Best swimsuits for pear-shape bodies (and which to avoid)
Pear-shaped bodies look great in many swimsuit styles. The right bathing suit flatters your figure, boosts your confidence, and offers sun protection.
We'll help you choose a flattering swimsuit that works with your body and shows off your best features.
Quick links:
Swimwear colors and patterns to balance pear figures
How to choose the right swimsuit for a pear body
Swimsuit types to avoid for pear bodies
SwimZip's sun-protective swimwear collection includes designs that flatter pear-shaped bodies and all other figures. Our stylish suits look great and shield you from the sun. Each piece in our line uses UPF 50+ fabric, which combines style with protection.
Tankinis
Tankinis feature longer tops that balance proportions by drawing attention upward. Look for tankini tops with ruffles, patterns, or embellishments to add volume to your upper body.
Pair these with solid-colored bottoms to create a streamlined look. Or choose tops with lighter colors and bold-colored bottoms for a fun contrast that balances your figure.
Swim dresses
Swim dresses flatter pear-shaped figures by skimming over the hips and thighs. Choose styles with a fitted top and a flared skirt to balance your silhouette.
Look for designs with bold patterns or colors on top to draw the eye upward.
Swim skirts
Swim skirts offer extra coverage for the lower body while maintaining a feminine look. For pear shapes, opt for swim skirts that hit at mid-thigh to elongate your legs. Pair them with eye-catching tops to balance your figure.
Swim skirts with ruching or draping can smooth your lower curves and create a flattering line.
High-waisted bottoms
High-waisted bottoms define your waist and provide coverage for your hips and thighs. This creates an hourglass shape and draws attention to the smallest parts of your body. High-waist bottoms can also make your legs look longer, especially if you pair them with fitted or wrap tops. Choose bottoms with ruching or control panels for extra smoothing.
Halter and one-shoulder tops
Halter tops draw attention to your shoulders and create the illusion of a more balanced silhouette. Halter tops with padding or ruffles add volume to your bust to further boost your proportions.
One-shoulder tops create visual interest above the waist, drawing the eye upward and balancing your wider hips. The diagonal line formed by the single strap elongates your torso, creating a slimming effect. For added flair, choose a one-shoulder top with ruffles or a bold print to maximize upper body volume.
What is the pear-shaped body type?
The pear body shape (also known as the triangle body shape) is characterized by a narrower upper body and wider hips. It's a very common body shape among women.
Pear-shaped bodies have a noticeable difference between their bust and hip measurements, with the hips and thighs being more prominent. This body shape often features narrow shoulders, a slim waist, and wider hips and thighs. People with pear-shaped bodies usually have more pronounced curves in their lower body than in their upper body.
Women with pear-shaped figures can balance their proportions with the right styles of swimwear. They can accentuate natural curves and create a balanced, flattering look.
Swimwear colors and patterns to balance pear figures
The right colors and patterns create visual balance, accentuate your best features, and boost your confidence.
Bold prints
Eye-catching prints on your swimsuit top draw attention upward and balance your proportions. Floral designs, geometric shapes, or abstract art on the bust create visual interest. This trick shifts focus from wider hips and thighs, resulting in a more balanced look.
A vibrant tropical print rash guard pairs well with solid-colored bottoms to create an upper-body focal point.
Solid, dark colors
Darker hues on your swimsuit bottom minimize your lower half's appearance. Navy, black, or deep burgundy bottoms match perfectly with brighter tops. This combo creates a slimming effect on your hips and thighs. The result? A narrower-looking lower body.
Try a solid black swim short with a brightly patterned top for a balanced, flattering silhouette.
Color blocking
Color blocking works wonders for pear-shaped figures. A lighter-colored top with a darker bottom creates the illusion of a more balanced silhouette. This contrast pulls the eye upward and visually shrinks your lower body.
Play with bold color combos such as white and navy or coral and chocolate brown for a striking beach look. Mix-and-match options let you create your perfect color-blocked outfit.
Vertical stripes
Vertical stripes on swimwear elongate your figure and create a slimming effect. Pick high-waisted bikini bottoms with vertical stripes paired with a solid-colored halter top. These lines pull the eye up and down, not side to side. This trick minimizes the width of your hips and thighs.
Asymmetrical patterns
Asymmetrical patterns or designs on swimwear draw attention away from areas you want to downplay. Pick a beautiful bikini top with floral print. For bottoms, try a solid color with a unique side-tie detail or ruching on one side only.
How to choose the right swimwear for pear shapes
The perfect swimwear for a pear-shaped body highlights your narrower shoulders and balances your proportions. Follow these tips to find flattering swimwear that accentuates your best features:
- Emphasize your upper body: Choose tops with details that draw attention upward. Wide straps provide support and balance your shoulders with your hips. Ruffles, embellishments, and bold patterns on the top create visual interest and add volume to your bust.
