How to Choose the Right Swimsuit for Your Body Type (Plus Our Favorite Styles for 2026)

Finding a swimsuit you genuinely love — one that makes you feel confident, moves with you, and holds up through hours of sun and water — should not feel like a chore. But between the sheer number of styles, the inconsistent sizing across brands, and the noise of advice that frames swimwear shopping as a problem-solving exercise, it is easy to walk away from the experience feeling worse than when you started.

This guide takes a different approach. We are going to talk about swimwear the way a friend with excellent taste would: honestly, practically, and with the goal of finding what makes you feel great. Not what conceals, corrects, or compensates — just what fits, flatters in the way you want to be flattered, and works for the activities you actually have planned.

Whether you are heading to a resort, a community pool, the beach, or a lake weekend with friends, this is your complete swimwear guide for 2026.

What Swimsuit Style Is Right for You?

Before getting into body shapes and fit tips, it helps to understand the main swimwear categories and what each one actually does well. The right style is as much about your plans and preferences as it is about your proportions.

One-Piece Swimsuits

One-pieces have had a full renaissance over the past several years, and for good reason. They offer a clean, streamlined silhouette, tend to stay put during active use, and come in a range of cuts — from ultra-minimal to dramatically detailed.

They are a great choice if you plan to swim laps, play in the waves, or simply want one cohesive look without adjusting anything all day. Modern one-pieces are also genuinely stylish: think cutouts, tropical prints, ruching, and interesting necklines.

Great picks from our collection:

• The Zina One-Piece Tropical Print Cutout ($50) brings visual interest through its print and strategic cutout without feeling fussy.
• The Front Zip One Piece Colorblock ($60) is a sleek, sporty option that transitions easily from pool to patio.
• The White Rose One Piece Swimsuit with Coverup ($85) is a complete set if you want the ease of a coordinated look right out of the box.
• For active water use, the Short Sleeve Surfing Suit in Black ($60) offers extra coverage and UPF-ready fabric.

Bikini Sets

A well-fitting bikini is one of the most versatile pieces in a summer wardrobe. Mix-and-match sizing means you can find tops and bottoms that fit your actual proportions — a major advantage over sized swimwear. And the range of styles is enormous: underwire tops for support, triangle tops for a relaxed feel, high-waist bottoms for coverage and a retro look, or classic cuts for minimum fuss.

Standout options:

• The Zinnia Two-Piece Underwire Bikini in Hot Pink ($60) delivers real support without sacrificing style.
• The One-Shoulder Bikini with Matching Sarong ($80) is a complete, coordinated set with a built-in cover-up moment.
• The Rose Stripe Knot Straps High Waist Bikini ($28.46) offers a timeless high-waist silhouette at an accessible price point.

Swim Dresses and Tankinis

Swim dresses and tankinis are the workhorses of modest swimwear — and they have genuinely evolved. Today's styles look nothing like the boxy cover-everything pieces of the past. They move well, come in beautiful prints and colors, and work equally well for active swimming and lounging.

These styles are ideal if you want more coverage for personal, religious, or practical reasons, if you are swimming with kids and need to move freely, or if you simply prefer the aesthetic of a dress silhouette at the water.

Our favorites in this category are covered in the "Swimsuit Shopping by Body Shape" section below — look for swim dresses specifically suited to your preferences.

Three-Piece Sets and Coordinated Sets with Cover-Ups

The smartest swimwear purchase is often one that works as multiple outfits. A bikini set paired with a matching sarong, a one-piece that comes with a coverup, or a bikini that coordinates with a wrap dress all give you more styling options for the same investment. For travel especially, coordinated sets reduce the mental overhead of packing a beach bag.

Swimsuit Shopping by Body Shape

Body shape guides work best when they help you identify what you love about your silhouette and build from there — not when they hand you a list of "dos and don'ts." With that in mind, here is how to use your natural proportions as a starting point for finding styles you will reach for all summer.

Hourglass

If your shoulders and hips are roughly the same width with a defined waist, most swimsuit styles will work beautifully on you because they are built around this proportional range. The styles that tend to look especially striking:

• High-waist bikinis emphasize the waist and create a gorgeous retro look. The Rose Stripe High Waist Bikini is a natural fit.
• Wrap-style one-pieces or belted styles draw the eye to the waist.
• Underwire tops like the Zinnia Two-Piece provide the support an hourglass figure sometimes needs in the bust while maintaining proportion.

