Let us say the loud part first: every body looks great in a swimsuit. The trick is finding the cut that makes you feel like the best version of yourself, not the version that needs to be hidden.
This guide is built on what actually flatters, what creates balance, and what feels comfortable on different shapes. Pick the one that sounds most like you and try the cuts we suggest. No body shape is better or worse than another. They are just different.
Pear shape (smaller bust, fuller hips and thighs)
The pear shape carries weight in the lower half. The play is to balance the eye toward the upper body. Look for:
- Detailed or printed tops. Ruffles, prints, shell flowers, ties, bright colors.
- Solid darker bottoms. They visually slim and let the top do the talking.
- Cheeky cut bottoms with side ties. The high cut leg elongates the thigh.
- Halter or padded tops. They add visual volume up top to balance hips.
Try the Wave Break Bikini Top (aqua halter with cowrie shells, gives volume up top) paired with a solid dark bottom from a future drop, or the Sweet Escape Top in pastel stripe for visual interest above the waist.
Apple shape (fuller mid-section, narrower hips)
Apple shapes carry weight in the middle and have great legs. The play is to draw the eye away from the midsection and toward the shoulders or hips.
- Tankinis are your best friend. The longer top length gives midriff coverage without going full one piece.
- Empire waist styles. Pieces that cinch under the bust and drape away from the stomach.
- One pieces with detail at the bust. Scoop necks, ruffles, prints up top.
- High cut bottoms. Show off the legs.
The Beach Date Tankini Top with its sheer flowy mesh skirt is perfect, and the After Five One Piece in orange paisley has a flattering scoop neck that draws the eye up.
Hourglass shape (defined waist, balanced bust and hips)
Hourglass means the bust and hips are roughly the same width with a clearly smaller waist. Almost any swimsuit cut flatters this shape. The play is to emphasize the waist and not hide it.
- Bandeau and high waist combinations. The contrast between thin top and structured high waist celebrates the curve.
- Two pieces over one pieces. The waist gap is where the magic is.
- Underwire tops. Support without flattening.
Try the Checked Out Bikini Top (underwire plaid) with a high waist bottom or a matching cheeky bottom for an everyday flattering set.
Athletic shape (more rectangular, less defined waist)
Athletic shapes have shoulders, hips, and waist measurements that are closer together. The play is to create curves where there are not as many naturally.
- Ruffles, ties, and details. They create visual curves.
- Cheeky cut bottoms with side ties. Add width at the hip.
- Push up or padded tops. Add volume to the bust.
- Color blocking. Light colors on top, darker on bottom (or the reverse) creates definition.
The Tan Session Bikini Top with its scalloped pink trim adds visual interest, paired with a cheeky tie side bottom like the Sweet Escape Bottom for hip volume.
Petite frame (5 ft 4 and under)
Petite is about scale, not shape. Look for cuts that elongate.
- Smaller print scales. Tiny dots and stripes look proportional. Huge prints overwhelm.
- V necks and triangle tops. The V elongates the torso.
- High cut leg bottoms. Make legs look longer.
- Avoid skirted bottoms. They cut the leg line short.
The Weekend Spot Bikini Top in a small bubble dot is proportional, and a high cut cheeky bottom like the Tan Session Bottom extends the leg line.
Tall frame (5 ft 9 and above)
Tall bodies look great in pretty much anything. The play is to embrace your length and not feel like every piece needs to elongate further.
- Bold prints work because you have the canvas.
- Tankinis can be flattering rather than frumpy. Tall frames carry the longer cut beautifully.
- Belted or banded styles. Break up the long line for visual interest.
Both Treat Time pieces (the Top and Bottom) are made for tall frames. The longer tank length sits perfectly.
The honest CMO truth
These guidelines are starting points, not rules. Your body type is one input. The other inputs are: what makes you feel confident, what activity you are doing, and what you actually want to wear. If a triangle bikini makes you feel amazing and the guide says you are a tankini girl, wear the triangle bikini. The right swimsuit is the one you reach for.
Need a personalized pick? Send us your measurements and a vibe on Instagram and we will recommend the piece.