To choose a swimsuit that will flatter you perfectly and enhance your figure, you need to consider your body type. If you already know you have an A-shaped body type, this article will give you all the advice you need to choose your ideal swimsuit. If, on the other hand, you’re not yet sure what your body type is, we recommend reading our article: “How to Choose a Swimsuit Based on Your Body Type.”
What Is an A-Shaped Body Type?
If you have an A-shaped body type, it means your hips are wider than your shoulders. It’s this triangular shape that leads people to refer to this body type as a pyramid silhouette.
In addition to your shoulders being narrower than your hips, your buttocks and thighs are also wider. You have a defined waist and generally a smaller bust.
How do you choose a swimsuit if you have an A-shaped body type?
No matter your body type, achieving a harmonious silhouette is all about balance. So, if you have an A-shaped body, you need to add volume to your upper body to rebalance your silhouette. The swimsuits you choose should therefore draw the eye to your bust and shoulders, whether through bold colors, unique prints and patterns, or ruffles. We’ll go into more detail on this below.
The Ideal Swimsuit Styles for an A-Shaped Body Type
The one-piece swimsuit
This is the right swimsuit style for you—you just need to choose the right style. Make sure your one-piece swimsuit fits snugly around your bust and isn’t too tight around your hips. Styles to look for:
- A one-piece swimsuit with a deep V-neckline: this will accentuate your bust and give you a feminine, sexy look.
- A one-piece swimsuit with ruffles at the bust or shoulders to create volume, as we mentioned earlier.
Do you have a little tummy you’d like to hide? Check out our tips on which swimsuit to choose if you have a tummy.
The two-piece swimsuit
Many two-piece swimsuits are suitable for an A-shaped body type. The swimsuit tops you should prioritize are the following:
- Triangle top: Just like with a one-piece swimsuit, choose a triangle-shaped swimsuit or a bikini top to flatter your bust. As a reminder, bikini tops tie with knots at the neck and back, while triangle tops have straps and fasten at the back with a hook or a knot.
- Underwire balconette swimsuit: This will lift your smaller bust and accentuate your cleavage.
- Push-up swimsuit: If your breasts aren’t too small, you can choose a padded push-up style to add more volume.
Once again, ruffles, frills, and other embellishments on swimsuit tops aren’t just details—they’re your best allies! Don’t hesitate to choose ultra-original styles in bright colors. Prints and patterns will help you turn heads.
As for the bottom half of your swimsuit, here are the best options for A-shaped body types:
- A high-waisted swimsuit: High-waisted bottoms will highlight your slim waist and undeniably accentuate your hips and buttocks. As a bonus, they’ll also make your legs look longer—what more could you ask for? If you love retro style and the pin-up look, go for it!
- A shorty-style swimsuit: Shorty bottoms are great for those who want to cover their butt while still showing it off. You’ll also be riding the sporty-chic trend.
- A full-coverage swimsuit: a basic cut that will beautifully hug your curves. Just be careful not to choose one that’s too tight, to avoid creating any bulges.
To balance your figure, choose a swimsuit bottom that’s more understated than the top. Avoid styles with voluminous cuts or details like embellished waistbands. To flatter your body, it’s best to opt for subtle, solid colors in pastel shades. Black is a color known for slimming the figure.
Swimsuits to Avoid
Certain swimsuits aren’t designed for your A-shaped body type. These include the following styles:
- The strapless one-piece swimsuit: if you have a small bust, it will be flattened, and this won’t flatter your décolletage at all.
- The bandeau swimsuit: this is the two-piece version of the strapless swimsuit and will therefore have the same effect.
- Bikini bottoms: Avoid those with side ties, ruffles, or pom-poms, as these will only add bulk to your lower body.
To make the right choice for your swimsuit bottoms, keep it simple! You can certainly wear colored bottoms. However, it’s best not to choose a color that’s too bright for the bottoms. Avoid horizontal stripes, which tend to make your figure look wider.
In conclusion
With the right swimsuit, you can easily highlight the feminine curves of your A-shaped body type. Whether you choose a one-piece or a two-piece, your swimsuit selection should aim to balance out your figure. In fact, A-shaped figures have hips and buttocks that are wider than their shoulders and, in most cases, have small breasts. So opt for a plunging neckline, unique patterns, a bright color, or details like ruffles on your swimsuit tops, and keep it simple with your bottoms. With all these tips, you’re now ready for summer!