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The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Swimsuit for Your Body Type

Summer is a feeling—a state of mind filled with sun, surf, and blissful relaxation. But for many of us, the search for the perfect women's swimsuit can bring more stress than sunshine. At Jams World, we've spent decades helping women feel beautiful and confident in our vibrant, art-inspired clothing. We believe that finding swimwear you love shouldn't be a chore; it should be an act of self-celebration.

That's why our style experts have put together this ultimate guide. We're going beyond basic tips to show you why certain styles flatter different figures, helping you find a suit that feels like it was made just for you.

   

The Perfect Fit Starts Here: A 3-Step Guide

Before you discover the most flattering styles for your shape, let's get the foundation right. Knowing your precise measurements is the secret to unlocking a perfect fit, giving you ultimate confidence and taking the guesswork out of online shopping.

Grab a soft tape measure and let's find your numbers. It only takes a minute!

Got them? Great! Keep these numbers handy as you explore the styles below. Having your bust, waist, and hip measurements will empower you to choose a size that feels custom-made for you.

Best Women's Swimwear for an Apple Body Shape

If you have a fuller bust and midsection with slimmer hips and legs, you have a gorgeous apple body shape. The key is to find swimwear that provides great support up top while creating flattering definition around your waist.

What to Look For:

  • One-piece swimsuits with strategic ruching or crossover fabric panels across the torso for effective tummy control.

  • A lower neckline, like a V-neck or a sweetheart, to draw the eye upward and highlight your décolletage.

  • Supportive tops with under-bust banding or wider, adjustable straps.

  • High-waisted bikini bottoms paired with a supportive top to create a classic, retro-inspired silhouette.

Why It Works:

Ruching and draping create visual texture that beautifully camouflages and flatters the midsection. By drawing attention upward with an open neckline and providing excellent bust support, you create a longer, more streamlined look that celebrates your shape with confidence.

Jams World's Pick:

Our stunning collection of one-piece swimsuits features vibrant prints and flattering cuts designed to make you feel incredible.

Most Flattering Swimsuits for a Pear Body Shape

If your hips are wider than your bust and you have a wonderfully defined waist, you have an elegant pear shape. The goal is to balance your proportions by drawing the eye to your upper body while providing comfortable coverage for your hips.

What to Look For:

  • Bikini tops with bold prints, bright colors, ruffles, or interesting details to capture attention.

  • Strapless or bandeau tops to create the illusion of broader shoulders.

  • Pairing a detailed top with a solid, darker-colored bikini bottom for a balanced look.

  • Bottoms with a classic cut and good coverage that sit comfortably on your hips.

Why It Works:

This strategy is all about balance. By placing the visual "weight"—the prints, colors, and details—on your top half, you create a harmonious and symmetrical silhouette that honors your natural curves.

Jams World's Pick:

Mix and match our bikini tops and bottoms to create a custom look. Pair a brightly printed top with a classic bottom for the perfect pear-shape combination.

Top Swimsuit Styles for an Hourglass Body Shape

With a bust and hips that are similar in width and a beautifully defined waist, you have a classic hourglass figure. The best approach is to celebrate your balanced curves with styles that provide great support and highlight your waist.

What to Look For:

  • Matching bikini sets that keep your proportions balanced.

  • Supportive tops, such as those with underwire or molded cups, to provide lift and comfort.

  • High-waisted bikini bottoms that accentuate your narrowest point—your waist.

  • A classic one-piece with a belted waist or side cutouts for a modern, curve-hugging look.

Why It Works:

Your figure is naturally balanced, so the goal is to accentuate that symmetry. Supportive, well-fitted pieces ensure you feel secure, while styles that draw attention to your waist—the hallmark of the hourglass—will always be your most flattering choice.

Jams World's Pick:

Our two-piece bikini sets are designed in our signature prints to celebrate your curves in comfortable, eye-catching style.

Best Women's Swimming Wear for an Athletic Body Shape

If you have a straighter silhouette where your shoulders, waist, and hips are similarly proportioned, you have a strong and athletic build. The strategy here is to add the illusion of curves with bold details and clever cuts.

What to Look For:

  • Swimsuits with less coverage can create curvier lines. Think string bikinis or bottoms with a higher cut on the leg.

  • One-pieces with side cutouts, deep V-necks, or asymmetrical straps to break up the straight lines of the torso.

  • Tops and bottoms with bold prints, ruffles, or bows to add volume to the bust and hips.

  • Monokinis are a fantastic choice for creating an hourglass effect.

Why It Works:

By strategically adding volume with details like ruffles and breaking up the silhouette with cutouts or angles, you create feminine curves and dimension. Higher-cut legs give the illusion of a longer, curvier lower body.

Jams World's Pick:

Explore our entire women's swimwear collection for vibrant, detailed pieces that add dimension and fun to your beach-day look.

Real Women, Real Jams World Style

The best style advice comes from seeing how real people wear and love their swimwear. Here’s how our amazing community is soaking up the sun in Jams World.


Your Swimwear Questions, Answered

Q1: How do I measure myself for a swimsuit?
A: Use a soft measuring tape to measure the fullest part of your bust, the narrowest part of your waist, and the widest part of your hips. Our "How to Measure" guide above has a helpful diagram! 

Q2: The prints are so beautiful! Will they fade in the sun or with chlorine?
A: We're so glad you love our "wearable art"! We take great pride in the quality and vibrancy of our prints. Our swimsuits are crafted from high-quality, fade-resistant fabrics designed to hold their color. To ensure the longest life for your suit, we always recommend following the care instructions by rinsing it in cool, fresh water after each use.

Q3: Do you sell bikini tops and bottoms as separates?
A: Yes, we do! We understand that the perfect fit often means choosing different sizes for your top and bottom. Offering separates allows you to create a customized fit that feels made for you. It's also a wonderful opportunity to mix and match our prints and solids to create a style that is uniquely yours.

Q4: Can I wear my Jams World one-piece as a bodysuit?
A: Absolutely! This is one of our favorite style hacks. Our one-piece swimsuits are designed to be so comfortable and stylish that they look amazing paired with shorts, a skirt, or a pareo for a seamless beach-to-boardwalk look.

Q5: What is the best way to care for my new swimwear?
A: To preserve the brilliant colors and fabric integrity of your Jams World piece, always rinse your suit in cool, fresh water immediately after wear to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen. Gently hand wash with a mild soap and lay it flat to dry in a shaded spot. Never wring it out or put it in a dryer.

Complete Your Vacation Ensemble

You've found your perfect swimsuit silhouette. Now, let's style it. Our iconic prints flow across our entire collection, making it easy to curate an outfit that’s effortlessly chic for any vacation moment.

Ready to turn heads on your next escape? Your perfect, art-inspired look is just a click away.

Shop the Jams World Women's Swimwear Collection 

Explore Our Wearable Art

Each Jams World piece starts as a work of art, inspired by the vibrant life and culture of Hawaii. Discover the iconic prints and timeless styles that tell a story.

Shop The Collection
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Lei Rowan

Jams World Editorial Team