How to Look Good in a Swimsuit

If you love your swimsuit and love yourself, you will look good in any style of swimsuit!

At Knix, we believe in body positivity, in shattering those old standards of beauty that excluded so many of us because of shape, size, or color. 

We believe you should wear whatever you damn well please as long as you feel badass, bold, and beautiful when you’re wearing it. So, you’re not going to give you the same old, same old advice about what style, shape, or color swimsuit. Basically, we want you to follow your heart and find something that makes you feel smokin’.

Is it Bad to Have Body Hang-ups in Body Positive Times?

Okay, so we believe all of that.

But we also know it’s not always easy.

In fact, if you don’t like some aspect of your body, or you’re self-conscious about [insert any body part], now can be a tough time to express those feelings. You’ll be hit with a chorus of people telling you to embrace and love your body. And they’re right. But that doesn’t make it easy to just flip that switch in your head.

We all have internalized a lot of direct and indirect messages about our bodies, and it isn’t easy to just turn those off. 

But it’s also possible to struggle with different parts of your body at different times of your life. Many women experience this after childbirth. I had major surgery, and it really took time for me to learn to trust my body (and accept its changed shape) after that. Some of us spend a lot of our lives losing and gaining weight and not in some yo-yo extreme diet way, but simply because sometimes we’re stressed, overworked, and don’t have time for exercise, and other times, we strike that perfect balance where everything just clicks.

So, I’d like to make some room in the body-positive conversation for those of us who aren’t always completely BOOYAH about our appearance. For those of us who want clothing or swimsuits that give us a helping hand. This isn’t about trying to promote an unrealistic standard of beauty. This is simply about acknowledging that we sometimes struggle with this crazy, changing, mutable relationship with our bodies.

Forget Body Type: Start With What You Love

How about flipping this script? Instead of focusing on finding swimwear that minimizes or conceals the aspects of our bodies we are struggling with, or obsessing over body type (apple, pear, triangle, hourglass shape, square!?), simply start with what you love.

Want to Accentuate Your Waist?

If you’re the type of person who loves wearing a wide belt around a dress, you probably really like your waist. There are a few kinds of swimsuits that will help you accentuate that:

• Bikini: Obviously, a bikini literally shows your waist, letting your curves speak for themselves
• Wrap swimsuit: The tie at the waist will help accentuate a slimmer waist
• Waist cut-outs or color blocking: Can be placed strategically to draw attention to or minimize areas

...Or If You Want to Show a Little Cleavage

On the flip side, if you want to show a little cleavage, here are some styles of swimsuit that will accentuate your neck and decollete. Look for:

• A plunging neckline
• Push-up style support
• Scoop neck
• Triangle tops
• A classic string bikini

You Want to Show a Little Butt Cleavage

If you love your legs and your derriere, you might really like your behind and feel that full coverage is fuddy-duddy… Again, take a cue from your favorite underwear and look for styles that include:

• Medium-coverage 
• High cut bottoms that will elongate legs

Related: What type of swimsuit should I wear?

Okay: But What About Practical Needs?

Accentuating your assets is a great way to narrow your swimsuit selection. But swimsuits also come with practical needs, and when you're swimsuit shopping, it's important to know how to look for features that will address those needs: 

You Want Extra Support for a Large Bust

If you have a larger bust, you may need a swimsuit that offers support so that movement is minimized and you feel stable and snug by the pool or on the beach.

Features to look for include:

• Wide straps
• Adjustable straps
• Built-in “invisible” support
• Underwire bikini top
• Full coverage cups
• Halter tops

You’re Two Different Sizes Top & Bottom

Some of us are two different sizes, and this can make buying one-piece garments like jumpsuits, dresses and the one-piece swimsuit incredibly hard.

Perhaps you have a thin straight torso but a very full bust? Or maybe you’re petite on top but wide-hipped? If these scenarios ring true for you, don’t despair. 

A two-piece (or bikini) will allow you to mix-and-match sizes as well as styles. If you don’t feel comfortable showing your midriff, you can opt for a tankini, so you’ll get that one-piece look with the sizing flexibility of a two-piece. 

You Want Bathing Suits That Offer Protection on Your Period

Can you swim on your period? Absolutely! Whether you want a complete alternative to disposable products or want a backup for your tampon or menstrual cup, period swimwear can be used either on its own or as a backup. Learn more about period swimwear here.

Fit Is Key: Choose the Right Size Swimsuit

You can nail the right style, but choose the wrong size, and you might as well stay home. Never mind how you look, you simply won’t feel comfortable! 

So, no matter what brand you’re shopping from here are some general pointers:

Start With Your Regular Clothing Size

Swimsuits, like most garments with a lot of stretch, often look misleadingly small on the hanger. So don’t judge too much based on their appearance on the hanger. 

The best jumping-off point is the size you typically take. For swimsuits, this may be indicated as small/medium/large, etc., or in traditional sizes like size 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, etc.

While sizing is rarely standard across brands, and most of us go up and down across brands, this is the best place to start...

Consult the Size Chart & Whip Out Your Tape Measure

To get a clearer understanding of the sizes, pull up the size charts on the website you’re on. Most websites will have a size chart linked in the product details of individual items.

