The trick to choosing flattering swimwear is getting the upper and lower body proportions in balance. A pear body shape tends to be proportionally bottom heavy. So to balance it out, you’re aiming to add more curves and volume to the top, narrow the waist, and draw the eye away from the hips. You can do this by choosing certain types of swimwear, and avoiding others. Best bikini types for pear shaped women One piece swimsuit Fit is important here: you’ll find many one-piece swimsuits are too tight below or too loose up top when you’re a pear. If you’re struggling to get the right fit, try a tankini combo instead. That said, there are a lot of great one-piece options out there. Look for designs with eye-catching necklines and details up top, and plenty of coverage below. Also, look for swimsuits that combine light colours and patterns around the chest with plain, darker colours around the waist. Bikini tops Pear types typically have small breasts, in which case you can have a lot of fun making the most of what you’ve got! Strapless bandeau tops are perfect for Pears, while padded bikini tops and push-up bikinis with bold patterns, elaborate styles, and sexy, revealing necklines are all great for emphasising your bust’s natural curves. Playing with bikini textures and ruffles are a good way of adding overall volume up top. Bikini bottoms Besides their stylish retro look, high waisted bottoms add coverage to your hip and butt while emphasizing the curve of your waist. When it comes to bikini bottoms, high cut waistlines are more flattering, and will also help to elongate your thighs. If you prefer the extra coverage that boardshorts or swimshorts offer, take extra care to get a good fit and feminine cut, as boy shorts tend to be unflattering for wider hips. Pairing a swimsuit with a sarong is often a better way to combine coverage with style. Bikini types to avoid when you are pear body shaped Try to avoid ruffling, hardware or other eye-catching, volume increasing embellishments around your hips and waist. Bikini bottoms with side-ties and horizontal waistbands can also draw attention to your wide hips: go for a high cut waistline instead.
Shopping for bathing suits can be in a word—annoying. Not all swimsuits are designed for every body, so it takes time to find the perfect and most flattering style. No matter how we’re built, we all have a few areas we’re not totally thrilled with, and would prefer not to highlight for hours on end. That said, tips to keep in mind when aiming to look find a bathing suit that’s equal parts stylish and slimming.
Say yes to bikinis The first rule of thumb: You can rock a bikini! If you’re not thrilled with the shape you’re in, the most flattering option is to choose a retro style that features a high waist and a longline top. That way, you’re only showing a chic sliver of skin at the slimmest part of your midsection.
Take the plunge Want to show a little skin without wearing a two-piece? Opt for a plunging neckline on an otherwise modest one-piece, which is extremely flattering (and every bit as sexy as a skimpy bikini.)
Consider bright solids There’s no need to only wear black bathing suits, as bright solids in simple cuts can also be quite slimming. Look for bolder neon-leaning shades when you’re already tan, and primary colors like poppy red or royal blue when you’re still rocking the final stages of winter’s pale patina.
Use visual effects Look for bathing suits with contoured color-blocking detail on the sides for a super-slimming effect.
Embrace splashy prints Despite what you probably think, a larger print can be incredibly flattering thanks to its ability to deflect attention from problem areas.
Ruching, ruching ruching When it comes to masking problem areas, ruched fabric is a woman’s best friend.
Remember: Not all bikinis are skimpy A no-brainer way to cover up your midsection while still wearing a two-piece: Choose a stylish tank-style bathing suit top and a pair of matching bikini bottoms.
Go dark and chic We all know nothing’s more slimming than black, but it can get definitely boring. To spice up a black bathing suit, choose a fashion-forward style.
Vertical stripes work Vertical stripes really do give the illusion of a longer, leaner body!
Go for shapewear Choose a swimsuit with built-in shapewear.
With holidays cancelled, our dreams of bikini-clad beach days have, for now at least, been put on pause. But thanks to this week’s heatwave, we’ll still have the chance to sizzle in the sun – even if it is from our garden or the park. Here are some of the season’s biggest swimwear trends One-shouldered One-shouldered tops were everywhere last summer, and this year’s coolest cossies come with a clavicle exposed. At Badgley Mischka , super sleek one-shouldered swimsuits came in hues of lemon and lime, while Miami-based swimwear brand Maheli Heli showed an array of luxe one-shouldered bikini tops paired with mismatched bottoms that made us crave that carefree Cali girl life. We love this two-tone number from London-based sustainable swimwear label Casa Raki – pair with linen trousers and oversized sunnies for serious garden glam. Geometric 80s prints The 80s influence was a key clothing trend last summer and this season it’s all over our swimwear too. Get ahead of the curve by opting for one of British resortwear label Lelloue’s geometric print bikinis or this really rather lovely abstract pastel geometric print number from Self Portrait. Best paired with an oversized straw hat and a glass of rosé in hand. Acid brights It seems we just can’t get enough of highlighter hues. Miami brand I Shine 365 did acid brights in a range of sporty silhouettes, while Maheli Heli’s high shine hues are a one way ticket to getting that handsome Deliveroo driver’s attention. Pair this lime green crinkle cut cutie from Italian swimwear label Reina Olga with chunky trainers and a visor for that perfect balcony ‘gram. Short sarongs Banished to the back of our cupboards sometime around mid-noughties, sarongs have been absent from our summer packing lists for the best part of a decade, replaced by kaftans and floaty maxis. This season though sarongs, and particularly the mini variety, are, once again, set to have their moment in the sun. Pair with Birkenstocks and a bucket hat ready for the costa del patio. Surf’s Up Surfer-chic was one of the big trends for summer 2019 and judging by the runways of Miami Swim, it’s only set to swell come summer 2020. From rash guard-style vests, to sporty high necklines, zips and sleeves, this summer it’s cool to be covered up. While Milanese label La DoubleJ’s psychedelic print rash vest’s don’t come cheap, they’re a hard-working summer wardrobe staple that can be worn as a top with everything from hot-pants to skirts and even jeans in winter. Oh, and they’re totally fabulous.
