The best swimsuit for your body type

Strutting your stuff on the beach can be a little intimidating if you’re not confident in your choice of swimwear. The key to finding the perfect costume for you is to dress for your body type – the most common shapes include pear, hourglass, rectangle or apple.

Not sure how to do this? Don’t worry, we’re going to take you through the swimsuits that work best for each body type. All of the items featured cost under £30.*

Pear

Are you curvier at the hips and smaller on top? That means you’re probably a pear shape. If so, your aim is to balance out your shape by drawing attention up – check out the following swimsuits for some tips.

Look 1

Anything with a plunging neckline like this paisley print tankini from Matalan will draw the eye upwards. The beautiful blue print will look great with a tan and it won’t set you back too much at just £8!

Look 2

If you’d prefer to wear a bikini, this twist front bikini from F&F at Tesco could be right up your street. The twist detailing will help to emphasise your top half and the bikini briefs won’t draw attention down. This pair is a bargain at only £13.

Look 3

Try a print if you really want to stand out this summer. This floral print bikini from Primark could work wonders, and all eyes will be on you in this stunning print combo. It’s hard to believe it’s only £6!

Hourglass

The hourglass figure is curvaceous with a small waist. Think this matches your shape best? You should seek to find a swimsuit that show off your curves and gives you support. The following cossies could work well.

Look 1

If you’d prefer to wear an all in one, this swimsuit from F&F at Tesco could be ideal for your shape. The underwired suit will support you and draw emphasis to your waist – the blue print is fun too! Not bad for £22.

Look 2

Draw attention to your curves in this two-piece bikini from F&F at Tesco. Bright print? Check. High waist? Check. Support on the boost? Check. Affordable price? Double check – this bikini set comes in at only £26.

Look 3

As colourblocking can help to draw attention to your curves, why not give this blue bikini from New Look a try? At only £17.98, you’d be able to wear this bikini time and time again.

Rectangle

A rectangle body shape (or athletic) is straight up and down with fewer curves. Your main aim when dressing this type of shape is to play up the curves that you do have. Be on the lookout for the following styles.

Look 1

Monokinis like this one from Primark help to give the illusion of curves with their cut-out detailing. Try this one on the next time you’re in Primark, it’s only £13 and features a bold pattern.

Look 2

Bold prints and ruffles create the appearance of a fuller top and bottom. This pineapple print bikini from Primark is the perfect combination of both – it has a quirky print and ruffle detailing. And the best part is that it’s only £9 for the pair!

Look 3

Fancy something a little different? You could try a halterneck bikini. This halterneck bikini from H&M has a layer of lace on the front and tie bottoms – it looks so comfy to wear! It comes in at the affordable price of £24.98.

Apple

If you tend to carry your weight around your middle, you may be more of an apple shape. Look for one-pieces and two-pieces that help draw attention away from your middle.

Look 1

Make sure you feel confident by the pool this summer by wearing something like this wrap front swimsuit from F&F at Tesco. You won’t even be able to notice the tummy control panel and the jade colour will suit most skin tones. It’s budget-friendly at just £16!

Look 2

Contouring is not just for the face! Draw attention to your waist and away from your middle with this contour swimsuit from Matalan. It’s only £10 and comes in bright blue and black tones.

Look 3

Go for a bold print like the one seen on this print tankini from F&F at Tesco. The twist detail at the bust will help to draw eyes up and the powermesh material will create a smooth shape. At just £18, this tankini is great value!

Not sure what shape you are? Check out our guide on how to dress for your body shape on a budget.

*Prices correct at time of writing – 27/06/16