Swimsuits by Body Type & Proportion

The most flattering swimsuit enhances your natural proportions and highlights what you love most. Swimwear is uniquely effective for proportion styling because small changes in coverage, color, print, and seam placement can shift visual balance.

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Swimsuits for an athletic build
Athletic silhouettes often shine in modern, clean lines. If you want to add curve and dimension, focus on bottoms and details that create shape.
  • Accentuate a toned rear with a bottom that has a vertical seam down the center.
  • If you prefer a sporty look, a boy short silhouette can look especially polished on this frame.
  • Ruffles, texture, bold prints, and horizontal stripes can add dimension and create the illusion of curves.
  • Slightly less rear coverage can create a fuller appearance.
Swimsuits for a straight silhouette
  • Side-tie bottoms or ruffled details at the top or bottom can create the illusion of curves.
  • Bottoms with slightly less rear coverage can make the rear appear fuller and curvier.
  • Bold prints and horizontal stripes can add visual volume.
Swimsuits for hourglass proportions
  • A bikini bottom that ties on the side or is adjustable can accommodate curves while ensuring a secure, comfortable wear.
  • If you prefer to soften curves in a specific area, dark, solid colors can create a sleek, streamlined look.
If you have a wider bottom
  • A skirted bottom is a feminine swim look that offers additional coverage and visual balance.
  • For the most flattering proportion, a skirted bottom should hit the upper portion of the thigh.
  • Pair darker bottoms with brighter or more detailed tops to draw the eye upward.
Swimsuits that create a smooth waistline
  • Banded hipster bottoms lay softly on the midsection and don't pinch, helping reduce the appearance of tummy spillover.
  • High-waisted bottoms cover more of the midsection and are also trending with a modern retro feel.
Swimsuits for broader shoulders and narrower hips
  • Choose simpler, darker tops and add interest on the bottom with prints, ties, or ruffles.
  • Thin side straps can show more hip; thicker tie sides add curve and dimension.
  • If you want to soften shoulder width, consider necklines that open the neckline area rather than very high necklines.
Swimsuits for a shorter torso
  • High-leg cuts can visually lengthen legs and create an elongated line.
  • Plunging necklines create vertical lines that can lengthen the look of the torso.
  • Minimize horizontal seaming through the midsection when you want more length.
Petite guidance
  • Smaller-scale prints can feel more proportionate.
  • High-leg cuts can elongate the leg line.
  • Avoid excess fabric that overwhelms a petite frame; clean lines often feel most balanced.
Color, print, and pattern tips
  • Use prints strategically: a bold printed top with a darker solid bottom draws attention upward; reverse the pairing to shift focus downward.
  • Smaller-scale prints are often easier to wear and feel refined; ditsy florals are feminine and perennially stylish.
  • Vertical stripes elongate; horizontal stripes add width and curve to straighter frames.
How to balance proportions with swimwear
  • Use prints, ruffles, and embellishments to add dimension where desired.
  • Wear darker solids on areas you prefer to soften.
  • Vertical seams and higher leg openings can create a longer line.
  • Adjust coverage strategically rather than sizing up.
Specialty needs
Pregnancy or postpartum

It all depends on personal preference: anything goes. Crinkle stretch swimwear (in a two piece or a one piece) expands and contracts to accommodate a wide range of sizes, making it a comfortable choice through changes in size. Tankinis provide a great option for coverage plus comfort and offer room to expand through the torso.

Long torso

For longer torsos, look for one piece swimsuits with generous stretch and length in the body. Styles with less compression or minimal inner construction often feel more comfortable through the torso.

Brands with lots of stretch and length:

  • Bleu Rod Beattie
  • Bond-Eye
  • Carmen Marc Valvo
  • Cerulean Sea
  • La Blanca
  • Hunza G
  • Marysia
  • Paula Beachwear
  • Robin Piccone
  • Tommy Bahama

If you want more customizable comfort, consider a tankini or a one piece with adjustable straps. Adjustable straps let you fine-tune rise and length.

Mastectomy guidance
  • Supportive coverage and the right neckline can create a comfortable, confident wear.
  • High neck and straight necklines often provide great coverage.
  • Triangle and deep plunge styles may not provide sufficient concealment for inserts.
Fuller bust swimwear

Everything But Water offers unparalleled breadth in fuller bust swimwear, curated with our expert eye plus our own collection, MaxSwim. MaxSwim offers figure-flattering and chic C – G cup bikinis and is a fan-favorite.

  • For lift and support, look for under-bust banding, power mesh, wider straps, and molded or structured cups.
  • Bra-sized and underwire silhouettes often provide additional support for D+ cup needs.