Depending on the retailer, the size charts might include measurements for bust/underbust, waist, hips, and torso length. Measurements may be in inches or centimeters. 

To take accurate measurements, it’s best to use a fabric (seamstress) measurement tape and take the following measurements:

• Bust: To get this measurement, measure over the fullest part of your bust, with the tape measure parallel to the floor. 
• Underbust: This measurement will especially matter for underwire swimsuits or bikini tops. To get this measurement, measure directly under your bust, with the tape measure parallel to the floor. 
• Waist: This is the measurement around the narrowest part of your natural waistline.
• Hips: This is the measurement around the fullest part of your hip, before the thigh begins to narrow. 
• Torso length: Torso length is important for swimsuits. You get this measurement by taking a measurement from your shoulder to the crotch, at a measurement.

Compare the measurements you come up with with the size charge. Remember to read the size charts carefully to make sure you’re adhering to any particular measurement directions.

If You’re Between Two Bathing Suit Sizes, Go Small

Swimsuits usually have a lot of elastication and stretch over time and when wet, so if you’re right between two sizes, you’re likely safe going small. 

That said, going for a smaller swimsuit size shouldn’t push you into an uncomfortable experience. So if you notice any uncomfortable compression or red marks on your skin, or find the suit difficult to get on and off, it’s likely you’ve gone too small.

Order Multiple Sizes (Checking Returns Policy)

Note: Different retailers will have different return policies (especially when items are on sale), so check that before trying this tip. Knix Swimwear is eligible for a return or exchange within 30 days of delivery and with the original sanitary strip and tags attached.

But assuming returns are easy, you might consider ordering multiple sizes (your size and the sizes up and down from it) so you can try on in the comfort of your home. Once you’re confident you’ve found the right size, return the others.

Try Swimsuits at Home

Always try on your new swimsuit at home (even if you already tried it on in-store). There’s something about being at home, where you’re most comfortable, and trying on clothes that will give you a better sense of whether items fit correctly and are comfortable.

You’re familiar with the lighting, and with your own mirrors. Plus, you’ll feel less rushed and even get a second opinion if you want one. 

Two-Pieces Let You Pick Two Sizes

Two-piece swimsuits have the advantage of being sold as two separate parts, which means you can order a top and bottom in different sizes. If your body is two different sizes (e.g. you have a very full bust but narrow hips, or big hips and small breasts, or generally your bottom half and top half are just different sizes), this may be an easier option than a one-piece which is designed for more uniform sizing.

Options for the bottom half will include:

• Boy shorts
• High waisted bottoms
• High cut bikini bottoms
• Full coverage bottoms

It often makes sense to take a cue from your favorite underwear to find the most flattering fit for your body shape.

Options for the top half will include:

• Bandeau tops
• Halter tops
• Tops with wide-set straps
• String bikinis

Think About Hue: What Colors Work for You

When it comes to wearing color, there are just ask many rules as there are about choosing the right shape swimsuit. And, as usual, my instinct is: Screw it, wear the solid color or pattern you love, and you'll feel great in your own skin.

But generally, I find the colors I love are the ones that suit my skin tone, so if you want to learn more about what colors look good next to your skin, read on:

If you truly love a certain bright color, and feel great wearing it, don’t let some pesky fashion rule stand in your way. Life’s too short!

But in general, warm skin tones love warm color tones, and cool skin undertones love cool tones. But how do you tell whether you have a warm or cool skin tone? This isn’t simply a matter of how dark you are. Here are some quick hints about what your skin tone might be. If you fall somewhere in between the two, you probably have a neutral skin tone. 

To learn more about the colors suggested for these skin tones, and for fair and dark skins, check out this article. But here’s a little summary:

For those with cool undertones on the fair end of the spectrum, those deep jewel tones will be reliably flattering swimsuit colors to your pale or fair skin. Pale skin also works well with a classic red. Your colors include:

• Bright white
• Purple, magenta, amethyst shades
• A red with blue undertones (classic pillar box red)
• Sapphire blues
• Emerald greens

Of course, black is reliably good on everybody, no matter what your body type or complexion.

Candy colors tend to look amazing on those with cool undertones and darker skin. A bright white will also provide a delightful contrast with dark skin that has a cool undertone.

• Bright white
• Lilac
• Classic pink
• Aquamarine
• Mint greens

If you have warm undertones and fair skin or pale skin, light colors can blend into your skin, giving you that “nearly naked look”! Instead, choose those earthier colors, including:

• Mustard yellow
• Orange
• Dark brown
• Khaki green or olive green
• Burgundy or merlot reds

If you have a warm skin tone and darker skin, you can definitely go for lighter shades without worrying about them blending into your skin tone. These include:

• Warm whites and beiges
• Peachy pinks
• Corals
• Sage greens
• Soft lemon hues

Throw Away the Style Rules When They No Longer Serve!

So, there’s a bunch of take-it-or-leave-it advice about what to look for in a swimsuit that: 

• Accentuates your favorite bits
• Fits properly
• Complements your skin tone

But don’t feel like you need to follow these rules, they’re only useful as far as they’re helpful. And sometimes your favorite item will be the one that breaks all the rules. That’s okay too. Fashion and design would never evolve if there weren’t people who broke the rules!

The most important thing is that you love how you look in your swimsuit or any other clothing!

We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.