• Home
  • About
  • Categories
    • Style
      • Beauty
      • Fashion
        • Accessories
        • Body Type
        • Date Night
        • Fitness
    • Fitness & Weight Loss
    • Family & Friends
      • Holidays & Gift Ideas
      • Entertaining
        • Holiday
        • Recipes
    • Home
      • Home Decor
        • Seasonal
        • Inspiration
      • Cleaning & Organization
      • DIY
    • Recipes + Meal Ideas
      • Comfort Food
      • Healthy
    • Work from Home
  • SHOP
    • Instagram
    • Amazon
    • Angelina Belle
  • Work From Home
    • Become an Influencer
    • Become a Savvi Brand Partner
    • Related Posts

Mimi G. – Flawless After 40 Over 40 Fashion, Beauty & Style

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

Cupshe

Cupshe CA Sale | Shop Now

Simple Meal Planning - Plan to Eat

Follow Me On Instagram

Long Sleeve Top and Drawstring Shorts Lounge Set, $48

🛍️ Comment 999 to order!

Color: Gum Leaf
Size: S, M, L, XL


➡️ VIP Insiders get 10% off every order

#soldlive
#bodypositive #bodypositiveattitude #bodypositiveweightloss #boutiquefashions #boutiqueshop #boutiqueshoppingonline #boutiquestyleonline #boutiquestyles
#easyoutfits #fashion101 #fashionhelp #fashionmakeover #fashionmom #fashionover30 #fashionover40 #fashiontipsandtricks #lookbetterfeelbetter
#momfashion #momstylelife #onlineboutiques #onlineboutiqueshop
#onlineboutiqueshopping #stopcomparing
#styletipsforwomen #athleisurewear

0 0
Open
Long Sleeve Top and Drawstring Shorts Lounge Set, $48

 🛍️ Comment 999 to order!

Color: Gum Leaf
Size: S, M, L, XL

 
➡️ VIP Insiders get 10% off every order

#soldlive
#bodypositive #bodypositiveattitude #bodypositiveweightloss #boutiquefashions #boutiqueshop #boutiqueshoppingonline #boutiquestyleonline #boutiquestyles
#easyoutfits #fashion101 #fashionhelp #fashionmakeover #fashionmom #fashionover30 #fashionover40 #fashiontipsandtricks #lookbetterfeelbetter
 #momfashion #momstylelife #onlineboutiques #onlineboutiqueshop 
 #onlineboutiqueshopping #stopcomparing
 #styletipsforwomen #athleisurewear

Button Up Flounce Sleeve V-Neck Shirt, $29

🛍️ Comment 876 to order!

Color: Gum Leaf, Chestnut, Cobalt Blue, Pastel Yellow, Black
Size: S, M, L, XL


➡️ VIP Insiders get 10% off every order

#soldlive
#bodypositive #bodypositiveattitude #bodypositiveweightloss #boutiquefashions #boutiqueshop #boutiqueshoppingonline #boutiquestyleonline #boutiquestyles
#easyoutfits #fashion101 #fashionhelp #fashionmakeover #fashionmom #fashionover30 #fashionover40 #fashiontipsandtricks #lookbetterfeelbetter
#momfashion #momstylelife #onlineboutiques #onlineboutiqueshop
#onlineboutiqueshopping #stopcomparing
#styletipsforwomen #athleisurewear

2 1
Open
Button Up Flounce Sleeve V-Neck Shirt, $29

 🛍️ Comment 876 to order!

Color: Gum Leaf, Chestnut, Cobalt Blue, Pastel Yellow, Black
Size: S, M, L, XL

 
➡️ VIP Insiders get 10% off every order

#soldlive
#bodypositive #bodypositiveattitude #bodypositiveweightloss #boutiquefashions #boutiqueshop #boutiqueshoppingonline #boutiquestyleonline #boutiquestyles
#easyoutfits #fashion101 #fashionhelp #fashionmakeover #fashionmom #fashionover30 #fashionover40 #fashiontipsandtricks #lookbetterfeelbetter
 #momfashion #momstylelife #onlineboutiques #onlineboutiqueshop 
 #onlineboutiqueshopping #stopcomparing
 #styletipsforwomen #athleisurewear

Lace Trimmed V-Neck Cutout Cami, $24

🛍️ Comment 1009 to order!

Color: Fuchsia Pink, Black, Moss, Coffee Brown, Caramel
Size: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL


➡️ VIP Insiders get 10% off every order

#soldlive
#bodypositive #bodypositiveattitude #bodypositiveweightloss #boutiquefashions #boutiqueshop #boutiqueshoppingonline #boutiquestyleonline #boutiquestyles
#easyoutfits #fashion101 #fashionhelp #fashionmakeover #fashionmom #fashionover30 #fashionover40 #fashiontipsandtricks #lookbetterfeelbetter
#momfashion #momstylelife #onlineboutiques #onlineboutiqueshop
#onlineboutiqueshopping #stopcomparing
#styletipsforwomen #athleisurewear

0 0
Open
Lace Trimmed V-Neck Cutout Cami, $24

 🛍️ Comment 1009 to order!

Color: Fuchsia Pink, Black, Moss, Coffee Brown, Caramel
Size: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL

 
➡️ VIP Insiders get 10% off every order

#soldlive
#bodypositive #bodypositiveattitude #bodypositiveweightloss #boutiquefashions #boutiqueshop #boutiqueshoppingonline #boutiquestyleonline #boutiquestyles
#easyoutfits #fashion101 #fashionhelp #fashionmakeover #fashionmom #fashionover30 #fashionover40 #fashiontipsandtricks #lookbetterfeelbetter
 #momfashion #momstylelife #onlineboutiques #onlineboutiqueshop 
 #onlineboutiqueshopping #stopcomparing
 #styletipsforwomen #athleisurewear

Favorite Fleece Open Front Faux Fur Coat, $49

🛍️ Comment 505 to order!

Color: Light Gray, Black, Charcoal, Chestnut, White
Size: S, M, L, XL


➡️ VIP Insiders get 10% off every order

#soldlive
#bodypositive #bodypositiveattitude #bodypositiveweightloss #boutiquefashions #boutiqueshop #boutiqueshoppingonline #boutiquestyleonline #boutiquestyles
#easyoutfits #fashion101 #fashionhelp #fashionmakeover #fashionmom #fashionover30 #fashionover40 #fashiontipsandtricks #lookbetterfeelbetter
#momfashion #momstylelife #onlineboutiques #onlineboutiqueshop
#onlineboutiqueshopping #stopcomparing
#styletipsforwomen #athleisurewear

2 0
Open
Favorite Fleece Open Front Faux Fur Coat, $49

 🛍️ Comment 505 to order!

Color: Light Gray, Black, Charcoal, Chestnut, White
Size: S, M, L, XL

 
➡️ VIP Insiders get 10% off every order

#soldlive
#bodypositive #bodypositiveattitude #bodypositiveweightloss #boutiquefashions #boutiqueshop #boutiqueshoppingonline #boutiquestyleonline #boutiquestyles
#easyoutfits #fashion101 #fashionhelp #fashionmakeover #fashionmom #fashionover30 #fashionover40 #fashiontipsandtricks #lookbetterfeelbetter
 #momfashion #momstylelife #onlineboutiques #onlineboutiqueshop 
 #onlineboutiqueshopping #stopcomparing
 #styletipsforwomen #athleisurewear

StretchyStitch Pants, $44

🛍️ Comment 1008 to order!

Color: Fuchsia Pink, Black, Khaki, Navy
Size: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL


➡️ VIP Insiders get 10% off every order

#soldlive
#bodypositive #bodypositiveattitude #bodypositiveweightloss #boutiquefashions #boutiqueshop #boutiqueshoppingonline #boutiquestyleonline #boutiquestyles
#easyoutfits #fashion101 #fashionhelp #fashionmakeover #fashionmom #fashionover30 #fashionover40 #fashiontipsandtricks #lookbetterfeelbetter
#momfashion #momstylelife #onlineboutiques #onlineboutiqueshop
#onlineboutiqueshopping #stopcomparing
#styletipsforwomen #athleisurewear

3 1
Open
StretchyStitch Pants, $44

 🛍️ Comment 1008 to order!

