Let's be real, swimsuit shopping has a reputation for being stressful. Trying to navigate sizing, silhouettes, and about a million different styles under fluorescent fitting room lighting is a lot. But here's the thing: finding a swimsuit you genuinely love is so much more doable than the internet makes it seem. It's really just about knowing what to look for, and once you have that knowledge, it actually gets fun.
This guide is here to take the guesswork out of it. Whether you're gearing up for a beach trip, a pool day, or you just want to refresh your swimwear lineup for this season, we're breaking down exactly how to shop for your shape, plus sharing some of our favorite picks right now.
• Move around in the fitting room. Bend over, sit down, do a little walk. You want to check that nothing rides up, digs in, or slips out of place. A suit that fits correctly should stay put and feel secure without pinching anywhere.
• When in doubt, size up. Swimwear that's slightly too small will pull and pucker in all the wrong ways. A little extra room is always better than feeling restricted — especially around the waist and hips.
• Look for adjustable features. Tie-back tops, adjustable straps, and drawstring bottoms are your best friends. They let you customize the fit to your exact proportions, which matters a lot since tops and bottoms often need to be different sizes.
• Don't let brand sizing get in your head. Sizing varies wildly between brands and even between styles from the same brand. It genuinely has nothing to do with your body. Treat it like a code to crack, not a verdict.
• Prioritize support structures if you need them. If you have a fuller bust or want extra coverage, look for molded cups, underwire, thicker straps, and boning. These details exist for a reason and they make a real difference.
CURVY OR PLUS SIZE
You have so many great options. The key is to look for suits that offer structure and support while celebrating your shape, not hiding it. Ruching and gathering around the midsection creates beautiful visual texture and works with curves rather than against them. A V-neck or plunging neckline will elongate your torso and frame your face. And adding a layer, whether that be a sarong or knit coverup, will extenuate your shape that much more.
What to look for: one-pieces, underwire bikini tops, molded cups, plunging neckline
This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you shop through them—no extra cost to you, just extra good taste.
IF YOU'RE PEAR-SHAPED (WIDER HIPS, NARROWER SHOULDERS)
The goal here is to draw the eye upward and create the sense of balance between your top and bottom half. And the good news? This is genuinely easy to do with the right top. Bold prints, bright colors, ruffles, bows, ties, and embellishments on top all do the trick beautifully. For bottoms, simpler styles in darker or neutral tones work well to balance things out.
What to look for: statement bikinis tops, bold prints or embellishments, cheeky or thong bottoms, simple bikini bottoms, bandeau styles
IF YOU HAVE A RECTANGLE SHAPE (STRAIGHT UP & DOWN)
A straight or athletic body type is a perfect canvas for playing with silhouette. Swimwear with ruching, side panels, and cutouts adds the illusion of curves. Bold, busy prints are also your friend — they create visual interest and dimension. Don't be afraid of color or pattern here; this is your moment to have fun with it.
What to look for: ruched details, cutouts, molded cups, vibrant prints and colors, triangle bikinis
IF YOU HAVE A FULLER BUST
Support is non-negotiable — but that doesn't mean sacrificing style. Underwire bikini tops have come such a long way and there are so many beautiful options that actually hold you in place without feeling like a sports bra. Thick straps and high necklines are also great, and side paneling on tops can help distribute support more evenly. Skip thin string ties as your only support; look for tops with more structure.
What to look for: underwire bikini tops, molded cups, square neckline, wide straps
