Best swimsuits for apple body shapes (and what to avoid)

You deserve swimwear that flatters your curves. The right swimsuit accentuates apple-shaped body types, provides comfortable support, and gives you UPF protection while enjoying the sun. We'll guide you through the best swimsuit styles that highlight your assets and help you feel confident at the beach or pool.

Quick links:

What is the apple-shaped body type?

One-piece swimsuits

High-waisted bikini bottoms

Tankinis

Swim dresses

Halter tops

What colors and patterns should I choose?

How to choose the right swimsuit for an apple body

Swimsuit types to avoid for apple bodies

SwimZip's sun-protective swimwear collection offers stylish designs that flatter apple-shaped bodies (and all other body shapes too). You’ll look amazing and be protected from the sun since our entire collection is made of UPF 50+ sun-protective fabric.

What is the apple body type?

Apple body shapes (or round body shapes) have a distinct silhouette. Women with this shape carry weight around the midsection, with a fuller waist area than the hips. This body shape features a less defined waistline, with weight distributed primarily in the stomach and upper body. Women with apple-shaped bodies usually have a fuller bust, broader shoulders than hips, and slender legs and arms. The bottom tends to be flatter or less pronounced than other body types.

Though apple-shaped bodies might not have a naturally defined waistline, they can accentuate their best features with strategic swimwear choices. The right swimsuit styles highlight your fuller bust, showcase your slender legs, and create visual balance throughout your silhouette.

Let's look at the swimwear styles for apple figures that'll flatter your shape and boost your beach confidence.

One-piece swimsuits

One-piece swimsuits with strategic design elements work wonders for apple shapes. Look for styles with tummy control panels that smooth your midsection and accentuate your bust and legs. Suits with ruching across the middle camouflage any fullness and create a flattering texture.

V-necklines draw attention upward to your face and bust area to pull focus from your midsection. Dark, solid colors on the sides with brighter patterns in the center create a slimming visual effect. Swimsuits with built-in underwire support your fuller bust while providing comfort for all-day wear.

Wrap-style one-pieces create the illusion of a more defined waist, while suits with asymmetrical designs break up the midsection. One-pieces with power mesh lining offer additional support where you need it most.

High-waisted bikini bottoms

High-waisted bikini bottoms provide excellent tummy control while creating a more defined waistline. The high-rise cut smooths your midsection and helps redistribute weight for a more balanced silhouette.

Look for high-waisted bottoms with the following features:

• Wide, supportive waistbands that sit at or just above the natural waist

• Ruching or subtle gathering around the midsection

• Dark, solid colors that create a flattering effect

• Stretchy, comfortable fabrics that move with your body

SwimZip's high-waisted bikini bottoms blend style and function. Our UPF 50+ sun-protective fabric keeps you safe while you look amazing.

 

 

Tankinis

Tankinis combine the coverage of a one-piece with the flexibility of a two-piece. These stylish swimsuits provide excellent tummy control and freedom to mix and match tops and bottoms. The longer tankini top skims the midsection to create a smooth silhouette that balances proportions.

When choosing a tankini, look for styles with strategic design elements that complement apple body shapes. Opt for tops with ruching or gathering around the wide waist to camouflage any fullness and create a more defined waistline. 

V-neck and wrap-style tankini tops draw attention upward to your face and bust and shift focus from your larger midsection. Dark, solid-colored tops paired with brighter or patterned bottoms can create a slimming visual effect that boosts your natural shape.

SwimZip's tankini collection reflects the needs of women with apple-shaped bodies. Our tankinis feature UPF 50+ sun-protective fabric so you can stay protected while looking confident and stylish. The signature front zipper on many of our designs makes changing a breeze for functionality and a modern touch to your beach or pool look.

Swim dresses

Swim dresses solve wardrobe challenges for apple-shaped bodies and deliver elegance, comfort, and exceptional coverage. These versatile swimwear pieces drape gracefully over the midsection, create a flattering silhouette, and skim your body's natural curves.

SwimZip's swim dress collection combines style and sun protection with our UPF 50+ fabric. The design provides extra coverage that many apple-shaped bodies appreciate, with a flowy skirt that moves beautifully and boosts your beach confidence. 

Look for swim dresses with built-in tummy control panels and supportive bodices that smooth and shape your midsection.

A well-fitted swim dress transforms your beach experience. Darker colors and strategic ruching help create a streamlined look, and subtle patterns add visual interest without drawing unwanted attention to areas you'd prefer to minimize. 

