When it comes to shopping for your perfect swimsuit, you should have an idea of your natural body shape and then you’ll be able to play on your curves, whilst also highlighting your best features. For those blessed with the classic hourglass figure—a narrow waist, curvy hips, and balanced bust-to-hip ratio—there’s good news: this is one of the most common – and sought-after body shapes and is fantastic for swimwear. Shopping for swimsuits for hourglass shape bodies shouldn’t be a chore, but you might want to come armed with a few tips to help you make the best choice. That way, you can find the right size and perfect fit for your shape and your natural curves.
Swimsuits for Hourglass Shape
Even with this classic body shape, choosing the right one-piece suit can feel a bit overwhelming if you’re not sure what suits your silhouette best. That’s where we come in. We’ve been designing gorgeous swimwear which celebrates women’s bodies and helps you feel your best, wherever you are taking your swimming costume. Whether you’re planning a beach getaway to St. Kitts & Nevis, diving off the shores of Côte d’Ivoire, lounging in St. Barthélemy or simply having a day at the coast at ne of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, our hourglass shape swimsuit guide can help you find the best fit for youwith swimsuits that highlight those fabulous curves in all the right places.
Understanding Your Hourglass Body Shape
Your classic hourglass body type is defined by a well-defined waist, balanced bust and hip measurements, and often a full bust or fuller bust. If you are thinking of celebrities, you might think of Raquel Welch, Sofia Vergara, or even retro bombshells like Marilyn Monroe.
You’ll find this shape is often described as “balanced,” and for good reason—it allows you to explore a wide range of swimwear collection styles, from one-piece suits to high-waisted bikini bottoms and sophisticated bikinis.
That being said, you’ll want to see what looks good on you as some cuts and fits will naturally flatter your gorgeous hourglass shape better than others, especially when you’re looking for bust support, full coverage, or a more slimming effect around the round tummy area. Let’s look closer at some of our top styles for women looking for swimsuits for hourglass shaped bodies.
One-Piece Swimsuits with a Twist
The one-piece swimsuit is making a serious comeback, and it’s perfect for hourglass-shaped women. A bit of detailing across the neckline teamed with some of our other amazing features can help emphasise your narrow waist, while offering plenty of bust support and elegance.
Top Pick: Lucille Longer Length Swimsuit – Azure
This is a classic swimsuit with a twist. Literally. Have a look at the bust. The design is not only pleasing to the eye, but it’s cleverly designed to help support hourglass shaped women’s busts. There is an underbust seam teamed with side panel construction, both of which give fantastic bust support. Add in foam cups and adjustable straps and your boobs aren’t going anywhere. This is perfect for bustier hourglasses.
This vibrant swimsuit also offers light tummy control as well as being full front lined. It’s wonderful to wear and you’ll feel fabulous in it. The ruching and colour create a slimming illusion to draw the eye toward your waist.
You’ll find that our Lucille Longer Length Swimsuits are perfect for both beach holidays and doing laps at the pool as they offer UV 50+ sun protection, sun cream and oil resistant whilst also being chlorine proof. The chlorine-proof material that this swimsuit is made out of will last twice as long as a normal swimsuit fabric when used regularly in a chlorinated pool. So you are getting the best of both worlds.
Why this swimsuit works:
- Offers visual balance
- Accentuates your slim waist
- The bust construction and soft cups provide structure for larger busts
High-Waisted for Retro Glam
If you're after a retro look that channels vintage beach vibes, a swimsuit with a high-waist feature would be ideal. A high waisted swimsuit smooths the tummy area, hugs your curvy hips, and accentuates your classic hourglass figure.
Top Pick: Stella Longer Length Clipback Swimsuit - Navy/Pink
This fantastic, longer length swimsuit is a simple way to show off your curves whilst also leaving you feeling supported. Our Stella swimsuits are 2 inches longer than standard swimsuits and come with adjustable straps, so you can really get the right support for your hourglass figure. They are fully front-lined with light tummy control fabric. They are perfect for the pool or the beach being both chlorine proof and offering UV 50+ sun protection.
If you don’t like this colour combination or are looking for a pattern on your swimsuit, our Stella Longer Length Clipback Swimsuits come in a range of colour combinations and patterns. There’s enough for one for every day of your holiday, so why choose just one?
Why this swimsuit works:
- Highlights your narrower waist
- Ideal for different body shapes, especially taller hourglass figures
- Gives that retro, pin-up girl vibe
Flattering Cuts That Accentuate Curves
Not every bathing suit needs to scream for attention. Some of the best swimwear for hourglass shape bodies is subtle but stunning, enhancing your beautiful shape without overdoing it.
Top Pick: Dolly Longer Length Swimsuit - Teal Palm
The pattern and elegant cut make this the perfect swimsuit for hourglass shaped ladies lounging on the beach or doing a couple of laps in the pool. Our Dolly Longer Length Swimsuit also comes in a forest green colour if you don't like a pattern on your swimwear.
Why this swimsuit works:
- Excellent under-bust tension offers support for larger busts.
- Adds elegance while celebrating curves
- Longer length gives a more comfortable fit for hourglass shaped women.
We hope you like our top picks of swimsuits for hourglass shaped bodies. These will make you feel supported, whilst also showing off your slim waist. Our swimsuits are designed to make women feel fabulous so they can focus on their holiday, their time in the pool or whatever else they want to do with their swimwear.
The main thing about shopping for new swimwear is how it makes you feel. The perfect swimsuit isn’t about chasing the latest trend, unless you want to; looking timeless and elegant in your most cherished swimsuit will give you the body confidence you want. So, whether you’re hitting the waves or sipping cocktails at a beach bar, your hourglass body shape screams confidence, so dress it with pride.
Choosing the right swimsuit for your hourglass body type doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the stylish, supportive, and versatile pieces available on our website, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Don’t forget we offer free UK delivery and free UK returns when you spend over £40. So you can try on your swimsuits at home – no need to queue for cramped changing rooms. You can try on your swimwear and see if it works with your favourite kaftan or beach visor. Sending back anything you don’t want to keep is quick and simple, but you’ll probably find you’ll love our swimwear so much, you’ll simply want to buy more.
You can also take a look at our best swimsuits for pear shapes and best swimsuit for apple shape ladies.
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