Color: Fuchsia Pink, Black, Khaki, Navy
Size: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL

 
➡️ VIP Insiders get 10% off every order

#soldlive
#bodypositive #bodypositiveattitude #bodypositiveweightloss #boutiquefashions #boutiqueshop #boutiqueshoppingonline #boutiquestyleonline #boutiquestyles
#easyoutfits #fashion101 #fashionhelp #fashionmakeover #fashionmom #fashionover30 #fashionover40 #fashiontipsandtricks #lookbetterfeelbetter
 #momfashion #momstylelife #onlineboutiques #onlineboutiqueshop 
 #onlineboutiqueshopping #stopcomparing
 #styletipsforwomen #athleisurewear

Round Neck Long Sleeve Tee, $28

🛍️ Comment 1007 to order!

Color: Army Green, Sky Blue, Black, Charcoal
Size: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL


➡️ VIP Insiders get 10% off every order

#soldlive
#bodypositive #bodypositiveattitude #bodypositiveweightloss #boutiquefashions #boutiqueshop #boutiqueshoppingonline #boutiquestyleonline #boutiquestyles
#easyoutfits #fashion101 #fashionhelp #fashionmakeover #fashionmom #fashionover30 #fashionover40 #fashiontipsandtricks #lookbetterfeelbetter
#momfashion #momstylelife #onlineboutiques #onlineboutiqueshop
#onlineboutiqueshopping #stopcomparing
#styletipsforwomen #athleisurewear

4 1
Open
Round Neck Long Sleeve Tee, $28

 🛍️ Comment 1007 to order!

Color: Army Green, Sky Blue, Black, Charcoal
Size: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL

 
➡️ VIP Insiders get 10% off every order

#soldlive
#bodypositive #bodypositiveattitude #bodypositiveweightloss #boutiquefashions #boutiqueshop #boutiqueshoppingonline #boutiquestyleonline #boutiquestyles
#easyoutfits #fashion101 #fashionhelp #fashionmakeover #fashionmom #fashionover30 #fashionover40 #fashiontipsandtricks #lookbetterfeelbetter
 #momfashion #momstylelife #onlineboutiques #onlineboutiqueshop 
 #onlineboutiqueshopping #stopcomparing
 #styletipsforwomen #athleisurewear
Previous Easy Housewarming Party Outfit That Will Make You Look Amazing
Next How to Style an Outfit with a Long Camisole Top

Related Posts

Fresh Salon Hair

The Best Spray Powder Shampoo for Dirty Hair...

Housewarming Party Outfit

Easy Housewarming Party Outfit That Will Make...

Makeup Product Essentials

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

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.

Primary Sidebar

Meet Mimi

Entrepreneur, Wife, Homemaker, and Mom... " On my blog, I provide simple style, beauty and everyday wellness tips for modern moms over 40. Follow along for inspiration from my home, lifestyle, kitchen, and closet!"
READ MORE...

Enter to Win

My monthly

fashion giveaway

Prize delivered in the form of one $50 Angelina Belle gift card.  By entering this giveaway you agree to receive marketing emails from Flawless After 40. This contest is not affiliated with Instagram or Facebook. Privacy Policy

Cupshe CA Sale | Shop Now
Simple Meal Planning - Plan to Eat

Categories

  • Accessories
  • Beauty + Self-Care
  • Body Type
  • Casual
  • Cleaning & Organization
  • Comfort Food
  • Date Night
  • DIY
  • Entertaining
  • Fashion
  • Fitness & Weight Loss
  • Holidays & Gift Ideas
  • Home
  • Home Decor
  • Inspiration
  • Recipes
  • Style
  • Uncategorized
  • Work from Home

Archives

About

Entrepreneur, Wife, Homemaker, and Mom... "On my blog, I provide simple style, beauty and everyday wellness tips for modern moms over 40. Follow along for inspiration from my home, lifestyle, kitchen, and closet!"

I own an online boutique for the modern mom over 40 who wants to wear trendy styles that are "mom appropriate". In my boutique, I curate fashion and beauty items that I personally wear/use or would recommend. Visit angelinabelle.com to learn more!


Read more

Flawless After 40

______________________

SWIMSUIT SHOPPING DOESN'T HAVE TO SUCK!

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

Copyright © 2023 Mimi G. – Flawless After 40
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
Theme by SheShoppes

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

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT