Welcome to our guide, Which Swimsuit for My Body Shape?. To start, you should know that women’s body shapes are divided into 6 types (A, V, H, 8, X, and round), but no woman fits perfectly into just one of these categories. It’s really just a general tendency.
Additionally, keep in mind that your body shape evolves over time (thanks to pregnancies and snacking).
Situation #1: You Don’t Know Your Body Shape (or You’re Unsure)
Identify it now by following this interactive journey.
You don’t know your measurements?
Take your measurements by following these instructions.
How to measure your hip, waist, and bust measurements
Attention :
- The bust measurement is taken over the breasts, at the fullest point,
- The waist measurement is taken at the narrowest point,
- The hip measurement is taken at the fullest point, which is approximately 10-20 cm below the iliac bone (the hip bone).”
Once you’re done, follow our interactive journey above to discover your body shape and benefit from our advice.
Situation #2: You already know your body shape
Perfect! Click on the one that matches you to discover swimsuits suited to your silhouette.
Situation #2: You already know your body shape
Perfect! Click on the one that matches you to discover swimsuits suited to your silhouette.
Swimsuits for an A-shaped body type.
Highlight the upper part of your body.
Draw attention away from your hips with swimsuits that direct the gaze toward the upper body.
Specifically, consider:
- V- or U-neck monokinis,
- One-pieces with a backless design and/or side boob,
- Bikini tops that enhance the bust, either through their style (printed, asymmetrical, crochet, etc.) or their structure (push-up cups, padded),
Conversely, opt for discreet bikini bottoms. Therefore, avoid frills (ruffles, pom-poms, pleats), large prints (especially horizontal stripes), and eye-catching colors (neon, metallics).
Swimsuits suited to your A-shaped body type
Nerea one-piece
Asasara one-piece
Alessia bikini
Aphrodisia one-piece
Sienna bikini
Alba bikini
Swimsuits for an H-shaped body type.
Add more curves to your silhouette.
Break up your H shape with swimsuits featuring wavy and/or diagonal lines. Specifically, focus on one-pieces with a deep V or U neckline and triangle bikini tops.
For bottoms, choose styles that shape your buttocks and/or create a U shape at the lower abdomen—they’re perfect.
If you’re slender, go all out with frills & accessories that amplify your femininity. For example, ruffles are very trendy this year. Just be careful not to unbalance your silhouette with a top that appears too voluminous.
Conversely, avoid swimsuits with overly horizontal and/or vertical lines, as they emphasize your H-shaped silhouette. Pay attention to:
- Monokinis that cinch the waist,
- Strapless one-pieces,
- Bikinis with ties at the waist,
- Bralette tops,
- Classic bandeau tops (or ‘tube’),
- High-waisted bottoms.
Swimsuits suited to your H-shaped body type.
Bohemia bikini
Asasara one-piece
Alba bikini
Tia one-piece
Sienna bikini
Cowrie bikini
Swimsuits for an V-shaped body type.
Boost your femininity and draw attention downward.
Your shoulders are wider than your hips, giving you an athletic, sometimes masculine appearance.
Our advice? Minimize the focus on your shoulders by highlighting your flat stomach and lower body. Swimsuits with horizontal cuts are very effective. Additionally, since you’re relatively slim, emphasize your wasp waist and flat stomach. Specifically, we recommend:
- Strapless monokinis or those with a U neckline,
- Backless one-pieces,
- Classic bandeau tops (or ‘tube’),
- Bikinis with ties at the waist,
- High-cut bottoms like the tanga.
When it comes to prints, frills, & accessories, go for it! They’ll not only personalize your look but also enhance your femininity (think pom-poms, floral patterns, stripes, etc.).
On the other hand, avoid V-necklines, as they highlight your V-shaped body type. Trikinis, with their cutouts at the waist, are not a good choice. Also, be cautious with bralette tops, as they can give a ‘sporty’ vibe. You can wear triangle tops as long as the cups aren’t too large.
Swimsuits suited to your V-shaped body type.
Asasara one-piece
Sienna bikini
Alba bikini
Swimsuits for an 8-shaped body type.
Enhance your curves without overdoing it.
Our advice? Treat yourself, but don’t go overboard. Indeed, your harmonious and generous curves have a big impact on your look. As a result, the pitfall is to overdo it by piling on pom-poms, ruffles, wide stripes, etc.
Instead, opt for swimsuits with clean lines, in solid fabrics, that provide sufficient support for your bust. Highlight your neckline and slim waist. Specifically, consider:
- V- or U-neck monokinis,
- Strapless one-pieces,
- Bralette or triangle tops,
- Bandeau tops (but ensure proper support).
For bottoms, have fun! Classic, low-rise, tanga… Everything can suit your 8-shaped body type. However, be cautious with high-waisted bottoms that have a very elaborate style.
Swimsuits suited to your 8-shaped body type.
Aphrodisia one-piece
Asasara one-piece
Nerea one-piece
Nusa Dua bikini
Alba one-piece
Alessia bikini
Swimsuits for an X-shaped body type.
Treat yourself!
The X-shaped body type is balanced. Indeed, you’re relatively slim, your shoulders and hips are aligned, and you have a defined waist. You can wear anything!
Have fun with high-cut swimsuits, unconventional colors, whimsical frills, and original prints.
Swimsuits suited to your X-shaped body type.
Bohemia bikini
Asasara one-piece
Nerea one-piece
Aphrodisia one-piece
Wanderer bikini
Nusa Dua bikini
Swimsuits for a curvy body type.
Emphasize your most flattering curves.
Rounded buttocks, generous bust, and a small belly—your curves are enviable. Among them, your bust is undoubtedly your greatest asset.
So, look for V- and U-neck swimsuits. Opt for plus-size swimsuits in black, orange, red, and blue. These colors help smooth out small rolls and minimize the hips, unlike prints and accessories.
For two-piece swimsuits, high-waisted bottoms, tankinis, and shorts cleverly conceal the small belly of curvy women.
On the other hand, be cautious with swimsuits that:
- Lack support: underwire, wide straps, molded or padded cups, etc.,
- Are overly busy with colors, trinkets, prints… as they add volume to your silhouette,
- Have thin straps and ties that ‘cut’ your silhouette, creating an unflattering look,
- Feature neon colors, stripes, and unnecessary patterns that widen your silhouette.
Swimsuits suited to a curvy body type.
Asasara one-piece
In conclusion to this guide
Remember that a well-suited swimsuit balances your silhouette. It highlights your assets and downplays your small flaws.
Still unsure about your body shape? Write to us at hello@lacaravelle-swimwear.com (or via the online chat) to receive free guidance and find THE swimsuit that suits your silhouette.
By Olivier, co-founder of La Caravelle
