Summer swimwear: How to find the perfect bikini for your body shape
Summer is full of good things; long, sunny days, delicious food and of course, a well-deserved holiday. Whether you’re jetting off to the other side of the world for tropical climates and white sands, or heading up the road with a tent and a van full of friends, the key to a great holiday is preparation – starting with the all-important swimwear purchase.
Bikini shopping can be a minefield, and if you end up with something that you’re not confident or comfortable in, it can put a serious dampener on your time away. The good thing is that the swimwear market has never been more diverse, and there’s now something to suit everyone; from high-waisted retro style bikinis to bandeau tops and flattering one-pieces. By first identifying your body shape, you’ll find it a whole lot easier to track down the perfect bikini for you.
Better still, when you visit the retailers from the links below you’ll get cashback on any item you buy there!
Rectangular
Slim, trim and sporty, the rectangle body shape is athletic looking with few curves, and suits bikinis that add a little shape. Padded tops will give your cleavage a little boost, while frills and fancy details such as tie-side bottoms will give the illusion of curves around the hips and waist area.
We love:
White Heart Print Frill Trim Bikini by New Look
And search ‘Kelly Brook White Frill Heart Halter neck Bikini Top ‘
Tanga Lace-Up Side Bikini by Superdry
And search ‘Tanga bikini’
Ahoy Padded Balconette Spotty Top by Pour Moi?
Search ‘pour moi? balconette spotty’
Triangle
The triangle body shape is top heavy, and is characterised by broad shoulders and a fuller bust with a smaller waist, hips and bottom. Draw attention away from the top half of your body with patterned and embellished bottoms; look for frills and belts to draw the eye downwards, and opt for a top with plenty of support.
We love:
Light Green Ditsy Floral Frill Trim Bikini by New Look
And search ‘Light green ditsy floral frill trim bikini bottoms’
Glamour Paint Spot Skirt Bikini Bottom by Moontide
Search ‘moontide skirt bikini’
Venus Botanical Range in Floral Pink by Biba
And search ‘biba venus botanical’
Pear
With a small bust and shoulders, and a fuller bottom half, the pear shape should seek out bikinis that balance proportions and draw the eye up towards their chest area. While a push-up style top will make the most of your bust, ruching around the stomach and hips will hide any areas that might make you feel self-conscious.
We love:
Ban Raya Bikini by Superdry
And search ‘Ban Raya bikini’
Goddess Halter Bikini by Seafolly
And search ‘Seafolly Goddess red hot’
Aqua Ditsy Ruffle Bikini by Dorothy Perkins
Search for ‘aqua ditsy ruffle bikini’
Hourglass
With a small waist, and equally proportioned top and bottom half, the hourglass is the typical Hollywood screen siren body shape, and can get away with wearing pretty much any style of bikini. Show off a small waist with ruching around the middle, opt for a wonderful retro style to show off your curves or choose a matching set to keep you in proportion and boost your cleavage.
We love:
Light Blue Fairground Bikini by FrostFrench
And search Item No.: ‘0640208356’
Palm Island Retro High Waist Cut Bikini Bottom by Watercult
Search ‘watercult retro high waist bikini’
Red Floral High Waist Bikini by Dorothy Perkins
Search for ‘red floral bikini’