Pear (Narrower Shoulders, Fuller Hips)

The goal with a pear shape is often to create visual balance between the upper and lower body — drawing attention to the shoulders and bust while letting the hips feel proportional rather than dominant.

• Statement tops: bold prints, ruffles, or underwire styles on top draw the eye upward. Try the Zebra Print Underwire Bikini with Braided Strap ($60) for a top that commands attention.
• Swim dresses are excellent here — the Pastel-Splash Bow-Tie Swim Dress ($44.99) and the Amaia A-Line One Piece Swim Dress ($39.99) both create a flowing silhouette that moves beautifully.
• Solid or darker bottoms with a patterned or structured top create a natural visual balance.

Apple (Fuller Midsection, Narrower Hips and Legs)

An apple shape often means the midsection is the fullest part of your frame. The styling techniques that tend to work best are ones that create vertical lines, draw the eye toward the neckline, and provide comfortable coverage where you want it.

• Ruching at the midsection is genuinely functional here — it gathers fabric in a way that looks intentional rather than compensatory. The 3D Floral One-Piece Swimsuit and Sarong ($68.91) is a beautiful option.
• V-necks create a vertical line that draws the eye toward the face and décolletage. The White Ruffled V-Neck One-Piece ($28.82) does this at a very accessible price.
• One-pieces with tummy control lining give you a smooth foundation without restricting movement.

Athletic or Rectangle (Shoulders and Hips Roughly Even, Less Defined Waist)

An athletic or rectangular frame has a lot of structural symmetry to work with. The styling goal is often to add visual softness, curve, and texture.

• Ruffles and frills — the White Ruffled V-Neck One-Piece adds softness and movement.
• Cutouts create visual interest and suggest curves — the Zina One-Piece Tropical Print Cutout is a great choice.
• Bold prints and texture naturally add dimension. The Olive Ribbed Ruffle Twist Front Swim Dress ($51) uses ribbed texture and a twist-front detail to create a defined shape.

Plus Size

Plus-size swimwear has improved dramatically, but the key is still finding pieces engineered for your size — with proper boning or underwire, wider straps that stay put, and fabrics that have enough structure to provide a comfortable fit all day.

• Structured support is non-negotiable for a plus-size bust. Look for underwire options or built-in bra cups.
• Swim dresses offer coverage and movement in one. The Black Plus Size Textured Scalloped Swim Dress ($24) is specifically designed for plus-size bodies and comes with a built-in panty.
• High-waist sets create a defined waist and offer comfortable coverage. The One-Shoulder Bikini with Matching Sarong ($80) is a versatile option that photographs beautifully.

Browse our full swimwear collection — styles range from $24 to $85, across a wide range of sizes.

What to Look for in Quality Swimwear

A swimsuit that fits well and is built to last is worth the investment. Here is what to evaluate before you buy.

Fabric Composition

The best swimwear fabrics are a blend of nylon or polyester with spandex (also labeled elastane or Lycra). This combination gives you stretch, shape retention, and chlorine resistance. Avoid suits with very low spandex content — they will not hold their shape after a few wears.

For outdoor swimming and beach days, look for UPF 50+ rated fabric, which blocks 98% of UV radiation. The Short Sleeve Surfing Suit is built with active water use in mind and provides excellent coverage.

Construction Details

• Lined gussets are essential for bikini bottoms and one-pieces — unlined swimwear becomes transparent when wet.
• Underwire bras in bikini tops should be encased in fabric (not exposed wire ends that poke through).
• Fully bonded seams or flat-lock seams mean fewer pressure points and longer wear.
• Adjustable straps allow you to customize the fit and extend the life of the suit as your body changes.

Fit

The fit test: a well-fitting swimsuit should stay in place when you bend, jump, and move your arms. Nothing should gap, bunch, or require constant adjustment. If a suit needs readjusting after every wave, it is not the right fit — regardless of how it looks on the hanger.

