September is here. Vacation time is over, the kids have gone back to school (or they soon will be), and the temperature is dropping. Or is it? Apparently, Mother Nature didn’t get the memo that it’s not supposed to be 90+ degrees anymore. But that’s okay. It just means the summer season is lasting a little longer than usual this year, so you still have time for a few more day trips to the beach! 

One benefit of global warming is you can shop for a brand new swimsuit even though it is almost fall. And you can expect to wear it before the season ends. If you still want to soak up a few last-minute rays (don’t forget your sunscreen), here are some expert tips for picking out the best swimsuit (or other beach apparel) for your body shape. The information included in this article comes courtesy of the fashion experts at Boohoo.

The 5 main body shapes

While everyone is unique, for fashion purposes, a body can be categorized by its general shape. These shapes are vaguely defined by measurements taken roughly at the bust, waist, and hips. For example, if your top and bottom are roughly the same size, but your middle is narrow, you would be an hourglass.

The five general body shapes are hourglass, pear, inverted triangle, rectangle, and apple. Knowing which body shape you are lets you choose the swimsuit that is most flattering for you. Remember, however, these are just general guidelines to help you turn heads when you step onto that sand this fall. Fashion is all about expression and confidence, so feel free to break these guidelines if that’s what works best for you.

Hourglass  

If you have an hourglass figure, you are narrower in the middle than you are at the top and bottom. Think Kim Kardashian. According to the research performed by Boohoo, this is a rare body shape, but it is one you want to flaunt. The best swimsuits for this shape accent the body’s natural curves. If you are an hourglass, look for high cuts and plunging necklines in a swimsuit. For a bikini, consider going with a wide-strap top and high-cut bottoms.

Pear  

The pear is one of the most common body shapes. If you are a pear, your measurements are smaller at the top and larger at the bottom. Rihanna has a classic pear-shaped figure. If this is you, Boohoo suggests adding some volume or a focal point to the top to balance out your silhouette. This could include frills or ruffles, but an A-, a V-, or a U-neck will also pull focus to the cleavage and chest area. Drawing attention to the upper arms is another winning strategy. Also, you can try pairing a detailed top half with a plain, solid color on the bottom half. Boohoo’s experts point out that an ombre one-piece swimsuit can help harmonize a pear shape’s silhouette.

Inverted Triangle  

The inverted triangle is the opposite of a pear. This is when you are larger at the top and narrower at the hips. Victoria Beckham is an example of this shape. Boohoo’s research places the inverted triangle as even more rare than the hourglass figure. To showcase this body shape, look for a swimsuit that adds definition to the bottom half of your body. Boohoo’s strategy for this body shape is to focus on dark, solid colors at the top combined with patterns and bright colors at the bottom. You can also draw attention to the hips with ruffles or side ties on bikini bottoms.

Rectangle  

Since a rectangle shape has fairly uniform measurements at all three key locations, curves are diminished. Nicole Kidman has this body shape. Boohoo states that roughly 46% of women have this figure. To create a sense of curves, one option is to go for a padded top to enhance the bust area. Alternatively, you can focus on the bottom with embellishments at the hips. Another strategy is to choose a cinched waist. The idea is to give the eye a focal point to help draw attention away from the uniformity.

Apple  

Boohoo defines the apple shape as having a waist with little definition. The experts cite celebrities, such as Rebel Wilson and Mindy Kaling, as having an apple shape. The secret to choosing a flattering swimsuit is to look for one with panels, wraps, or tummy control. Boohoo also suggests a plunging neckline because it pulls the eye toward the chest area and makes the torso seem longer.

Final words on styling

In conclusion, a spokesperson from Boohoo stated, “Finding your body shape is difficult without accurately measuring the waist, bust, and hips. These categories are also more of a guide, as all bodies are different and don’t fit perfectly into any one body type — it’s important to remember that confidence is key. Search trends have shown that more people are asking ‘how to dress for your body type’ each year, with 2023 having a 35% increase compared to 2021.”

The company advises that shoppers use color and silhouettes to help enhance your natural curves, and to draw attention to specific areas of your body. It is also important to realize that you can use these same strategies when shopping for everyday wardrobe pieces so you can take your style to the next level.

Boohoo is a UK-based online fashion retailer with a global reach. The brand seeks to empower individuals through affordable fashion. Boohoo’s goal is to curate clothing that lets its customers look and feel confident, so they can become the best version of themselves.

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Note: All photos in this article were sourced from Boohoo’s site.