Swimwear for women: how to find the perfect swimming costume
Sun, sea and sand — and all that's missing is the perfect swimming costume. Swimwear for relaxing days at the beach or by the pool should not only look great, but it should also have a good fit. Fortunately, there is a wide range of swimwear for women. This makes it easier to find the perfect fit that will suit your body shape.
Bikini: how to find the perfect bikini for your body type
Bikinis come in a variety of sizes and designs. They consist of a top and a bottom that can be combined with each other. They are practical as you can either have a matching top and bottom or you can mix and match them by wearing different colours or patterns.
Still not sure which swimsuit or bikini suits you best? Our self-assessment can help you identify your body shape and better understand how to show off your best features.
Underwire bikinis
A supportive bikini for a larger bust.
If you're looking for a bikini top that offers enough support, an underwire bikini is the right choice. This type of bikini is based on the underwire bra and therefore has cups with a sewn-in underwire that supports your bust. Women with a larger bust size benefit from the support, which ensures optimal comfort, especially in combination with wide, padded straps. An underwired bikini also suits women with a small or medium-sized bust, as it emphasises and flatters the cleavage.
Push-up bikinis
A flattering bikini for a small-sized bust.
Stylish push-up bikinis are ideal for women with a smaller bust. This type of bikini usually has sewn-in cups that lift and shape the bust and thus optimally accentuate it. Push-up bikinis are often available with straps at the side or as a halter neck. On some types of push-up bikinis you can even insert additional padding, which ensures a fuller bust.
Triangle bikinis
Versatile halter neck bikini in a triangle shape
A triangle bikini is a bikini with triangular cups that usually tie around your neck with laces. This type of bikini does not have fixed cups or underwires, but it is usually lightly padded. The triangle cups are either firmly attached to an underbust band or adjustable with a thin lace band. If you would prefer to show less skin, then you should opt for a bikini with a wider triangle cut.
Tankinis
Suits curvier women
A tankini consists of a bottom and a separate top, which is similar to a tank top and usually covers the entire stomach area. As a tankini covers more skin than a bikini, at first glance it looks more like a one-piece swimsuit. Unlike a one-piece swimsuit, however, a tankini top is cut more loosely beneath the bust and flatters the tummy. They are also available with shaping, padded cups or supportive underwires, which makes them a good all-rounder.
Bandeau bikinis
A casual strapless bikini.
The bandeau bikini is a modern variation on the classic bikini shape. Typically, a bandeau bikini has a strapless top; in some cases, the straps are also removable. This type of bikini will leave you with an even tan on your shoulders without having shoulder strap tan lines. You can also wear this type of bikini if you would like to go swimming. It has a great sewn-in cut that offers enough support and a secure hold even without straps. In general, this type of bikini is recommended for women with a small to medium-sized bust.
Sports bikini
Sports bikini top
A sports bikini can be worn if you would like to have a sporty or casual look. Visually, these types of bikinis are similar to bandeau bikinis, as both bikini styles usually don’t have pre-shaped cups, underwiring or extra padding. However, sports bikini tops do have straps, and they look and fit similarly to crop tops or sports bras. This type of bikini is suitable for sporty women who are looking for a simple bikini top that nevertheless offers secure support.
Swimwear for women: bikini bottoms for any style
Bikini bottoms come in a variety of designs and fits, just like underwear. Choosing the right bikini bottoms depends on how much skin you want to show in combination with your bikini top.
Find the perfect bikini bottom
Below you will find some of the most popular bikini bottom styles:
Bikini briefs: as the name suggests, this type of bikini bottoms has a similar fit to briefs and they either have a low-rise or mid-rise waistband. They also have different cuts, such as close-fitting hot pants with a low leg cut, close-fitting Brazilian bikinis and classic bikini briefs with a high-leg cut that will make your legs appear longer.
High-waisted bikinis: this stylish bikini looks great and is suitable for both modern looks and charming retro styles. The high waistband is close-fitting around your stomach area, hips and bottom and it will show off your figure to its best advantage. High-waisted bikinis are all-rounders and suit every body shape.
Swim shorts: this is a good choice if you are going for a sporty look. They are very comfortable and great for going swimming. Swim shorts are easy to move about in, and they are also very versatile and can be transformed into a casual beach outfit in no time at all. Furthermore, swim shorts are especially flattering for women with thicker legs, as they are close-fitting around the hips and thighs.
Swimming costumes for different body shapes
Swimsuits are an absolute classic when it comes to women’s swimwear. They have a great fit and flatter different body shapes, whether you want to show off your curves or enjoy a little extra coverage.
The classic swimsuit is a stylish and versatile one-piece outfit that is available in a large range of colours and designs. A swimsuit has two straps that rest on the shoulders and run straight down the back, however, there are also a lot of different types with a halter neck. They usually have a high neckline, but they are also available with V-necks or low-cut backs. Lots of swimsuits also have slightly padded cups that will shape your bust. Below we have listed some of the different types of swimsuits:
Underwire and push-up swimsuits: both of these swimsuits have padded cups that will shape and support your bust. However, while underwire swimsuits will only slightly lift your bust, the cups in push-up swimsuits are often more padded, which can make your bust appear bigger.