 

 

Halter tops

The vertical neckline of halter tops stretches the torso and spotlights the bust, which diverts attention from the midsection. A strong halter top creates the illusion of a defined waistline and accentuates shoulders.

SwimZip's halter top collection delivers support and style for apple-shaped figures. Seek tops with built-in cups that lift and shape the bust. Darker solid colors or strategic color-blocking create a slimming effect, and subtle patterns add visual interest without overwhelming the frame.

The top halter designs for apple bodies feature ruching across the midsection. This design trick camouflages fullness and adds texture to swimwear. Adjustable neck straps fit your body. Our UPF 50+ sun-protective fabric shields you from harmful UV rays and helps you look confident at the beach or pool.

Select a halter top that makes you feel amazing. Pair it with high-waisted bottoms for a complete look that flatters your apple body shape and showcases your unique style.

 

 

Swimwear colors and patterns to flatter apple shapes

The right colors, patterns, and design details can add visual balance and highlight your best features.

Vibrant, bold colors

Dark, solid colors work magic for apple shapes by creating a slimming effect around the midsection. Navy, black, deep burgundy, and chocolate brown minimize fullness where you need it. For a flattering look, choose swimsuits with darker colors in the middle and brighter accents at the neckline or hem.

Our classic navy high-waisted bikini bottoms paired with a halter top with a colorful print draw attention to your face and away from your midsection.

Color-blocked designs

Color-blocking creates a visual structure that flatters the apple silhouette beautifully. Look for swimsuits with darker panels along the sides and lighter or brighter colors in the center. This clever design technique creates the illusion of a more defined waist.

For example, Color Pop tankini tops feature strategic color placement to slim your silhouette and show your best features. The vertical lines create a lengthening effect that makes you look taller and leaner.

Strategic prints

Small to medium-sized prints are the best for beautiful apple shapes. Avoid large, bold patterns across the midsection, as they can add visual volume. Instead, look for swimsuits with subtle patterns or solid colors in the middle and more vibrant prints on top.

Check out our Navy Gingham swim dress with a flattering print that draws the eye upward and creates balanced proportions. 

Vertical and diagonal lines

Vertical and diagonal patterns create a slimming effect perfect for apple shapes. These lines draw the eye up and down rather than across, creating a longer, leaner appearance. Swimsuits with vertical seaming or subtle striping elongate your torso.

Ruching and textures

Ruched fabric is an apple-shaped body’s best friend. This gathering technique provides gentle compression and creates a visual texture that camouflages the midsection. Look for one-pieces or tankinis with ruching across the stomach area.

Asymmetrical designs

Asymmetrical necklines and hemlines break up the roundness of an apple shape to get diagonal lines across the body. These unexpected design elements draw attention from the middle and toward your shoulders and face.

SwimZip's one-shoulder designs and asymmetrical swim tops create a visual interest that flatters apple-shaped bodies. These modern styles provide the perfect combination of coverage and fashion-forward appeal.

How to choose a flattering swimsuit for an apple-shaped body

The perfect swimsuit for an apple-shaped body focuses on styles that flatter your natural figure by minimizing the midsection and highlighting your best features. Follow these tips to find the best apple shape swimwear:

• Create visual balance: Look for swimsuits with design elements that draw attention to your bust and legs. V-necklines, halter tops, and swim dresses create a flattering silhouette.

• Provide tummy support: Choose swimwear with built-in tummy control panels or ruching across the midsection. These features smooth your middle area without restriction. High-waisted bottoms with wide waistbands offer excellent support and create a more defined waistline.

• Highlight your legs: Apple shapes typically have slender legs that deserve attention. Swimsuits with higher-cut leg openings or swim dresses with shorter hemlines showcase your legs beautifully. This draws the eye downward and creates a balanced look.

• Choose strategic colors and patterns: Dark, solid colors on the midsection create a slimming effect. Look for swimsuits with brighter colors or patterns on the top to draw attention upward to your face and bust. Vertical lines and asymmetrical designs break up the roundness of your shape.

• Select supportive tops: Since apple shapes often have larger busts, choose swimsuit tops with underwire, molded cups, or adjustable straps that provide excellent support and lift. Halter styles and V-necks create a flattering neckline and offer the support you need.

• Avoid unflattering styles: String bikinis, horizontal stripes across the middle, and swimsuits with elastic waistbands that cut into your midsection can emphasize fullness. Instead, opt for styles with smooth lines and supportive fabrics that work with your natural shape.