Try sizing up if the suit feels restrictive across the back or bust. Swimsuit sizing runs small in many brands.

Complete Your Beach Look

The swimsuit is the foundation, but the full beach look is what makes the day feel effortless.

Cover-Ups

A great cover-up takes you from the water to lunch without changing. Our current favorites:

• The Helena Knitted Cover Up ($53.94) is a textured statement piece that looks intentional, not thrown on.
• The Tropical Sheer Beach Cover Up ($10.77) is the most affordable option and still looks polished.
• The Crochet Halter Maxi Beach Cover Up ($39.19) is a beautiful boho option for resort or tropical travel.
• The Resort Beach Tunic Patchwork Cover-Up ($44.99) doubles as a casual dress on its own.

You can also browse all our dresses for lightweight options that double as cover-ups.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is not optional — it is the single most effective thing you can do for your skin's long-term health. The type you choose matters too. We carry mineral and tallow-based sunscreens that sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed — a meaningful distinction if you have sensitive skin or prefer cleaner formulations.

If you are not sure where to start, our guide to the best sunscreen for sensitive skin breaks down exactly what to look for. We also have a head-to-head comparison of mineral vs. chemical sunscreen and an explainer on what tallow sunscreen actually is. Bringing kids? We have got you covered with our guide to the best sunscreen for children.

Accessories

A wide-brim hat, UV-protective sunglasses, and a tote large enough for a towel and a novel round out the perfect beach day kit. Keep it simple and you will spend less time managing your bag and more time in the water.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Swimsuit

What swimsuit style is most flattering for a pear-shaped body?

For a pear-shaped body, styles that draw attention to the upper half tend to create the most balanced silhouette. Look for bikini tops with ruffles, underwire, or bold prints, paired with solid or dark-colored bottoms. Swim dresses with A-line skirts are also an excellent option because they move beautifully and offer coverage through the hip. The key is drawing the eye upward — a statement top does that naturally.

What is the difference between a one-piece swimsuit and a swim dress?

A one-piece swimsuit is a single-piece garment cut similarly to a bodysuit — it covers the torso and sometimes the upper thighs, but the legs are fully exposed. A swim dress adds a skirt or dress panel over the one-piece base, providing additional coverage over the hips, thighs, and upper legs. Swim dresses are popular for modest swimwear preferences and work well for pool activities and beach lounging. Both styles are available with built-in support, lining, and tummy control features.

How do I know if a swimsuit fits correctly?

A well-fitting swimsuit should feel snug but comfortable — not tight enough to leave marks, not loose enough to sag or gap. The most reliable test is movement: bend forward, raise your arms overhead, and squat. If the suit stays in place, the straps do not slip, and nothing gaps or bunches, it fits. If you are between sizes, size up in the bust and down in the bottom, or look for brands that offer mix-and-match sizing.

What is a good swimsuit for swimming laps or water activities?

For lap swimming or active water use, choose a one-piece with a secure back closure — racerback or zip-front styles stay put better than spaghetti straps or halter necks. Look for fabric labeled chlorine-resistant (polyester-based suits outlast nylon in pools) and a UPF rating if you swim outdoors. The Front Zip One Piece Colorblock and the Short Sleeve Surfing Suit are both built for active use.

What swimsuit styles work best for plus-size bodies?

Plus-size swimwear works best when it offers real structural support — underwire or molded cups in the bust, wide straps that stay on the shoulders, and fabric with enough stretch recovery to maintain its shape all day. High-waist bikini bottoms provide coverage and define the waist. Swim dresses designed specifically for plus-size frames (with wider hip and seat allowances) move more naturally than styles adapted from straight-size patterns. The Black Plus Size Textured Scalloped Swim Dress is a purpose-designed option at a very accessible $24 price point.

Is it better to size up or down when buying a swimsuit?

When in doubt, size up. Swimsuit fabric stretches when wet, and a suit that fits perfectly dry will feel looser in the water. A suit that is slightly snug dry will often feel exactly right once wet. The exception is compression or tummy-control lining — if a suit has structured interior fabric, it will not stretch as much, so you have more room to follow the size chart as written. Always check the brand's specific size guide, as swimwear sizing varies significantly between manufacturers.