Searching for the perfect swimsuit can be uncomfortable and intimidating. While every body shape is beautiful, some swimwear styles can unintentionally highlight areas we’d rather downplay. If you’re not happy with how you look in a swimsuit, it’s not your body; it’s the style you’re wearing. Read on for the biggest mistakes we’re all making when it comes to choosing flattering swimwear.
1. Revealing Cutout Swimsuits
One-piece swimsuits with cutouts can be a fun, sexy option for a day by the pool. But when they have excessive or awkwardly placed cutouts, they can create odd tan lines and make your figure look choppy or disconnected. On certain body types, you might also experience unflattering spillage in these bare areas.
2. Tricky Triangle Tops
Triangle tops can be a classic choice for the pool or the beach, but if they don’t fit properly, they can lack support and coverage. Not only does this mean probable spillage for those with larger busts, but for smaller busts, it can create an imbalance, making you look unbalanced and drawing attention to areas that might not be your favorite. Try shopping for a swimsuit with support so you’re not the victim of a fashion disaster.
3. High Cut High Waisted
High-waisted bottoms are super trendy right now, and in the right cut, they can be very flattering. However, if they’re cut too high on the waist or hips, they can accentuate love handles or create an unappealing bulge. For certain body types, these high-cut bottoms will also shorten the torso and make your body look disproportionate.
4. Flimsy String Bikinis
Like triangle-cut bikinis, string bikinis also aren’t going to provide you with much coverage and support, which can be a problem for anyone who needs a bit more security. It just takes one big wave or one rogue movement for these to come undone while swimming. Not only this, but the thin strings can dig into the skin, creating indentations and highlighting areas you’d rather not emphasize.
5. Ruffled Swimsuits
Ruffle swimsuits look cute on the rack, but depending on where the ruffle is, they can add unnecessary bulk to your body and draw attention to areas you might prefer to downplay, like the hips or bust. That doesn’t mean you can’t wear ruffles, though; just be aware that ruffles are a design choice to draw attention rather than avert your gaze.
6. Boyshort Bottoms
Boyshorts are a great choice if you want to keep modesty front of mind in your swimwear, but this cut can actually make your hips and thighs look wider. The straight-across cut can push down into the flesh around your midsection and create a boxy, unflattering shape. When it comes to swimwear, this isn’t the only modest choice. If you find the boyshorts unflattering, try experimenting with different cuts and styles.
7. Horizontal Stripes
Horizontal stripes are a classic poolside pattern, but on most body types, they can often, unfortunately, make you look wider than you actually are. Your natural shape may warp the stripes, making you look broader, especially in areas like the hips and waist. This isn’t to say you can’t wear fun prints; try experimenting with other patterns and see what flatters you the best.
8. Padded Swimwear
We get it. Padding adds a little boost to your bust, which you might want to feel a little extra confident about. However, too much of it can look unnatural and bulky, especially when it gets wet. Excessive padding can also shift around in the bikini’s fabric, leading to an uneven, awkward appearance that will certainly draw unwanted attention.
9. Low-Rise Bottoms
Low-rise bottoms are a classic look when it comes to swimwear. But on thinner body types, it can actually make your torso look longer, whereas on larger body types, these bottoms can also highlight love handles, create a muffin-top effect and draw attention to your exposed belly. If this resonates with you, try a more concealing style like a high-waisted bottom.
10. Unsupportive Halter Tops
On smaller busts, halter tops can be flattering and flirty. But if you have a larger bust, they definitely won’t have enough support to handle your chest. Because of this, they can cause neck strain and make the bust look droopy. For those with larger busts, try to shop for bikinis with underwire for a secure, comfortable fit that is still flattering and fun.
11. One-Shoulder Swimsuits
One-shoulder swimsuits are a twist on the traditional bikini, but they can also create an uneven look. This style might draw attention to one side of the body, making you look slightly warped, and your shoulders look unbalanced. Asymmetrical designs like this can rarely be pulled off well. This is particularly true if you have a large bust. These designs won’t have the support for your chest and can highlight your insecurities.
12. High-Cut One-Pieces
High-cut leg openings can flirty and elongate the legs, but be mindful that this type of swimwear can also expose too much, especially if you’re not comfortable showing off your hips or thighs. This style can also lead to uncomfortable riding, which may unknowingly draw unwanted attention to your bum.
13. Swimsuits with Busy Patterns
Busy patterns are great to look at, but when you wear them, they can overwhelm your figure, making it hard to see your natural shape. They can also draw attention to areas you might want to downplay rather than flatter your overall silhouette. If your swimsuit is too tight, it can also warp the pattern and make your figure appear unbalanced.
14. Tight Swimsuits
Wearing a swimsuit that’s too tight not only looks bad but feels uncomfortable, too. Tight suits can dig into the skin, creating unflattering lines and bulges that are bound to make you feel self-conscious. On the other hand, if you wear a tight swimsuit for hours, you can get painful skin lesions that could last for days.
15. Embellished Swimsuits
While embellishments like beads, sequins, and tassels can be fun, too many can weigh down your swimsuit and make your figure look bulky. They can also draw attention to areas you’d prefer to keep subtle. Not to mention that once you’re actually in the water, these swimsuits are totally impractical to swim in. While they’re pretty to look at, make sure your swimsuit is actually fit for purpose.