How to Choose Swimwear That Looks Good on a Pear Body Shape

Finding swimwear that makes you feel confident and beautiful is one of summer's greatest challenges — and greatest rewards. If you have a pear-shaped body, you're in great company: this is one of the most common body types, and once you know what to look for, finding your perfect swimsuit becomes a whole lot easier.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about choosing flattering swimwear for a pear body shape, from understanding your proportions to picking the right styles, cuts, and details.

What Is a Pear Body Shape?

The pear body type — also called the triangle shape — is characterized by hips and thighs that are wider than the shoulders and bust. Pear-shaped women typically have:

Narrow shoulders relative to the hips
A well-defined, smaller waist
Fuller hips, buttocks, and upper thighs
A small-to-medium bust

The goal when choosing swimwear is to balance these proportions — adding visual volume to the upper body while drawing attention away from the hips and thighs.

How to Measure Your Body Shape

Not sure if you're a pear shape? Grab a measuring tape:

Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the ground.
Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your natural waistline, just above the belly button.
Hips: Stand with feet together and measure around the broadest part of your hips and seat.

If your hips are noticeably wider than your bust and your waist is narrower than both, you're likely a pear shape.

The Best Swimwear Styles for Pear-Shaped Bodies

One-Piece Swimsuits

A well-chosen one-piece can be incredibly flattering for pear shapes. Look for styles with structured cups or padding to add volume to the bust, ruching or patterns across the midsection to draw the eye upward, and tummy control panels for a smooth silhouette. Plunging necklines, off-the-shoulder cuts, and keyhole details all shift attention to the upper body beautifully.

Belted one-pieces are especially effective — they cinch the waist and create an hourglass effect. Browse our Women's Swimwear collection for one-piece styles that check all these boxes.

Bikini Tops for Pear Shapes

This is where you can have the most fun. Since pear shapes tend to have a smaller bust, bikini tops are an opportunity to add volume and drama up top. Great options include:

Padded or push-up tops — add curves and lift
Bandeau tops — create a wide, balanced shoulder line
Ruffled or embellished tops — add visual volume
Bold prints and bright colors on top — draw the eye upward
Underwire tops — provide shape and support

Avoid plain, minimal tops that don't add any visual interest — they can make the upper body look smaller by comparison.

Bikini Bottoms for Pear Shapes

The right bikini bottom can make a huge difference. High-waisted styles are your best friend: they highlight your defined waist, provide coverage over the hips, and create a retro-chic silhouette that's both flattering and on-trend. High-cut leg openings also help elongate the thighs.

Keep bottoms in solid, darker colors or subtle prints to minimize visual emphasis on the hips. Avoid side ties, horizontal waistbands, and ruffles around the hip area — these add bulk where you don't want it.

Tankinis

A tankini gives you the coverage of a one-piece with the convenience of a two-piece. Look for a tankini top with a bold print or embellishment paired with solid, dark bottoms. This mix-and-match approach lets you size the top and bottom independently — a huge advantage for pear shapes.

Swimwear Styles to Avoid

Ruffles, frills, or hardware around the hips and waist
Horizontal stripes on the bottom half
Boy shorts or boardshorts (unless they're a slim, feminine cut)
String bikini bottoms with side ties that draw attention to the widest point
Matching sets where the top and bottom are the same bold print (this can emphasize the size difference between top and bottom)

Styling Tips to Complete the Look

A few finishing touches can elevate any swimsuit:

Sarongs and cover-ups: A flowy sarong tied at the waist adds elegance and draws attention to your narrowest point.
Kaftans and kimonos: Light, flowy cover-ups are perfect for transitioning from beach to boardwalk.
Accessories: A wide-brim hat, a stack of Pura Vida bracelets, and a great pair of sunglasses complete any beach look.

The Most Important Rule

Wear what makes you feel amazing. Swimwear "rules" are guidelines, not laws — and confidence is the most flattering thing you can put on. The best swimsuit for a pear-shaped body is the one you feel great in.

Ready to find your perfect fit? Explore our full Women's Swimwear collection and discover styles designed to make every body feel beautiful at the beach.