Swimsuits for Your Shape: Pear, Apple, Athletic & Curvy

The most flattering swimsuit is the one that works with your natural proportions instead of fighting them. This guide breaks down the best styles for pear, apple, athletic (rectangle) and curvy/hourglass figures, with Australian‑friendly tips so you can find your perfect Splash swimmers.

Use the sections below as a starting point, then explore our women’s swimwear, one‑piece and mix‑and‑match bikini collections to build your ideal set.

Swimsuits for a Pear Shape

A pear shape usually means narrower shoulders and bust, with more fullness through hips, bottom and thighs. The goal is to balance proportions by drawing the eye upward and giving comfortable coverage over the lower half.

For a flattering swimsuit for pear shape (Australia), look for:

Eye‑catching tops: halter, bandeau, off‑shoulder or high‑neck styles with prints, ruffles or texture to build volume across the bust and shoulders.
Supportive, darker bottoms: mid‑ or high‑rise bikini briefs and one‑pieces in solid or deeper colours to visually slim the hips and seat.
Higher leg lines: mid or slightly high‑cut legs that lengthen the legs without feeling skimpy; boylegs can sometimes cut across the widest point and feel boxy.
One‑pieces with detail up top: plunging V‑necklines, cross‑fronts or wrap fronts that highlight the waist and bust while keeping the lower half simple.

Try pairing printed or bright bikini tops from our bikini top collection with full‑coverage bottoms in navy or black to instantly balance a pear‑shaped figure.

Swimsuits for an Apple Shape

An apple shape typically carries more fullness through the midsection with a fuller bust, softer waist and relatively slimmer legs and hips. The best styles create waist definition, smooth the tummy and show off your legs and neckline.

For the best one‑piece for apple shape, look for:

Wrap and ruched fronts: cross‑fronts, faux wraps and ruching across the tummy gently shape and visually slim the midsection.
Tummy‑control panels: one‑pieces and tankinis with power‑mesh through the front provide light smoothing without feeling restrictive.
V‑necks and sweetheart necklines: draw attention up to the face and bust, breaking up fullness around the waist.
Strategic colour‑blocking: darker or solid colours through the centre with lighter or printed straps/neckline to frame your shape. For extra flexibility, try a tankini set with a ruched, long‑line top and high‑waisted bottoms – ideal if your bust and tummy need different support to your hips.

Swimsuits for an Athletic or Rectangle Shape

An athletic (rectangle) shape generally has shoulders, waist and hips similar in width, with a straighter torso and fewer natural curves. The aim is to add shape at the bust and hips and create the illusion of a defined waist.

For a flattering swimsuit on an athletic frame:

Curvy‑creating one‑pieces: belted styles, side cut‑outs, monokinis and wrap fronts that carve in at the waist.
High‑cut legs: higher leg lines visually lengthen the legs and enhance the hip curve.
Details at bust and hips: ruffles, textured fabrics, bold prints or triangle/one‑shoulder tops to add volume where you want curves.
Colour‑blocking & prints: patterns on bust and bottom with a plainer midsection to create an hourglass effect.

Explore fashion‑forward cuts in our one‑piece and bikini ranges – one‑shoulder, cut‑out and ribbed sets are especially good on athletic and rectangle shapes.

Swimsuits for a Curvy / Hourglass Shape

A curvy or hourglass shape usually features a fuller bust and hips with a defined waist. The key is to support your curves, highlight the waist and avoid flattening or chopping the silhouette.

For a flattering one‑piece or bikini on curvy figures:

Supportive tops: underwire, balconette, or strong shelf‑bra styles sized by cup (D–G) to keep the bust lifted and comfortable.
Waist‑focused cuts: wrap fronts, belted suits and panelled one‑pieces that follow your natural waist rather than cutting straight across.
Mid to high‑rise bottoms: brief styles that sit at or just below the waistline to support the tummy without digging in.
Firm, lined fabrics: double lining or power‑mesh through the torso to smooth while letting your curves remain curvy.

Start in our DD+ and curvy swimwear edits, where brands like Sea Level, Artesands, Baku and Capriosca combine support, shaping and beautiful prints for hourglass and fuller‑figure bodies.

Next Steps: Try Different Shapes, Not Different Bodies

Body‑shape guides are there to give you ideas, not rules. Mix and match these tips – many people are a blend of pear, apple, athletic and curvy – and focus on how a suit feels when you move, sit and swim.

If you’d like personalised help, visit Splash Swimwear in Darwin or contact us online with your usual clothing size, bra size and which areas you want more support or coverage for. Our fit team can suggest specific swimsuits for pear, apple, athletic and curvy shapes so you feel supported, secure and confident on the beach.