Choosing Your Swimsuit for Summer: Our 3 Expert Tips

This publication is also available in: Français Deutsch Italiano Español

Before summer, we all ask ourselves the question: which swimsuit will I be able to wear this summer? Because from one season to another, many things change. Our bodies, our desires, our way of consuming, but also the trends and styles of swimsuits. If last year we felt good in a bikini, this year we might aspire to more elegance by wearing a one-piece swimsuit. You’ve got it, the choice of swimsuit for summer comes with quite a few questions. So, to help you refresh your thoughts on the swimsuit in summer, let us share 3 wise tips on how to know which swimsuit to wear.

Respect your body type when choosing your summer swimsuit 

This advice may seem common, but how many of us (myself included) have regretted our swimsuit purchase because we didn’t take the time to consider the shape, cut, or even the size of the swimsuit? Because let’s be honest, a bandeau top never flatters a small bust just like a frilly triangle top won’t support your bust if it’s generous. 

So, to be sure you choose a swimsuit that will enhance your body and not the other way around, make sure to select your swimsuit according to your body type.

We actually identify 4 main body types: 

• The “O” body type: your silhouette is rather round. You have a generous bust and pronounced hips. Your curves are distributed throughout your body. The idea when wearing a swimsuit is to be able to shape them. For the top, think about support first with a bra-style swimsuit or a bustier. For the bottom, consider high-waisted or full-coverage bottoms that beautifully highlight the hips and shape the backside.
• The “A” body type: this is the pyramid silhouette. It emphasizes generous hips, a slim waist, and narrow shoulders. The idea is to enhance the shoulders and cover the hips. Add volume at the top with a push-up swimsuit or a bandeau to reveal the shoulders. And on the bottom, opt for a solid-colored swimsuit, without frills, and preferably low-rise. 
• The “H” body type: your shoulders, waist, and hips are aligned. You need to add volume at the top and bottom. For your bust, balconette or push-up bras are good ideas. As for the bottoms, high-waisted or side-tie bottoms will mark and enhance your waist.
• The “8” body type: your silhouette is curvy, with aligned hips and shoulders and a defined waist. You have a silhouette that allows you to wear many combinations. At the top, depending on the fullness of your bust, you can wear a triangle, push-up, balconette, etc. At the bottom, think about a high-cut swimsuit to elongate the silhouette. You can also wear a one-piece swimsuit. In this case, choose it in a sexy version with a nice neckline.

Prefer a quality swimsuit for your summer 

The choice of a good summer swimsuit also comes down to the quality of its fabric. It’s simple: between seawater, repeated rinses, chlorine, and the sun, the swimsuit faces a tough challenge. If you want it to last you for several years without stretching or fading, you must choose a piece from a quality swimsuit shop.

To do this, you can look for certain signals such as: 

• the composition: 80% polyamide and 20% elastane will ensure very good fit, and thus good support for your bust. 
• the cut: when trying on the swimsuit, it should fit you perfectly. It should not sag or feel too tight in certain areas. 
• the lining: if your swimsuit is slightly transparent, it means it hasn’t been lined. This is a sign of poor quality.

Choosing a swimsuit: draw inspiration from trends without getting attached

Trends can serve as a guide, but they should never lock you into a style or appearance, risking a loss of expression. Because fashion trends fade away before they can even bring a breath of novelty. 

When choosing a swimsuit, following a trend is riskier than selecting a pair of jeans, a top, or shoes. The reason? The garment covers the body while the swimsuit covers the intimate parts. The bust, the backside… These parts dear to our bodies are “exposed” and visible to all. This means that in choosing a swimsuit, we are exposed to transparency. With a swimsuit, there’s no room for tricks.

So, getting the idea of wearing a swimsuit just because you saw it on a trendy girl won’t reflect the image of who you are in the mirror. 

Every body is different. The choice of colors, prints, and cuts plays a significant role in the selection of a summer swimsuit.

Don’t copy others’ styles. Choose a swimsuit based on who you are, your body, and your representation. The swimsuit will then enhance you and flatter you. And that’s the best way to feel good on the beach this summer.

💡 And to complete your beach outfit, why not indulge in a few well-chosen accessories?

Image credit: © Livia