Are you looking for the swimsuits for your hourglass figure? I have been thinking about writing this topic for a while, because a lot of my readers have the hourglass body type and have reached out and asked what bathing suits are the best for the hourglass shape.
First, I want to say you are very lucky! Every other girl wants to have your shape, and you already got those curves naturally! Now, that isn’t to say that dressing an hourglass body is any easier than other body types. Only you would know that at times your curves can actually get in the way and make it hard for you to find the clothing that fits you.
When swimsuit season comes, we are all thrilled to head to the beach and the resort. However, shopping for swimsuits are never as easy as it may appear. Regardless of our height, each of us has our unique body features and we all have our assets that we want to emphasize and certain aspect of our body that we want to camouflage (unless, of course, if you are a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model).
In this article, I will go over with you the must have tips for the hourglass figure to choose the right bathing suits, and have some recommendations for you in terms of the best top, bottom as well as one piece.
One of my favorite fashion blogger Carly ([email protected]) is 5’3″ and has an hourglass body type, so in this post I will be quoting some of her swimsuit pictures.
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The Rules of Thumb for Choosing Swimsuits for Hourglass Figure
I like to use “rule of thumb” instead of rules. Because rules sound limiting, but rules of thumb are enlightening and empowering.
The key to find the best bathing suits for the hourglass shape (or for any other body type) is to really understand what accentuate your assets and what can distract away from your weaknesses. Learning about what to look for that is specifically flattering for the hourglass shape will help you choosing the right swimwear to accentuate our assets and make you more confident when walking on the beach or the pool.
Now, with an hourglass body, you really do not have anything you need to hide with your naturally balanced curves. You have countless options when it comes to swimsuits.
That is not to say all the swimsuits will look equally nice on you.
As an hourglass, your hips and shoulders are about the same width, and you have well defined waistline that is significantly smaller. You have round and sloping shoulders. Your buttocks are rather round. You may have full thighs, but they are narrower than your high hips. You gain weight above hips and through waist.
I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you your biggest assets are your full chest, curved hips and tiny waist.
So, when you are choosing swimsuits, you need something that can hold your curves. Ideally, a swimsuit that is well structured and made of good fabrics that can hold it all together.
Best Swim Tops for Hourglass Shape
The bikini was made to show off your curves!
In general, choose matching bikini sets to keep your top and bottom half perfectly in proportion and opt for underwired styles to beautifully enhance your shape as well as offering support.
Low halter styles Swim top
As an hourglass, one of your best assets are your full/round busts, which can be your assets to show off in the swimsuit season.
The low halter will show off your cleavage, and also draw attention to your neck and shoulders, making people skim over your short mid-section.
Wide Strap Top
Wide, adjustable straps with underwire boning will all help lift your bust, helping you look and feel your best. Thicker bathing suit straps and double-stitched bands will give you the most flattering results.
The strap will give your bust extra support and the clasp detail will draw attention to your boobs and take it away from your tummy.
Swim Top with Bra Cup
The hourglass figure need to look for bathing suits that offer plenty of support, just the way a bra would.
Instead of swimsuits that come in general S, M, and L, opt for those with specific cup sizes, which will offer you the support you need so your boobs won’t be all over the place when you are in the pool or the ocean.
Although the majority swimsuit brands follow the XS to XL sizing, I have found several brands with numbered cups such as Coco Reef, Bleu by Rod Beattie at Macys. Go check them out!
Best Swim Bottom for Hourglass Body
Similar to choosing the best swim top for the hourglass, you need the swim bottom that can hold your full hips and give them enough support.
High Waisted Swim Bottom
The high waisted swim bottom provides the most coverage and support for the ample back of the hourglass shape.
As you can see, the high waisted swim bottom looks fabulous on Carly’s hourglass figure!
Low Rise Bikini Bottom
Plenty of hourglass shaped women feel like they have a shorter torso. If that is your case, then you you might want to consider elongating a short torso.
Low-rise bottoms make your torso appear longer and However, low rise bottoms also have the risk of making your legs look shorter- so let’s look for the balance here.
Best One Piece Swimsuits for Hourglass Shape
Belted One Piece Swimsuit
No other one piece swimsuit can highlight your small waistline better than a belted swimsuit!
Deep V Neck Swimsuit
The hourglass shape should generally go with an open neckline. The deep V neckline is one of the most flattering neckline for you. The reason is it creates space in your chest and cuts it in half.
High Cut Swimsuit
If you are an hourglass shape with shorter legs, the high cut swimsuit will create the illusion of longer legs for you effortless!
What to Avoid
As I mentioned earlier, you can get away with a variety of different bathing suit looks and styles. There is not that many restrictions as to what you should not wear or should avoid, and your focus should be to emphasize your assets (full breasts and slender waist) and amplify your beautiful figure.
That said, there are several things I want you to be aware of.
If you consider yourself on the better-endowed side, then string bikinis are not your friend, simply because they might be out of proportion with your chest size. Also, skimpy triangle tops may not work well either because they rarely offer enough support or coverage.
If you are a thin hourglass body type, you can wear a classic string bikini without any issues. However, if you’ve got an ample backside, which is the case with most hourglass shaped women, then string bikinis can often be uncomfortable and a bit too revealing. You’ll need a suit with enough fabric in that area so you’re not constantly tugging for more coverage!
Swimsuits for Petite Women with Hourglass Figure
If you are petite (under 5’4”), you should generally hope to create the illusion of height through our choices of swimwear.
If you want to elongate shorter legs, go for suits with high waist design or high cuts in the leg like I mentioned earlier. And if you’re really brave, go for a thong for optimal lengthening potential.
Look for vertical stripe designs to elongate the body and swimsuits with empire lines to enhance the narrowest point of your waist.
A wrap over jersey dress is the perfect cover up for apples as it will enhance the neckline and focus attention to the waist.
Video on “The Hourglass Dressing Guide”
Everything else you need to know about your body type
I highly recommend you read my other blog posts on:
- The Ultimate Styling Guide for Hourglass Figure
- Swimsuits for Body Types
- 9 Tips to Find the Best Petite Swimsuits
- Best Wedding Dresses for Brides of Hourglass Shape
- Best Petite Jeans for Your Body Type).
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