How To Choose a Bikini for Your Athletic Body Shape

How To Choose a Bikini for Your Athletic Body Shape

How To Choose a Bikini for Your Athletic Body Shape

Athletic Body Shape: Definition

best bikini for athletic body shape

Don’t worry we’ve all been there! Finding a swimsuit that you don’t only look good in but feel good in can be quite difficult and somewhat overwhelming at times. More often than not though, it’s easier than it seems. You just have to know where to start. The first and most important step is knowing what body shape you have. From here you can work on adding curves and balancing out your body's proportions. Don't know what body shape you have? check out our How To Choose A Bikini For Your Body Shape guide to help get you started on your journey to finding the perfect bikini.

What Is the Athletic Body Type?

The sporty spice of all the body types out there. Women with an athletic body shape tend to have broad well defined shoulders, narrow hips and a straight silhouette. This figure is often matched with distinct muscle tone and can also be referred to as the inverted triangle. Typical features of an athletic body shape include: 

  • Hips that are slim and narrow
  • Defined broad shoulders
  • A well toned body
  • Small bust area 
  • Straight silhouette

How To Choose a Bikini for an Athletic Shaped Body?

With the athletic body shape having wider shoulders than hips it is important to balance out these proportions. The trick is to add more volume to your waistline whilst drawing attention down and away from your shoulders. This will help to add curves to your straight silhouette also and leave you feeling more confident in your body. Here are a simple few tips on how to do this: 

  • For your broad shoulders, stay away from bright coloured tops, look for a dark coloured top with thicker straps and plunging neckline. This will add a curve to your chest, balance out your figure and emphasise your feminine assets. 
  • For your smaller waist, pair your dark coloured top with bright, fun and colourful bottoms. Even look for embellishments such as ruffles, tie sides and rushing to add volume to your narrow hips. This style of bottom will draw attention down and away from your shoulders, highlighting one of your greatest assets, your gorgeous legs.

Swimsuit Coverage Guide

Best Bikini Types for Inverted Triangle Shaped Women

athletic body shape

One-Piece Swimsuit

Treat one piece swimsuits like you would treat bikinis. Keep in mind our tips above. The neckline should have thicker straps, a plunging neckline and be a darker colour. When it comes to the bottom half of the one piece look for colours, embellishments and anything that will help add volume to your narrow waistline.

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Bikini Tops

When it comes to bikini tops the goal is to slim your shoulders. Try to stay away from straight across necklines as they make your shoulders seem broader than they actually are. Darker colours and more revealing necklines are your friend and don’t be afraid to play around with one shoulder tops too! Hot tip: Padded cups enhance your feminine chestline whilst adding curves, so have a play around to see if these are for you.

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Bikini Bottoms

Bikini bottoms are your opportunity to draw the eyes down and enhance your great legs. Look for bright colours and patterns, any kind of addition to the bottom such as ruching, ruffles or tie sides to help add volume to your smaller waistline. If you have a smaller bottom, a skimpy cut style of bikini bottom can help add femine curve to this area.

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Bikinis for women with apple body shapes

Bikini Types To Avoid When You Are an Athletic Body Shape

Strapless / bandeau style bikini tops although the idea of them is cute, they will only add to the broadness of your shoulders, making them look bigger than what they are. This goes for all straight across necklines. Thin straps and bright coloured tops will also add volume to your upper body, which we are trying to soften. Dark coloured bottoms and boy shorts should also be avoided as they slim your already narrow waistline even more. 

 

Well there you have it, everything you need to know about choosing the perfect bikini for your athletic body shape this summer. Remember balance is key. However, the most important part of choosing the perfect bikini is confidence. It's the most important asset anyone can bring to make them look and feel good. Keep this in mind and you'll be rocking your beautiful athletic body shape this summer! 


If you're a surfer with an athletic shaped body, you'll need to make sure your new suit is surf friendly! Don't worry, we’ve got you covered there too! Check out our
guide to choosing a surf bikini expert guide to answer all your questions on this!

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