How to Choose the Right Bikini for Your Body (and Actually Feel Amazing)

We’ve all been there, scrolling through bikini ads or racks of swimwear, wondering if anything will actually fit the way we want it to. Maybe the color is perfect, but the fit? Not so much. Or maybe you finally ordered that cute piece you saw on a model... only to realize it doesn't hug your body the way it promised. Here's the thing: it's not your body that's the problem, it's just the standard that was never designed to celebrate your unique shape in the first place.

At Gooseberry Intimates, we believe that every woman, no matter her size, deserves to feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable in her swimsuit. Whether you're petite, curvy, tall, athletic, or somewhere in between, you deserve to wear sexy bikinis that make you want to twirl at the beach, strut by the pool, and fully enjoy your life, no matter what society has told you a "bikini body" should look like.

Let’s start by getting one thing straight: there’s no such thing as the “perfect” bikini body — because every body in a bikini is a bikini body. It’s time to kick those outdated beauty standards to the curb and redefine what confidence in a swimsuit really means.

Somewhere along the line, brands and media started pushing this idea that only one body type — usually tall, toned, and sample-size — was worthy of being seen in a bikini. This narrative, painted in red, white, and photoshopped pixels, left many of us feeling like we had to shrink ourselves to belong in the sun.

But bodies aren’t meant to be edited into someone else’s ideal. They’re meant to be celebrated, in all their softness, strength, stretch marks, curves, and uniqueness. No one should ever have to change their shape just to feel good in a bathing suit. You already belong.

Confidence is magnetic. It’s what makes you look good in a bikini, not the size on the tag or the straps on your top. When you feel like yourself — when your swimsuit fits, flatters, and frees you, you glow from the inside out. That kind of glow? It can’t be faked.

The truth is, the best swimwear doesn’t just hug your torso or cover your bust—it hugs your energy. It supports you, moves with you, and reminds you that you’re already enough. That’s the kind of confidence we’re here for.

Let’s talk about fit. Choosing the right swimwear for your body shape is all about finding a style that celebrates it and does not change it. Whether you’re curvy, straight, round, or somewhere in between, the right piece is the one that makes you feel beautiful. Let’s look at the different types of body shapes, the best bikinis for each, and some essential swimwear hacks to boost your confidence and elevate your style.

Got curves for days and a naturally defined waist? Hourglass bodies are beautifully balanced, with hips and bust in proportion and a cinched torso that deserves to shine.

• Triangle bikini tops enhance your natural curves and offer adjustable support.

• Pair with high waisted bikini bottoms or medium-coverage briefs to showcase your shape without overdoing it.

• Look for side-tie bikini bottoms, or ruched details to bring attention to your waistline and create a snug, comfortable fit.

Tip: Stretchy, double-lined fabric in bold colors like red, white, or blue will flatter your figure and highlight your bikini body with confidence.

If you have fuller hips, a smaller bust, and a lower-body-dominant shape, you likely have a pear-shaped body. The trick? Balance your silhouette by drawing the eye upward while keeping the lower half chic and supportive.

• Choose halterneck bikini tops or bandeau bikinis to visually widen the upper body and create the illusion of broader shoulders.

• Stick to bright tops and solid or darker bottoms for a naturally balanced look.

• Side Tie bottoms give you full control over your fit and won’t dig in at the hips, plus they’re undeniably cute.

Tip: Add texture or ruffles on top to bring more volume upward and keep your swimwear playful and flattering.

Apple body types typically carry more volume around the midsection with a fuller bust and a less defined waist. Support and definition are your go-tos.

• Reach for underwire bikini tops or scoop neck bikini tops for structured support and a flattering neckline.

• Pair with bikini briefs or high rise bottoms for smoothing coverage and a snug, secure feel.

• Subtle ruching and darker colors can help contour the torso and highlight your bust in a sexy, confident way.

Tip: A little lift goes a long way, choose a bra-style top with adjustable straps for a more personalized fit.

If your bust, waist, and hips are relatively even, you're likely a rectangle. This body type can play with volume and shape-adding styles to enhance your natural silhouette.

• Go for bandeau bikini tops or scoop neck bikini tops to open up the chest and soften your overall look.

• Ruched bottoms, side ties, or bikini shorts help create curves where you want them.

• Bold prints or bright colors add dimension and make you feel fun, flirty, and fabulous.

Tip: Want to look curvier? Choose bathing suits with mixed textures and contrasting panels to give the illusion of an hourglass shape.

Athletic women typically have a toned body, muscular frame, and less distinction between waist and hips. The goal here isn’t to change that, of course, it's to celebrate your power and add a little softness when desired.

• Triangle bikinis and scoop neck tops highlight your strong shoulders and give a natural lift.

• Show off those legs with a bikini thong or high-cut bottom that elongates your figure.

• Add a little curve with side tie bottoms or ruched details around the hips.

Tip: Earthy tones, vibrant reds, and classic whites contrast beautifully with defined muscles and give your look both softness and edge.

You don’t need to be a model to feel amazing in a bikini. All you need is a swimwear fit that suits your life—not just your body. That starts with smart, feel-good details built right into the design.

