• Home
  • About
  • Categories
    • Style
      • Beauty
      • Fashion
        • Date Night
        • Fitness
        • Mommy + Me
        • Body Type
    • Fitness & Weight Loss
    • Baby Girl
    • Family & Friends
      • Holidays & Gift Ideas
      • Entertaining
        • Holiday
        • Recipes
    • Home
      • Home Decor
        • Seasonal
        • Inspiration
      • Cleaning & Organization
      • DIY
    • Recipes + Meal Ideas
      • Comfort Food
      • Healthy
  • MIMI’S FAVES
  • VIDEOS
  • SHOP

Belle Inspired Simple Style Solutions for Moms

Body Type•Fashion•Style

How to Select the Best Swimsuits for Your Body Type

March 5, 2019
The colorful side-ties on this bikini bottom work well for rectangle and inverted triangle body types
The colorful side-ties on this bikini bottom work well for rectangle and inverted triangle body types

Do you cringe when swimsuit season rolls around?  When you know how to select the best swimsuit styles for your body type, swimsuit shopping is a lot less painful.  Just follow this guide and you’ll be amazed.  You won’t believe how much difference wearing the right swimsuit styles will make to boost your confidence! 

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read our full disclosure policy.

SWIMSUIT SHOPPING DOESN'T HAVE TO SUCK!

Privacy Policy

This FREE Cheat Sheet will help.  Join our VIP Newsletter to get yours now!

 

Swimsuit Shopping Doesn’t Have to Suck

You’re Hardly Wearing Any Clothes!

No matter how much we diet and how hard we exercise, many of us are just not that confident wearing a swimsuit.  And, seriously… how many figure challenges can you really hide in a freaking swimsuit, anyway? 

However, if you know the proportions of your body and which styles work best on your shape, you’ll be doing the very best that you can, given the circumstances.  Therefore, this is why it’s super important to know your body type.  Because, once you do you can try on only the bathing suits that will be most flattering to your figure, and ignore everything else.

From My Experience…

As I mentioned on our About page, I’m certified as a Fashion Consultant by the Fashion Image Institute. I previously owned a swim and resort wear boutique and have also done personal styling/wardrobe consulting for clients. So, as you can imagine, I have helped a lot of women find the perfect swimsuit for that upcoming honeymoon, vacation or cruise!

When helping a customer or client, it was important for me to determine what their figure challenges (and personal insecurities) were in order to steer them in the direction of the right swimsuits for their body types.

Be sure to refer to this guide before you start ordering swimsuits. I promise it will make your life easier. But, if you absolutely love something and you aren’t sure if it’s the recommended style for your body type, go ahead and try it anyway. Because, you never know…

Determine Your Body Type

Find Your Body Type

Your unique shape falls into one of these 5 body types:

  • Hourglass – bust and hips are about the same width, with a defined waist
  • Round or Diamond – (or “Apple” ) – bust, waist and hips are close to the same width; usually smaller shoulders and no waist definition
  • Triangle – (or “Pear”) – hips are wider than shoulders and bust
  • Inverted Triangle – (“Athletic”) Shoulders are wider than hips; may have full bust – the body area above the waist is larger than below
  • Rectangle – (or “Square”) bust, shoulders and hips are close to the same width with little waist definition

General Guidelines to Select the Best Swimsuit Style for Your Body Type

Swimsuits with underwire bra tops provide good support and are uplifting for a large bust. This style is ideal for an hourglass or round body type.
Swimsuits with underwire bra tops provide good support and are uplifting for a large bust. This style is ideal for an hourglass or round body type.

Follow these guidelines regardless if you’re shopping for a one-piece or 2-piece bathing suit.  The reason is, even one-piece bathing suits have many variations in styles between the top and bottom half.  Therefore, evaluate swimsuit top and bottom styles individually for your body type, even if you’re looking a one-piece suit.

Hourglass Shape

An hourglass body type is considered the “ideal” body shape, because it is perfectly proportioned. As a result, it is the easiest to dress.  Therefore, dressing all other body types involves camouflaging certain areas to make them look more proportionate, or more like the hourglass shape. 

If you are an hourglass shape, follow these guidelines to select the best swimsuit for your body type:

  • Swimsuits with underwire bra style or halter style tops are best for a large bust.  These styles give lots of support and will uplift your bust.
  • Full coverage bottoms with or without high waist will look slimming.
  • Details around the mid-section like ruching or embellishments will highlight your waistline.

Round or Diamond Body Type

Here, the objective is to accentuate curves to give the appearance of a smaller waistline, or to get the illusion of a slimmer profile overall. 

  • One-piece swimsuits, monokinis and tankinis with high-waisted bottoms are your best friend.  This is because they provide the most coverage and will hide a belly pooch.
  • Ruching around the middle will camouflage the tummy and add the appearance of a waistline.
  • Underwire bra tops or halter style tops will provide the best bust support and uplift.
  • A skirted bottom will add more coverage, as will a sarong cover-up.   

