How to pick a bikini for your body type

Most bikini advice starts with your body. We think it should start with your plans. A bikini for lying by a hotel pool and a bikini for jumping off a dock at the cottage are different garments, even if they look similar on a hanger. Before you think about shape, ask: am I lounging, swimming, playing, or all three?

• Lounging and tanning: anything goes. Triangle tops, thin ties and minimal coverage are all fine.
• Swimming and diving: you need security. Wider straps, a fixed band under the bust and bottoms with full elastic edges.
• Beach sports and paddleboarding: sport-cut tops and higher-coverage bottoms that won't shift when you move.

Once you know the job, choosing for your body is much easier.

Smaller bust

You have the most freedom. Triangle tops look effortless, and ruching or texture adds dimension. The Ruched Triangle Bikini Set is a great match: the gathered fabric creates shape without padding. One-shoulder styles like the One-Shoulder Buckle Bikini also look striking on a smaller frame because the neckline itself becomes the focal point.

Medium bust

Plunge and balconette shapes give you lift and a defined neckline. The Double Strap Plunge Bikini spreads support across two straps, which feels more secure than a single thin tie.

Fuller bust

Look for structure: a band that sits under the bust, wider or doubled straps, and tops sized by underbust as well as bust. Sport styles like the Sport Contrast Bikini Set offer coverage and stay put. If you love triangles, choose one with adjustable sliding cups so you can get coverage where you need it, and tie the neck strap firmly — but not so tight it digs in.

Narrower hips

Tie-side bottoms add width and a little curve at the hip, and you can adjust them for a perfect fit. The Rib Tie-Side Bikini Set is a strong pick — the rib texture adds interest too.

Curvier hips

Look for bottoms with a wider side band, which sits flat instead of cutting in. High-cut legs lengthen the leg line and often feel more comfortable on fuller hips than a low, straight-across cut.

Longer torso

A high-waisted bottom balances proportions and gives coverage if you prefer it. Three-piece sets that come with a cover-up or extra layer, like the Chain-Link Three-Piece Bikini, give you more styling options on a long-torso frame.

Shorter torso

A lower rise and a high-cut leg create the illusion of more length between bust and hip.

Swimwear sizing varies between brands far more than everyday clothing, so don't rely on your usual size. Take three measurements before you order:

1. Bust: around the fullest part, tape level.
2. Underbust: snug, directly under the bust. This determines how well a top supports you.
3. Hips: the fullest part of your hips and seat, feet together.

Compare them to our Size Guide. If your top and bottom measurements fall in different sizes, that's completely normal. If you're between sizes on top, size up for coverage; on the bottom, adjustable tie sides make it easier to go with your smaller size.

One important note: for hygiene reasons, swimwear is final sale and can't be returned. That's why we push measurements so hard. Ten minutes with a tape measure is worth it. No tape measure? Our guide to sizing without one works for swim tops too.

There's no rule that says certain bodies should wear dark colours. Wear what makes you happy. That said, a few practical things are worth knowing. Busy prints like leopard and palm hide sand, sunscreen marks and water spots better than solids. Light colours can become more see-through when wet, so check whether a light bikini is lined. Contrast trims draw the eye to the edges of a piece, which can be a fun way to highlight the shape of a neckline or leg.

When your bikini arrives, try it on with the hygiene liner intact and run through this checklist:

• Raise your arms above your head. Does the top stay in place?
• Bend forward. Is there any gaping at the cups?
• Squat. Do the bottoms stay put without cutting in?
• Check the straps and ties. Can you adjust them comfortably, with nothing digging in?
• Sit down. Does the waistband roll or pinch?

If everything passes, it's a keeper.

What bikini is best for a large bust? Styles with an underbust band, wider or doubled straps and sport or balconette cups give the most support.

What bikini makes hips look wider? Tie-side bottoms and bold side details add width at the hip.

Should my bikini top and bottom be the same size? Not necessarily. Many people are different sizes on top and bottom, so measure both and order each piece in its own size where possible.

For a typical beach trip, two or three bikinis are enough: one for swimming, one for lounging, and one statement piece for photos or a beach club. Choose colours that work with the same cover-ups so you can pack less. Our 5-day beach packing list builds a whole suitcase around that idea.

Every bikini in our bikinis under $60 edit is priced in your local currency, and we ship across Canada and the US.