Pear or boyish? Whatever your shape, we've found the perfect swimsuit shape to suit you... plus they're flattering too!
Control swimsuits just got sexy. No, really, they did. If you thought one-pieces were just too tricky to wear (words like frumpy and boxy spring to mind, right?), then think again. From body-sculpting to nautical numbers, get ready to ride the waves.
The Only Shape You Need...
Pear-shaped, you say? The only key thing you need to know is to go for a shape that broadens your shoulders, such as a halterneck or sporty racer-back style. It's the failsafe way to flatter your curves – especially for a pear-shaped figure. It's all about balancing your proportions, and a halterneck will always broaden your shoulders much more than a triangle style, which will then balance out a bigger bottom half.It doesn't stop there though – if boyish is your shape, then it works here, too, by adding curves and accentuating a boyish, toned frame. We're all over this swimsuit style from brand Marysia Swim, exclusively available at Salt Resortwear We first spotted her signature scalloped edging in pastel shades on Instagram and we haven't looked back. Do the same and you've nailed it.
Yes, You Can Wear Prints...
Just make sure they are of the small variety. The smaller the pattern the more it disguises your least favourite bit. Boom. For prints with a spin, try PilyQ, the new brand at Beach Cafe. We love the aztec digital print in flaming hot shades (sourced from Barcelona, don'tcha know!). As well as going for a small print, the other important styling trick to take from this one piece is the shape. The sporty racer-back style will balance out a heavier bottom half – the perfect yet unexpected addition to your swim wardrobe.
The Lingerie Brand Making A Splash...
Choosing a brand that has lingerie in its roots is always a good way to go. After all, prancing about on the beach in your swimwear is essentially like wearing lingerie, so you need to feel confident. ID Sarrieri started in 1992 with a high fashion collection, full of standout detailing such as Swarovski crystals and chantilly lace. For its swimwear collections, it has pared everything back and let the cut and materials speak for themselves. Hello, classic corsetry and special fabrics. Good idea, we say.
Bearing all that in mind, why not embrace your curves and go for a bright bold style like the orange swimsuit below? A) the halterneck-inspired style is great on a pear-shaped gal, as you'll find it will broaden shoulders, which helps to balance out your lower proportions; and B) if the orange is a little too loud, it's totally reversible. Surely that means there's more room for heels in our case?
The Celebrity Favourite...
If you're wondering where Cheryl, Gisele and Kate Hudson get their summer bodies sorted, try Melissa Odabash. The bikini expert isn't just for the jet set, though. With on-trend cuts, chic colours and a touch of boho, she should be straight on your radar. Look out for second-skin ruched layers to hide the bits you don't want to show off, and cinch in the bits you do. Hello, waist. The 'Sahara' style ticks both these boxes. We'll take it.
The Insider's Choice...
Maria Williams, Lingerie and Swimwear Buyer at Net-A-Porter is our go-to gal when it comes to all things swim; she's got a wardrobe full of bikinis and is the buyer behind over 40 brands on the site – so what she says goes.
'You should always invest in swimwear that flatters the body’s natural curves,' Williams explains. 'Maison Eres uses an innovative fabric – Peau Douce – which they produce themselves, clever eh. A soft, comfortable, springy knit that camouflages imperfections.'Famous for its timeless and flattering designs, Eres is all about the quality and clever designs. We love the bows on the shoulders of this Croco one-piece, the perfect swimsuit for those of us who are more of a pear shape. Going for styles that have extra detailing will always draw your eye up away from your problem area and create some balance in your proportion.
When You Want To Be On Trend...
When it comes to Lisa Marie Fernandez (or LMF as we like to call her), the whole collection just screams summer. If you don't find a bikini or neoprene number that you fall head-over-heels in love with, then you're not looking hard enough. Don't be put off by the skimpy cuts though, as they are actually super flattering. A high cut is always our go-to shape when we want to lengthen legs, after all.
She may be famous for starting the sexy terry towelling trend (yes, really), but for SS15 there's much more than that. Look out for gingham prints and super-sized ruffles, perfect for a boyish frame or pear-shaped women, as they create some drama on your top half, adding curves where there are none. The one we have our eye on, though, is this red wrap detail with nautical rope tie. The universally flattering wrap detail isn't just for dresses. Try it on swimwear to enhance your waist. Wear with attitude.
The Fash-Pack Favourite...
Designers are starting to listen to real women, yay. Fashion editor go-to brand Heidi Klein has a delivered a new collection just in time for our swimsuit hunt – check out her 'My Body' range. It's all about using styling tricks and the right cut to flatter your shape. This emerald-green 'Pilat' style not only looks amazing but it also boasts extra support, sizes from D-G and a hipster bottom for extra coverage. Safe to say it's at the top of our list.
The Return Of The One Piece...
Greek designer Marianna G has been on our radar for a while. Sexy but classic, but with added magic ingredients (in form way of laminate coating in some of her pieces) made our ears prick up. It's all about the fabric mix when shopping for swimwear. Always go for styles with a mix of polymide and elastane, which help the swimwear keep its shape, meaning it lasts year after year, plus the fabric mix sucks your tummy in too. Winning.
Add in laminate coating and you have a pear-shaped-friendly swimsuit that not only gives great metallic effect, but also gives the fabric strength with a clever smoothing effect. The white style below is great on pear shapes with its deep V detail, instantly drawing your eye upwards and away from the problem area. Boom.
The One With The Secret Ingredient...
Miraclesuit, the top selling shapewear brand, doesn't have the tagline: 'Look 10lbs Lighter in 10 Seconds' for nothing, you know. Using exclusive fabric 'Miratex' as part of its collection, we are talking about getting three times as much control as ordinary swimwear fabrics here, gals.
If you hate the idea of inner layers or panelling to create the control and shape, this brand should be firmly on your radar. With a built in underwire bra with foam, no more pokes coming through here. Plus, the high concentration of lycra used means you're left with a one-piece that keeps its shape longer than you can keep your Mojito going. Tidy.
Because You Don't Have To Cover Up...
Lingerie brand Freya is on a mission to make women with a larger bust feel great and look amazing. After months researching the world of Swim, Freya stands out to us, as they certainly do just that. Launched in 2002, the selection is full of bold bright designs with all the support you would expect from a brand that focuses on styles in cup sizes from B - JJ but still with sexy designs. You can thank us later.
But if you have curves, don't be fooled into thinking you have to cover up - it's not always the most flattering idea. If you're lucky enough to have a small waist but bigger hips, then go for a style that has cut out design, like this gold metallic style. With secret underwired support, the cut out detail draws attention to your smallest area, plus its a bargain price at £52. Done.
Say Hello To Your Butt Lift...
Luxury Brazilian brand, Babajaan, has the answers to our prayers. Let's be honest, our 30-day squat challenge just ain't working and our holiday is creeping up on us. Roll up Babajaan with its new 'butt lift'. We have our eye on the sporty 'Ella' that comes in ten eye-popping bright shades. It's all about the exclusive stitching used on the bottom area, helping to create a lift, apparently. Now we just need to decide which colour...
Shop more of this this season's must-have swimwear: we've picked 60 of our favourite pieces...