Triangle or Pear-Shaped Body

With the triangle or pear-shaped body, the objective is to minimize the hips and maximize the bust to get them to look more balanced.   

  • Wear a solid color on the bottom
  • Full-coverage bottoms, boy shorts, and hipster cut bottoms (in a solid color) will provide good coverage.
  • High cut legs will make the legs look longer and visually slim the hips.
  • Add dimension to your top by wearing a brighter color, print, or horizontal stripes.  Ruffles and embellishments will also highlight the top half of your body.
  • For the top, wear a strapless or bandeau style to make your bust look wider.  Or, wear moulded cup styles with padding to add structure and dimension to the chest.

Inverted Triangle Body Type

Here, you want to minimize the top half of the body and visually add dimension to the hips for balance.

  • Halter top styles and bra tops will make the shoulders appear less broad. 
  • Sweetheart necklines will add curves, softening the top half.
  • Avoid anything like a camisole or simple tank top, bandeau or “tube top” because those horizontal lines will only make the shoulders look more dominant. 
  • Stay away from ruffles or too many embellishments on the top because that will also highlight the dominant top half of your body.
  • Full coverage bottoms and mid-rise or low-rise hipster styles are a safe bet. 
  • High-cut legs will draw attention to the legs and away from the top half, to visually balance things out for an inverted triangle body type.  However, stay away from a swimsuit with high-cut legs if your legs are large and you’re self-conscious about them.
  • Try wearing a brighter color or pattern on the bottom, with a more subdued solid color on top.
  • Opt for details and embellishments such as bows or other accents on the bottom to add fullness to your bottom half.

Rectangle Body Shape

A rectangle shaped body needs waist definition. 

  • Look for swimsuit styles with color-blocking or cut-outs around the waist to visually give definition in this area.  Color-blocking or cut-out details on the sides can provide a similar effect.
  • A triangle or halter style top, or a bra-style top with padding or plunging neckline is best for accentuating curves on top. This will make the waist appear more defined on the rectangle body type.
  • Side-tie bottoms will add definition to the hip area giving the illusion of curves.  Other details like bows, sashes and belts add dimension and create the illusion of a curvier figure.
  • Look for suits with diagonal lines and ruching or shirring effects around the waist area.

Time to Go Swimsuit Shopping for Your Body Type

The high cut legs on this swimsuit will draw attention to the legs (and away from the top half of the body) on an inverted triangle body type.

Now that you know what styles of bathing suits are best for your body type, swimsuit shopping should be so much easier for you.  Now, you will feel confident and pretty on your cruise or beach vacation.  However, remember – these are just guidelines.  If you really love something, try it on.  Because, you may end up loving it… and rules are meant to be broken! 😉

Related Posts

  • About Belle Inspired
  • How to Find Your Body Type Like an Expert 
  • Easy Housewarming Party Outfit That Will Make You Look Amazing

Have You Joined Our VIP Community?

Join our VIP list for the tips you need to help make mom life even better!
I love sharing ways to help you look fashionable and feel good about yourself and your home, while saving both time and money.

You’ll get ideas, inspiration and tips for housekeeping & home decor, entertaining, fashion, beauty, and general wellness. Plus, you’ll be the first to know about new products, discounts, and freebies!

Privacy Policy

Join our VIP List for this FREE checklist - just follow these tips to help you decide what to wear the next time you entertain at home.  

 
 

HOSTESS OUTFIT CHECKLIST

 

Post Contents

  • Swimsuit Shopping Doesn’t Have to Suck
    • You’re Hardly Wearing Any Clothes!
    • From My Experience…
  • Determine Your Body Type
  • General Guidelines to Select the Best Swimsuit Style for Your Body Type
    • Hourglass Shape
    • Round or Diamond Body Type
    • Triangle or Pear-Shaped Body
    • Inverted Triangle Body Type
    • Rectangle Body Shape
  • Time to Go Swimsuit Shopping for Your Body Type
    • Related Posts
    • Have You Joined Our VIP Community?

body type mom swimsuits swimsuits

0
1 Comment
Previous Easy Housewarming Party Outfit That Will Make You Look Amazing
Next How to Style Mommy and Me Dresses that Will Make You Look Chic

Related Posts

Open Cardigan

How to Style an Outfit with an Open Cardigan...

Makeup Product Essentials

How to Create a Minimalist Makeup Look that w...

Blending 2 lipstick shades to get the perfect color

How to Style an Outfit with a Long Camisole T...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. swim suit says

    September 23, 2019 at 4:09 am

    This is my first time pay a visit at here and i am truly happy to read all at alone place.

    Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Meet Mimi

Entrepreneur, Wife, Homemaker, and Mom... "I love sharing my passion for fashion & style, home décor and everyday wellness. On my blog, Belle Inspired, I provide simple style solutions for busy moms that will save you both time and money. Follow along for inspiration from my home, lifestyle, kitchen, and closet!"
READ MORE...

SWIMSUIT SHOPPING DOESN'T HAVE TO SUCK!