- Balance your proportions: Opt for darker colors on the bottom and lighter shades or prints on top. This color contrast creates a more balanced silhouette. High-cut leg openings elongate your legs and slim your hips.
- Define your waist: Look for swimsuits with waist-defining features such as wrap styles, ruching, or belted one-pieces. These details create curves and highlight your narrowest point.
- Choose the right neckline: V-necks, sweetheart necklines, and halter-neck bikini tops draw the eye up and create the appearance of a longer torso. These styles also balance your shoulders with your wider hips.
- Pick strategic bottoms: High-waisted bottoms with ruching or shirring smooth your midsection and provide coverage.
- Try mix-and-match: Pair a patterned or brightly colored top with solid, darker bottoms. This combo creates balance and lets you customize your look to flatter your unique shape.
- Experiment with cuts: High-cut legs elongate your figure, while moderate coverage bottoms balance your curves.
Swimsuits pear-shaped women should avoid
While pear-shaped figures look amazing in many swimwear styles, certain designs can overemphasize your lower half or fail to balance your proportions. To create a harmonious silhouette that flatters your natural shape, avoid these swimwear types:
- String bikinis: Thin, stringy bottoms cut into wider hips and thighs, drawing unwanted attention to these areas. They provide minimal coverage and can make your lower body appear larger in contrast to your upper body.
- Low-rise bottoms: These styles sit below your natural waistline, potentially creating a muffin-top effect and emphasizing the width of your hips. They fail to provide the waist definition that flatters pear shapes.
- Boy shorts and skirted bottoms: While they offer coverage, these styles add bulk to your lower half. They can make your hips and thighs appear wider, throwing off your body's natural balance.
- Horizontal stripes on the bottom: Patterns with horizontal lines across the hips and thighs visually widen these areas. They draw attention to your lower body's width rather than creating a balanced look.
- Overly busy patterns on bottoms: Bold, large prints or intricate designs on your swimsuit bottom attract the eye to your lower half and overemphasize your hips and thighs.
- Light-colored or white bottoms: Pale hues on your lower half make this area appear larger.
- Bottoms with side ties or embellishments: Details on the hips draw attention to this area and add unwanted width to your lower body.
Why choose SwimZip’s sun-protective swimwear
SwimZip designs swimsuits for all body types, including pear shapes. Our styles blend fashion with function for comfort and support during beach or pool days.
Our high-quality swimwear features UPF 50+ sun protection, so you can enjoy outdoor activities worry-free. Our collection includes options that flatter pear-shaped figures, such as eye-catching tops to balance proportions and strategic bottoms for coverage and style.
From vibrant patterns to solid colors, our swimsuits let you mix and match for your perfect look. High-waisted bottoms, ruched details, and adjustable features create a flattering fit for your unique shape. Our durable, quick-dry fabrics keep their shape and color, swim after swim.
Swimwear FAQ
Is a pear shape more attractive than an hourglass?
Pear shapes feature a narrow waist and curvy hips, while hourglass figures have balanced body proportions. Both are beautiful feminine body shapes, and both look very attractive if you choose the right clothes and swimwear.
To rock your hourglass body at the beach, choose SwimZip’s colorful halter tops and pair them with the matching high-waist bottoms. For your pear-shaped body, the combo of our Color Pop tankini top, high-waisted bottoms, and Navy rash guard will turn heads wherever you go.
What swimsuit type makes your bust look smaller?
Strapless bandeau tops minimize the bust. Avoid push-up bikinis and padded bikini tops. Opt for solid colors, such as black bikini bottoms paired with a plain top. Elaborate styles of swimsuit bottoms draw attention away from the chest.
Is the pear shape attractive?
The pear shape is an attractive feminine body shape. It features a smaller upper body, a narrow waist, and fuller hips. This shape creates appealing body curves. Many amazing swimsuits flatter pear-shaped figures, highlighting their natural proportions.
What swimsuit styles are best for an athletic body type?
Athletic body types look great in revealing necklines and suits that create curves. Try push-up bikinis or padded tops to enhance the bust. Mid-rise bikini bottoms add femininity to muscular legs. Opt for vibrant colors and patterns to soften strong lines.
Are mid-rise bikini bottoms flattering for pear shapes?
Mid-rise bikini bottoms are a flattering style for pear shapes. They sit at a comfortable height, providing coverage while highlighting the narrow waist. Pair them with an eye-catching top to balance your figure. This cut creates a lovely swimsuit combination for pear shapes.
How can I balance my shoulders in proportion to my hips?
To achieve shoulders in proportion with wider hips, choose tops with ruffles, bold patterns, or light colors. These details add volume to your upper body. Avoid strapless swimsuits which can make shoulders appear narrower. Instead, try halter tops or wide straps for a balancing effect.
Further reading
What are the best bathing suits for larger busts?
How to pack a girl’s beach bag
What are the best swimsuits for women with curvy bodies?
What are the best swimwear for small busts?
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