Support isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Whether it’s a bikini top with underwire or a Piece Swimsuit with thick straps, the right level of lift can completely change how you feel on the beach.

• Look for underwire or balcony tops if you need bust lift.

• Try bikini briefs or medium coverage bottoms for secure comfort.

• Adjustable straps and ties are game changers for personalized fit.

And if you're wondering how to pick a bikini for a curvy frame, focusing on both structure and stretch is your main priority.

Gone are the days of squeezing into the wrong size just to get a cute suit. Today’s best swimwear is made with flexible fabric, clever construction, and oh-so-forgiving ties, ruching, and stretch.

• Choose stretchy, double-lined fabrics that move with you.

• Say no to itchy seams or styles that dig into your skin—soft structure is your friend.

Swimsuits are your canvas, so have fun with it! Whether you're drawn to classic red, crisp white, breezy blue, or rich earth tones, color is a celebration of self.

• Play with ribbed textures, lace trims, or bold colors that match your energy.

• Try a new print that matches your mood, florals for flirty days, stripes for playful moments, or solid neutrals for timeless elegance.

Shopping online for swimwear can feel intimidating, especially when you’re not seeing your body type reflected. Here’s how to make it easier (and more joyful):

• Check the fabric content - Look for blends that include elastane or spandex for stretch and recovery.

• Use size charts carefully - Take your measurements and compare them with brand-specific guides.

• Read the reviews - Fellow shoppers often drop useful gems about sizing, support, and comfort.

• Look for adjustable details - Ties, back clasps, and removable pads make a difference.

• Order more than one style - Your body is unique, let it choose what feels best.

Don’t be afraid to return what doesn’t work. Shopping for bikinis should feel good, not stressful. Gooseberry Intimates' swimwear isn’t just designed to look good, it’s made to feel like it was custom-made for your life, your style, and your curves. From bikini briefs to triangle tops, every piece is thoughtfully designed to support, sculpt, and flatter in all the right ways.

Confidence isn’t something you find—it’s something you build. Start with a bikini you love and add a little mindset magic:

• Stop comparing - Unfollow accounts that make you feel small and follow body-positive creators who reflect and celebrate diversity.

• Practice at home - Wear your swimsuit around the house to get used to how it feels and looks. Hype yourself up—mirror selfies encouraged.

• Choose joy over judgment - Pick pieces that make you smile, not ones that "hide" you. You’re not here to shrink; you’re here to shine.

It’s one thing to talk about body positivity, it’s another to actually see it. Real bodies, in real swimwear, confidently owning every inch of beach or poolside space? That’s the kind of visual shift that rewrites beauty norms. Representation isn’t just important —it’s essential. It’s how we make space for all women to feel seen, celebrated, and empowered to wear whatever the heck they want.

We’ve all flipped through glossy pages or scrolled through brands’ feeds only to see the same airbrushed bikini body over and over again. Where are the bodies that look like ours? While Gooseberry Intimates' aesthetic often features traditionally model-thin silhouettes, the brand has been expanding its sizing options, from XS through XL, to better support a wider range of body types.

Representation isn't just about who's featured in a campaign, it's about giving more women the options, fit, and support they need to feel amazing in their bathing suits. And that’s what Gooseberry  Intimates' is doing behind the seams:

• Designing swimwear with adjustable straps, high-quality fabric, and thoughtful cuts that adapt to curves, movement, and comfort.

• Offering styles that don’t just look good in photos—but feel good, hold you well, and move with your life.

When brands make the effort to show diversity, they aren’t just selling a suit, they’re sharing a message: You’re perfect just the way you are.

Thanks to social media, the beauty narrative is no longer controlled by a handful of brands. Now, real women, not just models, are sharing how they feel in their swimsuits, posting pics of their real, unfiltered bodies, and reminding all of us that confidence comes in every size.

• Body-positive influencers are leading the charge with try-ons, reviews, and refreshingly honest conversations.

• Everyday people are turning beach days into moments of empowerment, and inspiring others to do the same.

In a world where scrolling often leads to comparison, these voices are a breath of fresh air. They help us remember that swimwear isn’t about hiding—it’s about celebrating who you already are.

At Gooseberry Intimates, we’re not in the business of changing bodies, we’re in the business of celebrating them. Our swimwear collections are thoughtfully designed to flatter every body type, with sculpting fabrics, adjustable fits, and details that make you feel truly seen.

Whether you're drawn to sexy bikinis that show a little skin, different types of one piece swimsuits that feel like second skin, or classic triangle bikinis that bring out your playful side, there’s something here for you. Every stitch, every Tie, every curve-hugging cut is created to help you feel comfortable, confident, and 100% yourself.

So, next time you hit the beach, don’t worry about being a “perfect bikini body.” Just throw on your favorite suit, hold your head high, and strut like the ocean’s your runway, because it is.

Sources: 

1. Healthline. (2019). Women’s Body Shapes: 10 Types, Measurements, Changes, More. https://www.healthline.com/health/women-body-shapes

2. Well Being Trust Org. 10 Ways to Practice Body Positivity. https://wellbeingtrust.org/bewell/10-ways-to-practice-body-positivity/