The Best Swimsuits for Every Body Type

By Real Simple Editors
Updated June 05, 2019
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Credit: nordstrom.com
When it comes to clothing, there are few things that give women more anxiety than the swimsuit: First, there’s the process of weeding through the multitudes of possibilities, and then there’s the actual wearing of it. Finding the right suit—one that’s designed for your figure—can go a long way toward quieting that anxiety.

RELATED:Modest Bathing Suits You'll Feel Comfortable In

Just in time for swimsuit season, we sorted through hundreds of swimwear options to find suits meant to flatter women with different body types: those with large chests, those with a tummy they'd prefer to camouflage, those with full hips and thighs, and those with straighter shapes. So settle in with a beach read and a frozen drink—we’ll see you in the sand.
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Small Bust

Credit: mimithelabel.com

Less-endowed ladies, consider yourselves lucky! You can pretty much wear any style, regardless of how supportive. To emphasize what you’ve got, make your M.O. “lift and separate.” Stick to suits that have a bit of padding or boning to add contours, or try busy patterns or ruffles for a little enhancement without any added material.

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MIMI The Label Geraldine One-Piece

Credit: mimithelabel.com

Sure it's a splurge, but thanks to its plunging neckline and eye-catching hue, this baby blue suit is ideal for smaller busts. Bonus: The one-piece doubles as a bodysuit when you're not at the beach.

To buy: $220; mimithelabel.com.

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L *Space Ribbed Milo Top and Ribbed Camacho Bottoms

Credit: lspace.com

Over millennial pink? Try cherry blossom instead. This itty-bitty bikini's silhouette definitely calls on 90s style, but with a modern upgrade thanks to its signature "buttery soft" fabric and textured ribbing.

To buy: top, $92, and bottoms, $75; shopbop.com.

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Mikoh Kumu Bikini Top

Credit: mikoh.com

Square bodice and spaghetti straps make this sleek bandeau a modern classic. With no back clasp or heavy-duty support, this top really is more like a bralette, so tread carefully if you're on the chestier side.

To buy: $112; shop.mikoh.com.

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Aerie Pique Bandeau Bikini Top

Credit: aerie.com

Double-lined and finished with an adorable button details, this simple Aerie bikini top comes in 18 different colors. Mix and match with 10 different bikini bottom options to completely customize your two-piece.

To buy: $35; aerie.com.

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Vitamin A Rumba Dots Sultana Top

Credit: vitaminaswim.com

Busy prints are a blessing for small frames, and this patterned polka dot swimsuit is an itty bitty option you'll want to wear all summer long.

To buy: $106; vitaminaswim.com.

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Becca Ruffle Bikini Top

Credit: nordstrom.com

Fluttery ruffles add visual interest to this triangle cup, which comes equipped with adjustable straps and removable padding for added comfort and a customizable fit.

To buy: $64; nordstrom.com.

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Marysia French Mott Maillot in Lemonade Gingham

Credit: marysia.com

Embrace bathing suit season in this adorable, pastel gingham one-piece, complete with a dainty black pom-pom-studded hemline.

To buy: $354; marysia.com.

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Calzedonia Regina Cutout Bikini

Credit: calzedonia.com

A solid black bikini gets some personality with sexy cutouts and an asymmetrical neckline. This is the perfect suit for showing off your figure while getting some sun.

To buy: top, $50, and bottoms, $30; calzedonia.com.

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Chelsea28 Ruffle Trim One-Piece Swimsuit

Credit: nordstrom.com

A strappy back cutout, plunging neckline, and ruffled detailing offer an updated twist on this classic black one-piece.

To buy: $89; nordstrom.com.

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Land's End Square Neck Top and Banded Low-Waist Hipster Bottoms

Credit: landsend.com

This ruffled-edge bikini is easy, sophisticated, and eye-catching for everything from sunbathing to body surfing. If you're looking for coverage, this might not be your best bet—it boasts a slightly higher leg opening and slightly less support on top.

To buy: top, $50, and bottoms, $35; landsend.com.

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Straight Figure

Credit: vixpaulahermanny.com

Narrower figures need not worry about balancing proportions, and can wear nearly anything they want. But if it’s curves you’re after, consider adding dimensional details like cut-outs, shirring, and bold prints to create the illusion of a more hourglass shape.

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Bromelia Swimwear Grumari One-Piece

Credit: bromeliario.com

Available in five shades and prints, this one-piece features a deep scoop neck that keeps everything perfectly in place, whether you're lounging by the pool or splashing in the surf.

To buy: $99; shop.bromeliario.com.

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Matteau The Scoop Maillot

Credit: int.matteau-store.com

A sweet and playful scoop-neck one-piece like this never goes out of style. Show off your back without showing off too much in front with this bathing suit.

To buy: $300; int.matteau-store.com.

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Solid and Striped The Paula One-Piece

Credit: solidandstriped.com

Desert tones, like this suit's burnt orange hue, are so hot right now—think of them as the fresh alternative to old-school neutrals. Paired with eye-catching ruching, bows, and cutouts, you're pretty much set to be the most stylish one in the sun.

To buy: $158; saksfifthavenue.com.

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Flagpole Lynn With Sash One-Piece

Credit: flagpole.com

It might not look like it, but this cutout one-piece is as supportive as it is cute. Stay in place thanks to its built-in shelf bra and front and back lining, and customize your look by adding or removing the flattering and feminine front sash.

To buy: $395; flagpolenyc.com.

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Vix Black Piping One Piece

Credit: vixpaulahermanny.com

Alluring but not overly revealing, the smartly-placed piping of this flattering swimsuit creates the impression of curves without any padding.

To buy: $210; vixpaulahermanny.com.

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Salinas By the Bay One-Piece

Credit: modcloth.com

Love playful, summery patterns? Then you need this strapless swimsuit with its palm tree motif, white collar touting, and textured fabric.

To buy: $185; modcloth.com.

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Vix Stripe Dot Bandeau Bikini

Credit: vixpaulahermanny.com

Two-pieces with a bit more support and substance can help create a shape that appears more curvaceous. These high-waisted bottoms help hips appear shapelier, while the bandeau top features eye-catching striped detailing.

To buy: Top, $80; and bottoms, $92; vixpaulahermanny.com.

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Eberjey Dotty Lola One-Piece

Credit: eberjey.com

This sweet polka-dot suit has subtle support from removable halter straps and back bow. Ditch the straps for for an even tan then pop them back on for a dip. If you're smaller up top and looking for a fuller silhouette, definitely give this bathing suit a whirl.

To buy: $169; amazon.com.

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Solid and Striped The Ginger Bikini

Credit: solidandstriped.com

Gentle ribbing, high-waisted bottoms, and timelessly stylish stripes make this two-piece ideal for anyone who wants to play with texture, patterns, and color.

To buy: bikini top, $84, and bottoms, $84; shopbop.com.

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Summersalt The Ribbed Voyager Swimsuit

Credit: summersalt.com

With its timeless scoop neck, super soft composition, and built-in cups, this comfortable suit features just the right amount of figure-flattering stretch.

To buy: $95; summersalt.com.

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Haight One-shoulder Black Cutout Swimsuit

Credit: brazilianbikinishop.com

Here's a gorgeous bathing suit perfect for anyone who can't decide between a one-piece and a bikini. Its geometric peekaboo cutouts make a classic black swimsuit feel fresh and cool and adds dimension to a straighter silhouette.

To buy: $179; brazilianbikinishop.com.

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Chelsea28 Scallop Triangle Bikini

Credit: nordstrom.com

The soft, scalloped edging on this bikini means no tight or pinching spots to dig into your skin. The result? A flawless fit.

To buy: Top, $49, and bottoms, $49, nordstrom.com.

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Tummy

Credit: summersalt.com

Feeling a little self-conscious about exposing your midsection? (Honestly, who isn’t?) Don’t shy away from swimwear—options from one-pieces to tankinis to, yes, even bikinis, come in cuts so flattering you’ll feel confident flaunting your figure.

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Summersalt The High Leg High-Rise Bikini

Credit: summersalt.com

Take things up a notch with this high-cut (read: figure-flattering) brief that draws eyes upward with its color block band. Available in six colors.

To buy: $45; summersalt.com.

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Araks Myriam Bikini Top and Mallory High-Waisted Bottoms

Credit: araks.com

If you want more support and coverage (without sacrificing style and sex-appeal), choose a vintage-inspired set like this one that has an underwire top and waist-hugging bottoms.

To buy: Myriam bikini top, $200, and Mallory bikini bottoms, $155; araks.com.

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Sunsets Palmetto Print Bikini

Credit: Philip Friedman; Soft Styling: Mai Tran

Anyone, regardless of shape or size, can wear—and look great in!—a bikini. Think of these bottoms as a high-waisted alternative: The soft, top band won’t dig into skin and when worn up (instead of folded over, which is also an option) dips into a flatteringly elongating “V” at the center.

To buy: Similar color bikini top, from $17, and similar style bottoms, from $13; amazon.com.

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