Swimwear types to avoid for apple body shapes

While apple body shapes look great in many swimsuit styles, certain designs emphasize the midsection or fail to flatter your natural proportions. To create a balanced figure that minimizes your middle and highlights your best features, avoid swimwear that draws attention to areas you'd prefer to downplay.

Here are the swimwear types to steer clear of if you have an apple body shape:

• String bikinis: Tiny string bikinis provide minimal coverage and support for the midsection. The thin waistbands can dig into softer areas and create unflattering lines across your stomach rather than providing the support apple shapes need.

• Horizontal stripes across the middle: Swimsuits with horizontal stripes or patterns across the midsection draw attention to and visually widen this area. These patterns create an optical illusion that adds volume precisely where apple shapes want to minimize it.

• Low-rise bottoms: Low-rise bikini bottoms cut across the widest part of your midsection and fail to provide adequate coverage or support. These styles can create a muffin-top effect rather than smoothing and flattering your silhouette.

• Belted styles: Swimsuits with belts or ties that wrap around the midsection draw attention to this area and can emphasize fullness. Instead of creating a definition, these details highlight the widest part of an apple shape.

• Busy patterns all over: Swimsuits covered entirely in busy, bold patterns create visual volume throughout. For apple shapes, this can make the midsection appear fuller rather than creating strategic focal points elsewhere.

• Underwire-free bandeau tops: If you have a fuller bust, bandeau tops without proper support can flatten your chest and fail to create the lift that balances an apple-shaped figure. The lack of structure can make your torso appear less defined.

Why choose SwimZip’s sun-protective swimwear

SwimZip delivers more than just stylish swimwear that flatters your figure. Our collection offers superior UPF 50+ sun protection that blocks 98% of harmful UV rays to keep you safe during beach days and pool parties.

Every SwimZip swimsuit features durable, high-quality material that maintains its shape and color even after repeated wear. Our swimwear dries quickly and resists chlorine damage, so your investment lasts season after season.

In our collection, you’ll also find rash guards, swim shorts, sunsuits, swim leggings, and accessories such as sun hats and beach towels.

SwimZip suits every family member with matching sets that create memorable vacation photos. From high-visibility neon options that keep kids visible in water to flattering cuts for every body type, SwimZip combines function, protection, and style in every piece.

Swimwear FAQ

What type of swimwear is the best for a big belly?

Retro high-waist bikini bottoms with tummy control panels provide excellent support for a bigger belly. One-piece swimsuits with ruching across the midsection or swim dresses with A-line silhouettes also offer flattering coverage that smooths your middle area.

What style of bathing suit is the most slimming?

Dark-colored one-piece swimsuits with strategic ruching and built-in tummy control panels create the most slimming effect. V-necklines draw attention upward, while vertical seams and asymmetrical designs break up the silhouette for a leaner appearance.

How do you hide fat legs in a bathing suit?

Swim dresses and skirtinis with hemlines that hit at the most flattering part of your thighs conceal fuller legs. Swim shorts in dark colors paired with attention-grabbing tops redirect focus upward and boy shorts offer more coverage for the upper legs.

Do sweetheart necklines work well for apple body shapes? 

Sweetheart necklines create a flattering frame for apple-shaped bodies by drawing attention to your décolletage and shoulders. This feminine neckline style accentuates your bust while creating a visual break from the midsection, adding curves in the right places.

Are floral patterns suitable for apple-shaped bodies? 

Small to medium floral patterns work beautifully on apple shapes when placed strategically on tops or at hemlines. These feminine designs draw the eye away from the midsection. Avoid all-over large florals and instead choose swimwear with floral accents that highlight your best features.

What type of support features should I look for in apple-shape swimwear? 

Look for swimsuits with power mesh panels for superior tummy control and structure. This specialized fabric provides firm but comfortable compression to smooth your midsection. One-piece suits with power mesh linings offer excellent support without sacrificing style or comfort.

Do certain swimsuit top styles offer better bust support for apple shapes? 

Swimsuits with built-in molded bra cups provide optimal support for fuller busts common in apple shapes. These structured cups lift, separate, and shape your bust for a flattering silhouette. The added support balances your proportions and creates a more defined waistline.

Which pattern direction works best for apple-shaped figures? 

Vertical patterns create an elongating effect that slims the torso of apple-shaped bodies. These directional designs draw the eye up and down rather than across, visually lengthening your silhouette. Look for swimsuits with subtle vertical stripes or seams for a slimming effect.

Further reading

What are the best swimsuits for moms?

What are the best swimwear for small busts?

What is the best swimwear for pear-shaped women?

What are the best swimsuits for an hourglass figure?

How can I find modest swimwear for my tween?