Each body has its own special characteristics. This means that each body requires a different style of swimsuit when heading to the beach. Since we all come in different shapes and sizes, dressing for our bodies is a great way to highlight our best assets, making us feel more comfortable and confident!
Generally, bodies are most commonly divided into four body shape categories: apple, pear, hourglass, and rectangle. Each of them has specific traits that define them and a style that suits them best. In this post, we’ll be looking at what makes an apple-shaped body special and how to work with it when getting ready for your next beach trip!
The Different Body Types
To get a better understanding of how diverse the body types are and how the apple shape body is different from the other types, we’ll go over the other body types and their characteristics.
First, we have hourglass bodies that tend to be cuvier. They have a proportional hip to bust ratio and well-defined waists, which is a good asset to highlight. Their upper body is normally balanced with the length of their legs.
Pear-shaped bodies tend to have a triangular shape. Typically they feature a smaller upper body and larger hips and thighs. The rectangle body type, also referred to as the athletic body type, commonly has a narrower silhouette in the hips than the shoulders. Their waist tends to be the least defined of the body types, and they normally have broader shoulders.
What Is an Apple-Shaped Body?
When dressing for a specific body type, it’s important to understand what sets it apart and defines the body shape in particular so we can work with it and not against it. Apple-shaped bodies are known for their broad shoulder and they normally have similar measurements through their shoulders, bust, and waist, with similarly sized or potentially smaller hips. This shape is also sometimes known as a rounded or oval body shape. It’s normal for this body to feature a shorter, softer waist and slim legs.
How To Choose a Bikini for an Apple-Shaped Body
When dressing for your body type the main point you’ll want to focus on is balancing out the proportions and emphasizing your strongest features. When it comes to apple-shaped bodies you’ll want to highlight your chest and legs, while adding to the curve of your hips and waist. For swimwear there are specific tricks you can try out:
- Add focus to the curve of your hips with patterned bottoms and side ties.
- Look for mix and match tops and bottoms to play with your body’s dimensions.
- Try combining a tankini top with some high-waisted bottoms for a toned and flattering look.
Best Bikini Types for Apple-Shaped Women
While you can wear whatever style of bathing suit you feel most comfortable and confident in, going for a specific style will help you draw attention to the best your apple shape body has to give! We’re going over what to look out for specifically in each category of bathing suits for apple-shaped bodies to get you ready for your next beach trip!
One-Piece Swimsuits
One-pieces are a great option for apple shapes since they can elongate and add definition to your body. Styles that have shapes and details that draw attention around the hips and neckline are a good way to go. Look for options in darker colors in the mid-section if you want to give the illusion of a smaller waist.
Deep V and sweetheart necklines will highlight your neckline perfectly. If you’re looking for a more versatile piece, one with zips and adjustable straps will allow you to decide on the level of coverage. A good option for apple-shaped bodies that draws attention to the neckline is ruffles along the chest. This will draw the eye upward giving it something to focus on.
Bikini Tops
When it comes to bikini tops there isn’t much you should steer clear of. Even with a larger bust, going for bold designs that draw the eye to the bust and neckline is all clear! If you do have wide shoulders it’s best to avoid strapless or spaghetti strap styles, but besides those, you’re free to pick any style you like.
If you’re looking for a style in particular for a wide shoulder, halter neck styles are great for drawing attention towards your center as opposed to the width of your shoulders. If you have a larger chest, halter tops aren’t the best for you because of the pressure they put on your neck, instead go for a halter style that crosses at the back and has a good thick band under the bust for support.
Bikini Bottoms
For your bikini bottoms, you’ll want to look for styles that will add curves to your body. A good style to try out is the high-waisted bikini. This style is a great way to define and accentuate your figure.
Going for a high-cut version of this style will also help make your legs look longer. If you have a narrower waist, go for a skimpy, horizontal waistline bikini bottom wide side ties. This bottom style will highlight the curve of your hips and butt and also elongate your legs.
Bikini Types To Avoid When You Are Apple Body Shaped
There aren’t any styles you need to avoid necessarily, but choosing to highlight your legs and curves is a great way to define and lengthen your body. Staying away from hip-slimming shapes like boy shorts and bold or patterned waistlines will help highlight your strongest features instead of focusing on others that highlight any disproportion.
What Else?
There are a couple of other tricks you can try out if you have an apple-shaped body when it comes to your swimwear and making it work in your favor.
- Create an illusion: Look for swimwear that greats a gathering effect on the side or in the middle of it. This detail might seem insignificant but it can create the illusion of a smaller waist by drawing attention to a specific point with the lines it creates.
- Deep V: A bathing suit with a deep V neckline as we’ve mentioned above will create an elongating effect by drawing attention to up and down with its vertical orientation. This will make you look overall taller and longer, balancing out your wider parts. It is also a great way to accentuate your bust.
- Try out color: If you’re going for a one-piece swimsuit, look for one with a colorful top and a plain bottom, this will help draw away the emphasis from your waist region and let your other assets shine!
- Side details: Another great way to give the illusion of curves is by having pieces that have curved side details and panels. These will create the sense of a more streamlined body from the front and the back of the suit, making it seem like you naturally have curves at the waist.
Conclusion
While it may seem like a complicated concept at first, finding swimwear for your own body type isn’t that hard. Following these tips on how to pick out the best bathing suits for apple-shaped bodies will guarantee you’re highlighting the best assets of your body!
Remember that looking for bathing suits that give the illusion of curves through added side panels and textural elements like ruching and gathering is a great way to go. If you have a larger chest make sure your suits have the appropriate support to avoid unwanted pain. Looking for suits that have crossed shoulder straps will help with distributing the weight and not put pressure on your neck.
High-cut styles are great for lengthening your legs making you seem taller and longer overall. Creating these illusions is all a matter of proportions, so figuring out what it is that you want to achieve will better inform how you can play with the proportions of your body to get your desired effect and look.
Even though these tips are all great for getting the desired effect you might want to create for your body, they are in no way compulsory. The best swimsuit for you will always be the one you like most for whatever reason it may be. Above all the most important thing is wearing what makes you feel comfortable and confident and a bathing suit you love! This is what will make you stand out and look and feel your best!
Sources:
The Best Swimwear For Every Body Shape Small Big Busts Hide Stomach | Marie Claire
Women's Body Shapes: 10 Types, Measurements, Changes, More | Healthline