantly wider than both your waist and bust.
Apple | If your waist is significantly wider than your hips, and equal to or nearly as wide as your bust.

Next – assess the situation.

If you’re hourglass | Hour glass figures benefit from fuller busts. However, these need support on the beach, so choose underwiring and full cups as you would with underwear.
Wider straps also help with uplift and prevent unsightly marks appearing on shoulders. Alternatively, halter necks can be adjusted for great shape and support. Be sure to balance the bikini so you don’t look top heavy. Don’t mix-and-matc! Wearing different colours on the top and bottom could make your body look disproportional.

If you’re athletic | Feminine styles flatter an athletic physique. A halterneck will minimise large shoulders, while plunge fronts, tie tops and padding give a more glamorous shape. Pick the prettiest prints you can find – floral, animal, spots, tropical etc. High-cut legs divert attention from shoulders. Swap sporty styles and boy shorts for tie sides and mini briefs.

If you’re pear-shaped | As pear shapes generally feature a smaller bust, you’re lucky to be able to wear triangle tops. Less fabric shows off more bust, while gel-filled or removable foam pads add shape. Avoid attention-grabbing big pants and stick with mini briefs to ensure the focus is up top. Luckily, having a triangular body shape usually means you also have a relatively flat tummy, so don’t be afraid to show it. Use colour and pattern to balance your body out visually; busy patterns draw attention, while dark, solid colours minimize attention. Try a patterned bikini top with a black bikini bottom.Play down fuller hips by choosing a very simple bottom.

If you’re an apple | If your tummy is a problem area, minimise it with larger bottoms, tankinis  or styles with control panels.  High-rise bottoms or shorts work best. Avoid fussy designs and opt instead for large prints or bold, colourful patterns. A tankini with padded cups will balance your shape and hide the tummy.