How to Pick the Most Flattering Bathing Suits for Curvy Women

Swimsuit season is here! Hitting the pool, lake, or beach is the highlight of summer, but finding the right suit can make it complicated, especially if you’re curvy. “Complicated” only belongs on relationship statuses, not your vacation. At VENUS, we’ve got the best swimsuits for curvy women that may, actually, make you want to ditch the cover-up. With inclusive sizing, including plus size swimwear and bra-sized tops up to 40G, we promise you’ll find your new sunny day go-to at VENUS!

What to Consider in Curvy Swimwear

When shopping for curvy swimwear, there’s no one-size-fit-all—each curvy body is different, so start with your unique shape. Define your best assets and make those areas the ones you’ll want to play up. Keep these things in mind when shopping for curvy swimwear:

Your body shape: identify whether you have an hourglass, apple, pear, heart or triangle shape

Your plans: Will you be swimming or sunbathing?

Prints: Stripes and color blocking can have an ultra-flattering effect

Fabric: Look for plenty of stretch to hug your curves

Straps: Wider straps provide support and comfort

Bust support: Make sure your girls get the lift and support they need

Booty coverage: Are you feeling cheeky or do you prefer more coverage?

Swimsuits for Your Shape

Curves can be distributed differently, so knowing your body shape is a game changer. An hourglass shape is balanced between shoulders and hips with a smaller waist. A pear shape is curvier on bottom with more narrow shoulders. Heart-shaped women have broader shoulders and larger busts with a narrower waist and hips. Apple shapes have a less-defined waist and broad shoulders and bust. Now that you’re in the know, here are our swimsuit recs for each shape that highlight your best features!

For hourglass shapes, a high-waist bottom that hits at your middle will further play up your curves. Have a heart-shape figure? There are so many options to love. Reach for a supportive bikini top or bra style one-piece with underwire to lift and support your larger bust. Skirted bottoms or swim shorts are another great option to balance your frame. For apple body shapes, a one-piece swimsuit with ruching or color blocking will instantly create the illusion of a defined waist—it’s like magic!

Swimsuit Features that Support Your Curves

Underwire
Banded or belted waist
Boning
Ruching
Color blocking or graphic lines
Draping
Structured panels

These swimsuit features enhance any woman’s figure, but are especially important for curvy shapes. Boning, underwire and structured panels enhance your natural curves while allowing you to say “buh-bye” to spillage or slips. Color blocking, stripes, ruching and draping all visually enhance your shape, while thicker straps and stretchy fabrics offer support and comfort.

A Hue That's All You

Choose a color that shows off your curves and complements your skin tone. Darker and olive skin tones look amazing in jewel tone shades like purple, turquoise and rich blue, while fair skin tones stand out in pastels. Of course, classic black or white swimsuits are universally flattering and always trendy.

Things to Be Mindful Of

Bold prints: Depending on where you’re curviest, prints can add visual volume
Unflattering colors: Bright hues act like a highlighter, drawing attention to specific areas
Too small sizing: When in doubt, size up

Transform Your Look with Slimming Swimsuits

If you’re looking for slimming swimsuits, VENUS has slenderizing one-pieces with hold-you-in control panels designed to cinch your waist and support your curves. These compression fabrics work wonders to smooth your shape and create a sleek look. If a one-piece isn’t your favorite choice of swimwear for curves, look for a high-rise bikini bottom with a slimming design and you’ll feel like a goddess on the beach.

VENUS - The Originator of Swim Separates

In order to offer women their perfect-fitting bikini, VENUS innovated mix-and-match swimwear. For your ultimate curve-enhancing bikini, turn to our timeless swim separates. Whether you’re an apple, hourglass, pear or heart body shape, you’ll find a bikini top and bottom that fit your unique curves and style.

Now, shop the VENUS collection of swimsuits for curvy women and get ready to turn heads all summer long!

VENUS Picks

Notice how this tankini swimsuit highlights the model’s natural shape? Ruching on the top, wrap styling and wider straps are perfect for pear-shaped women! Why this Suit Works:

Deep V-neck
Ruching and coverage in the bra
Wider straps
Side ruching

With these tips you can find a beautiful swimsuit to make your pear shape shine! Discover some of our favorite styles for pear shapes: