If you’re a woman with an “8” body shape, you’re in luck—you can wear just about anything! One-piece swimsuits, two-piece swimsuits, bikinis, and more. However, there are certain swimsuits you should avoid depending on how curvy you are. We’ll give you all the tips you need to find your perfect swimsuit this summer. Not sure if you have an “8” body shape? Our article “Which Swimsuit to Choose for Which Body Shape” will help you identify your body type.
What Is an “8” Body Shape?
Like an X-shaped body type, an 8-shaped body type has shoulders and hips that are perfectly aligned with a very slim waist. What sets an 8-shaped silhouette apart from an X-shaped one is your curvy figure. In fact, if you have an 8-shaped figure, you have a generous bust and hips. With a figure like yours, you can really treat yourself. Be careful, though, not to overdo it, or you risk detracting from your beautiful curves.
If you’re very curvy, you might find our article “Which Swimsuit for a Curvy Woman” helpful.
How to Choose a Swimsuit for an “8” Body Shape?
Your figure-8 body type and harmonious silhouette allow you to wear a wide selection of swimsuits. The only pitfall is choosing a swimsuit that’s not the right size for you. If your swimsuits are too tight or ill-fitting, you might feel uncomfortable or end up highlighting small bulges.
The ideal swimsuit styles for an 8-shaped body
With an 8-shaped body type, you can wear both one-piece and two-piece swimsuits. However, some styles are better suited to your curvy figure than others.
The one-piece swimsuit
A major trend on beaches for several years now, the one-piece swimsuit is a safe bet. That’s great news because you can definitely pull it off! The styles that suit you best are:
The strapless one-piece swimsuit: with or without underwire but always with a supportive elastic band, it provides support for your full bust and creates a flattering neckline. The straps are thin and sometimes removable, which can be handy for slipping beachwear over your swimsuit—like a strapless dress, for example.
The trikini: this asymmetrical swimsuit has won over many fashionistas thanks to its unique shape and ultra-sexy look. Not only are you sure to be on-trend, but the trikini will also highlight your bust and your defined waist. Like other one-piece swimsuits, it will also make your legs look longer.
- The one-piece swimsuit with a V-neckline: While a triangle-shaped swimsuit with a plunging neckline will accentuate your bust, your bust shouldn’t be too large, as you won’t get the support you need.
Want to hide a little tummy? Read our article “Choosing a Shaping One-Piece Swimsuit” for all our tips.
The two-piece swimsuit
You’re lucky—you can wear many different styles of two-piece swimsuits. The tops best suited to your figure (size 8) are as follows:
The bandeau top: Just like its one-piece strapless counterpart, the bandeau top is perfect for a fuller bust—which is your case. Choose it with or without straps, depending on your preference. The bandeau also has the advantage of highlighting your shoulders.
The underwire balconette top: Your full bust needs support, and that’s exactly what an underwire balconette swimsuit top can provide. It’s therefore the ideal choice for you.
The triangle bikini top: If your bust isn’t too large, you can wear triangle-shaped bikini tops, whether they’re bikini styles (tied at the neck and back with strings) or not (fastened in the back with a hook and thick straps that tie at the neck).
When it comes to swimsuit bottoms, you can wear absolutely anything: from boy shorts to thongs, including bottoms with varying levels of cutout. Once again, just make sure to choose the right size. You can opt for high-waisted bottoms for a retro look or to conceal a little tummy. As a bonus, they make your legs look longer!
Beach accessories and clothing can also help flatter your figure: a sarong tied around your slim waist will look stunning on the beach.
Swimsuits to Avoid
With your figure-8 body type, you have generous curves that don’t need to be emphasized. Avoid swimsuits with ruffles or frills, as well as horizontal stripes or overly bold prints. When it comes to colors, you can be as bold as you like. If you want to make your figure look slimmer, opt for dark colors like black or navy blue.
Finally, avoid trikinis and boy shorts if you have a little belly, as they’ll tend to make your figure look wider.
In summary
If you have an “8”-shaped body, you’re in luck—you can wear almost any style of swimsuit. Go for a one-piece, a two-piece, or a trikini. The only rule is to choose a style that fits your curvy figure perfectly so you feel comfortable and get good support. As for colors, you can wear just about anything here, too. Avoid overly flashy patterns and prints, as well as ruffles and frills, which tend to add bulk. Finally, play around with accessories and beachwear to flatter your figure.
Looking for more tips on choosing a swimsuit or clarification on a specific style? Feel free to browse our blog.