Let’s face it, we’ve all felt self conscious in a swimsuit at one point or another.
Whether it’s at the beach surrounded by bikini-clad 20-somethings who look like they’ve just walked out of a magazine photo shoot, or even just a quick dip in the local pool – there’s no denying that we can tend to feel a little more vulnerable when it comes to wearing a swimsuit.
It’s officially bikini season, folks.
(The Iconic)And while it can be hard to muster up the confidence to wear that new bikini, or even a full blown rash vest at times, it’s a necessary feat on the inevitable 30 degree days we have ahead of us.
But don’t fret, it’s well and truly possible to find a swimsuit that’ll flatter, flaunt and show off your assets – and it all comes down to style.
What’s more, it doesn’t matter what age you are – swimsuits can look incredible whether you’re 20 or 60.
So, without further ado, we decided to scour the sites ourselves to find the very best swimsuits for any and every body type.
Keep scrolling and get the sunblock ready – you’ll be rocking these bathers in no time.
Ladies with hips
If you’ve got a pear-shaped body (read: curvy at the hips and thighs, smaller at the waist and upwards) then the trick is to balance things out.
Try keep things simple on the bottom, a bikini brief that sits just above the hips will accentuate your curves in a flattering way.
As for the top – feel free to go a little wild on this one – drawing attention to your upper body will minimise attention on the bottom. There are plenty of fun styles out there, think prints – the brighter the better!
Cali Rae Chile Triangle Bikini, $64.95 (top) Buy it online via The Iconic here.
Ark high v-cut bikini brief, $60. Buy it online here.
Busty belles
If you’re a little curvier where the chest is concerned, aim for a swimsuit that provides ample support, and fits like a bra. An underwire is super handy, as are thick straps.
We also recommend avoiding layers such as ruffles or any extra fabric – keep it simple.
Endless dreamgirl underwire bra top, $39.99. Buy it online here.
Subtitled underwire bikini top. Buy it online here.
Curvilicious
If you’re rocking the hourglass figure (aka bigger bust, butt and thighs) we’ve got two key styles – one piece, or high waisted.
The styles are well and truly in vogue these days, with a number of options that look flattering and comfortable on curvier frames – it’s a win win!
Aim for a style that offers plenty of support up top. Down the bottom, look out for bikini lines that reach the hips.
Andie high waisted bottom, $70. Buy it online here.
Artesands aria olive botticelli one piece, $129.95. Buy it online via The Iconic here.
Flat but fierce
If you’re an A or B cup, look out for bikini tops that will accentuate your form. Triangle and one-shoulder styles are perfect in giving the illusion that you’ve got a curvy bust.
When it comes to colour, make like our pear-shaped pals: Go wild and embrace prints and patterns – these will draw more attention to your assets.
Rhythm my bralette top, $23.99 (on sale). Buy it online via The Iconic here.
Bond-Eye samira top, $90. Buy it online via The Iconic here.
Straight up (and down)
If you’ve got an athletic build (i.e. not so curvy), then a swimsuit style that draws attention to where said curves could be is the look for you.
Again, one-piece swimsuits that are colour blocked (particularly around the hips) will give the illusion of shape, while ruffles and prints will also embellish your beachside look.
And a final tip: The smaller the better! Yep, leave the Bridget Jones-esque brief style behind – the smaller it is, the bigger your curves will seem!
TJ Swim iman one piece, $129.99. Buy it online here.
Ark Swimwear grey one piece, $120. Buy it online here.
