Choosing a bikini for your body shape

Finding the right bikini for your body is an annual ordeal. You can nearly always guarantee that if the bottoms fit, the top will be too small, and if the top fits, the bottoms will make your backside look massive. I've got some top tips for you on choosing the right swimwear to flatter your body shape.

Pear shaped

The pear shape is said to be British women's most common body type and it just means you have a larger bottom half than top half. It doesn't sound a very flattering shape, but actually it just means you are more voluptuous on the bottom half and as a plus you probably have a lovely flat stomach too! If you want to draw attention away from your bottom half, a great way to do this is by wearing a pretty and detailed bikini top to draw attention to your bust. By maximising your bust it'll be easy for you to look sexy and voluptuous in your bikini! Try to avoid bandeau styles as these will only minimise your curves. Bikini bottoms that cut across the widest part of your hips will look the most flattering on you. Choose bikini bottoms with side ties so you can adjust them to the most flattering position for you, but keep away from boy shorts as these will make your hips look bigger. Always make sure the bottom half of your bikini fits well, as there's nothing guaranteed to make you look bigger than ill-fitting or too tight bikini bottoms.

Apple shaped

If you're a classic apple shape, then you probably have a less well defined waist and smaller hips. Actually it's not that you don't have a small waist, it's just that you have such slim hips! On the bonus side you probably have a great bust and lovely long legs too! So focus on these and create the illusion of curves by picking bikinis with string ties, ruffles, belt, or pretty bow details. Try to steer clear of too small a bikini bottom as these won't flatter your shape, instead go for bikini bottoms with high cut legs that lengthen your legs and draw attention away from your waist. Sexy boy shorts would also work well on you. Avoid halter necks because these will just lengthen your top half, also steer clear of horizontal stripes as these will just draw attention back to your waist. If you feel you need to cover up your tummy chose a tankini or swimsuit in a nice simple style and a pretty pattern.