This FREE Cheat Sheet will help.  Join our VIP Newsletter to get yours now!

Skinnygirl Jeans
Bar Calculator
No More Excuses with B.O.D.

No More Excuses with B.O.D.

Categories

  • Baby Girl
  • Beauty + Self-Care
  • Body Type
  • Cleaning & Organization
  • Comfort Food
  • Date Night
  • DIY
  • Entertaining
  • Fashion
  • Fitness & Weight Loss
  • Holidays & Gift Ideas
  • Home
  • Home Decor
  • Inspiration
  • Mommy + Me
  • Recipes
  • Style

Archives

EXTREME FITNESS. SIMPLE EATING. SERIOUS RESULTS.

About

Entrepreneur, Wife, Homemaker, and Mom... "I love sharing my passion for fashion & style, home décor and everyday wellness. On my blog, Belle Inspired, I provide simple style solutions for busy moms that will save you both time and money. Follow along for inspiration from my home, lifestyle, kitchen, and closet!"
Read more

Angelina Belle Collection

Belle Inspired Blog

______________________

FREE Meal Planner PDF

FREE MEAL PLANNER

Save money, eat healthier, and save time by getting into the habit of meal planning! 

 

Join our VIP Community to get your Meal Planning Spreadsheet sent directly to your inbox!

You will also receive occasional emails with inspiration for fashion, style & home, plus recipes &  special VIP offers.

 

 

If you don't see an email from us soon, check your spam folder. 

View Privacy Policy.

Did you know we do Special Orders? If the item yo Did you know we do Special Orders?  If the item you want shows "out of stock" on the website,  I may be able to special order it.  Just email or DM me if you’re interested in something that appears to be sold out. 
.
Also, remember - if I am unable to special-order it, you can always get on the wait list!  When you do this, you'll be notified if we are able to re-stock the item.
.
.
.
.
.
#affordableboutique, #boutiquefashions, #boutiquestyleonline, #boutiquestyles, #onlineboutiques
Hi there! I'm Mimi! I launched Angelina Belle in Hi there! I'm Mimi!  I launched Angelina Belle in 2018, because I wanted to offer a solution to a common issue women face when getting dressed...
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Regardless of size, so many women want to know how to look slimmer, and how to select clothes that make you look slimmer.  Does this sound like you? 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I can totally relate... 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
To learn more about me and the boutique, head over to the website, link in bio.
Need help finding your "signature style" and selec Need help finding your "signature style" and selecting the best styles for your body type and coloring?  I can help! 
.
Just fill out the questionnaire under the "Styling" tab on our website, link in bio.
.
.
.
.
.
#affordableboutique, #boutiquefashions, #boutiquestyleonline, #boutiquestyles, #onlineboutiques #bodypositiveattitude #bodypositive #stopcomparing
This is a fun casual sporty top that's not too hea This is a fun casual sporty top that's not too heavy to pair with skinny jeans or leggings for running errands, car line, or just hanging out.  Knot Hem Camo Sleeve Pullover...
https://bit.ly/3qlLraV
📦 FREE Shipping >99 dollars from New Orleans, LA to your doorstep
💳 Payment plan? Yes!! We partner with Sezzle - zero interest and no credit check.
👛 VIP Loyalty Program: Earn STORE CREDIT with every purchase.
.
.
.
.
.

 #boutiquefashions #affordableboutique #boutiquestyleonline #onlineboutiques #boutiquestyles
True statement... . . . . . #affordableboutique, # True statement...
.
.
.
.
.
#affordableboutique, #boutiquefashions, #boutiquestyleonline, #boutiquestyles, #onlineboutiques
As a busy momma, do you have any free time? It ma As a busy momma, do you have any free time?  It may look like I do here, but as I took this picture I was working on my laptop. 💻
. 
Honestly I have very little free time.  So, it's a good thing for me that I love working. 
.
Since we've been home with Nadia, between spending time with her and working, I don't even have time for TV anymore.  I am so far behind on my Real Housewives shows, I'll have to schedule time to catch up!
.
The only TV I watch is when H and I can have a meal together in the den after Nadia is asleep.  Usually we'll catch up on whatever shows we're currently into on Netflix - right now we're watching @ozark.  We also try to keep up with @nbcblacklist regularly.
.
On the weekends, we try to do as much as possible as a family. 
.
H has a crazy work schedule too (he works very long hours), so family time is precious.
. 
So what about you?  Do you have much free time?  How do you manage your time?
#allnighter #alwaysworking #beingboss #beingme #bestjob #bestteamever #bosschick #bossmom #momfashion #fashionmom
If you've been watching my "1 donation item per da If you've been watching my "1 donation item per day" closet purge, you know my favorite wardrobe color is obviously black.  What's yours?
.
.
.
.
.
#affordableboutique, #boutiquefashions, #boutiquestyleonline, #boutiquestyles, #onlineboutiques
Copyright © 2021 Belle Inspired
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
Theme by SheShoppes

This website uses cookies to improve your experience.
Accept Privacy Policy
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Necessary
Always Enabled