Shaping swimsuits: thanks to the stretchy materials and/or clever use of patterns, shaping swimsuits emphasise the waist and can cleverly conceal a fuller midriff.
Bandeau swimsuits: this type of swimsuit often has removable straps or is completely strapless. Sewn-in underwires and often padded cups provide secure support for your bust even without straps.
Swimming costume: popular swimwear styles, patterns and cuts
Just like any other type of clothing, bikinis and swimsuits are subject to changes depending on current trends. The many different types of swimwear give you endless opportunities to always try something new, such as different patterns or colours. However, over the years some swimwear classics have stood the test of time, and you will look good in them every season.
Maritime style bikinis have a simple yet elegant design in dark blue, white and red. Striped or dotted styles will add a retro touch to your look.
Summer floral patterns or an exotic tropical print are always a good choice for bikinis, as they will make you feel very summery.
Vertical or horizontal stripes are a popular and timeless pattern for swimwear. They have a visually elongating effect, which is why these styles of bikinis are suitable for different body shapes depending on the cut.
Boho style bikinis can be combined with almost anything and they are versatile thanks to their bright colours, geometric patterns and delicate earth tones. Added details such as beads or fringes will complete your casual summer look and, in some cases, can add volume to the upper body.
Swimwear guide: which swimsuit or bikini suits which body shape?
When choosing the right swimwear, one thing matters above all else: that you feel completely comfortable in your swimsuit or bikini. Both swimsuits and bikinis can flatter any body shape. The key to a comfortable look is a secure fit, a flexible cut and, of course, your personal taste.
Some women want to emphasise certain parts of their body, whilst others feel more comfortable in bikini styles that show less skin. If you know your body type, you can search more specifically for styles that highlight your best features. However, it’s never about concealing supposed problem areas or hiding your figure in any way. Good swimwear accentuates your natural silhouette and ensures you feel beautiful and confident by the pool or on the beach.
Which swimsuit or bikini suits an hourglass figure?
The hourglass figure is typically characterised by a very narrow waist with slightly broader shoulders and hips. With this body shape, the focus can be placed on the waist to emphasise the natural proportions. This works best with high-waisted bikinis, which accentuate the waist. Classic bikini sets are also well-suited to women with an hourglass figure, as the symmetrical cuts complement the balanced upper and lower body.
When it comes to swimsuits, styles featuring a belt or waist seam are particularly flattering. These deliberately draw the eye to the centre of the body, thereby enhancing the feminine hourglass silhouette.
Which bikini is best for an apple body shape?
Women with an apple-shaped figure often have a curvy midsection, with the tummy usually seen as a supposed problem area. The perfect swimwear for women with an apple body shape should drape loosely around the midsection. High-waisted bikinis are ideal for this, as they help to conceal the tummy slightly and create the illusion of a slim waist. Women who prefer to wear a swimsuit should look for a style with a shaping cut. Playful ruffles around the tummy area also help to create a harmonious silhouette.
Swimwear for an apple-shaped figure
What swimwear suits a pear-shaped figure?
A pear-shaped figure is usually characterised by wider hips and a rather narrow upper body. Women with this body shape can best show off their feminine curves by drawing attention to their upper body. Ruffles, flounces and colourful patterns on the bikini top are ideal for this, as they draw attention to the shoulders and bust, creating the illusion of more volume on a narrow upper body. This makes the overall silhouette appear more balanced.
Bikinis for a pear-shaped figure
Which swimsuit or bikini suits an inverted triangle body shape?
An inverted triangle-shaped figure is often characterised by broad shoulders combined with narrow hips and slender legs. When choosing the right bikini, it is best to opt for understated tops paired with patterned bikini bottoms in bright colours. This draws attention to the lower half of the body, creating a visually balanced silhouette. Eye-catching details on the bottoms, such as side ties or bows, also work well for women with this type of figure.
Find bikini bottoms for an inverted triangle-shaped figure
Swimsuits for a rectangle body shape
Women with a rectangle body shape usually have a less defined waist and shoulders and hips of roughly the same width. Here you can choose between a bikini or a one-piece for a more comfortable fit. This can be achieved with push-up tops, which lift the bust and give it more volume. In addition, ruffles, flounces, gathers, bows or eye-catching patterns at the waist add volume and create a more feminine silhouette.
Swimwear is often made from quick drying and elastic materials that are very durable and very comfortable. To ensure that you get the most out of your new swimwear for as long as possible, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to cleaning it. In our helpful guide on “How to wash swimwear”, we will tell you everything you need to know about washing, drying and caring for your swimwear so that you can enjoy it for longer.
Discover our range of bikinis and swimwear for women of all shapes and sizes
Choosing a piece of swimwear that has a great design and fit can make you feel confident, and it also guarantees that you feel completely comfortable wearing it to the beach. Discover our wide range of women’s swimwear and find your perfect bikini or swimsuit for this summer!
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Image sources in order of appearance:
Cover photo: Jacob Lund – stock.adobe.com
1st - 6th image: C&A
7th image: Jacob Lund – stock.adobe.com