A pear-shaped body is one where your hips are wider than your bust and shoulders. You have a defined waist. This gives the illusion that your body looks like a pear.
A common question asked is what is the best swimsuit for a pear shape?
A body that is pear-shaped gives the illusion of a disparity because the lower half is heavier than your top half.
When dressing for this, you want to draw attention to your upper body and defined waist by adding volume to the upper torso. This takes away the spotlight from your fuller hips or thighs creating a balance in how your body looks overall.
We break down the different types of bathing suits — bikinis, tankinis and one-piece swimsuits — and the styles in each category that are the best swimsuits for pear-shaped bodies.
1. Bikinis
Look for mid-rise bikini bottoms or tummy control high-waisted bottoms. Pair with a ruffled or structured bikini top. This combination brings balance to a smaller chest paired with a fuller bottom half of the body.
A patterned top styled with black bikini bottoms can be helpful to make the top half of the body appear more prominent while black has a minimizing effect on the lower half of the body.
This combo can create a more balanced silhouette for a pear shape in a bikini or tankini.
2. Tankinis
Look for bust-enhancing, structured cups to add volume to the chest with compression fabric in the torso to smooth the belly. Pair with compression power mesh bottoms to tone and smooth the bottom half.
Just like a bikini, darker bottoms paired with a patterned top can create balance by minimizing the look of the lower half while adding a fuller look to the top half of the body.
3. One Piece Swimsuits
Tummy control one pieces help streamline the lower half of the body. Make sure the chest has structured cups to give shape to the bust or ruffles to add volume to a smaller chest.
Prints, patterns, and ruching minimize the look of the midsection.
Color blocking can also be used to bring balance to the body. Look for one pieces with a darker color from the waist down and lighter color or patterns/prints above the waist.
When shopping for swimsuits for a pear shaped body look for these elements:
Swimsuits for Small Bust
Underwire bikini tops, padded push-up bikini tops and tops with moulded cups provide structure and shape to small busts. Ruffle swimsuit tops provide volume to a small chest.
Wear bikini tops adorned with extra fabric, embellishments, or a banded underbust, such as a longline bikini top.
Swimsuits for Small bust and Big Tummy
Padded push bikini tops enhance the shape and provide structure to a small bust. Look for one piece swimsuits and tankinis with structured cups, additional padding, and tummy control lining.
Consider tummy control high waist or mid-rise bikini bottoms, tankini tops, and one piece swimsuits from brands like Artesands, Miraclesuit, and Sea Level Australia that smooth and tone tummy bulge.
Swimsuits for Big Thighs
To minimize the look of bigger thighs choose a swim skirt or swim dress. A little bit of fabric covering the tops of the thighs can make you feel more confident in your swimsuit.
Alternatively, a swimsuit cover-up skirt can also be a great way to be fashionable if you're concerned with your thighs.
If you prefer to wear a bikini, tankini, or one piece swimsuit rather than a swim dress or skirt, a cover up for the lower half of your body is a great option. Wear it while on the beach or pool deck and take it off when taking a dip.
Remember: Self-confidence is the greatest gift you can give yourself. When you feel great on the inside, it radiates outwards. Your choice of swimsuits is up to you so choose whatever makes you happy and don't worry about the opinions of others.
If you'd like tailored style advice about what swimsuits would look best on you, we're here to help. Get in touch with our style consultant anytime.
Do you have any tips for a pear shaped body that we missed? Tag us and let us know @sunvixenswimwear and we'll add them to the list to help others.