Buying a swimsuit is often stressful. The fitting-room lighting is rarely flattering, and sizing wanders from brand to brand.
You know the scene — you carry ten styles into the cubicle and leave empty-handed, mood ruined.
The Nova Vega team knows it first-hand. The point isn't to force your body to match a runway standard.
It's the opposite — you just need the cut that gets along with your anatomy. Learn a few basic rules of body geometry and choosing beachwear becomes a pleasant quest instead of a trial.
How to determine your body type
Stand in front of a mirror in your underwear. Don't suck in your stomach or try to look taller.
Just look at the ratio between your shoulders, waist and hips. Where is the widest point?
Is there a clear curve at the waist, or is the torso line fairly straight?
These simple questions are your compass. No complex maths required — a visual read of your proportions is enough.
Which swimsuit suits each body type
Clothing should work for you, softening what you'd rather hide and highlighting your strengths. Let's go through the main silhouettes and cuts that make a beach look harmonious.
Swimsuit for an hourglass figure
You have a defined waist, with hips and bust roughly balanced. Lucky you — almost any cut fits beautifully.
Your main task is to keep that natural symmetry and play up the curves. Classic bikinis, high-leg retro styles, one-shoulder asymmetric cuts — all yours. Just avoid bulky details that add unnecessary volume to the top or bottom.
Swimsuit for a pear figure
Your shoulders are noticeably narrower than your hips. We balance the bottom by drawing the eye upward.
Choose tops with ruffles, bright prints, large trims or draping.
Keep the bottoms plain, dark and without side ties. A classic mid-rise with no extra detail won't pull attention to the hips.
Swimsuit for an inverted-triangle figure
Broad shoulders and narrow hips call for the reverse approach — calm the top and add volume below.
A clean top on wider straps or a sporty bra handles the top. The bottom is where the accent goes.
Shorts, skirted bottoms, ruffles or bold patterns visually widen the hips and even out the figure.
Swimsuit for a rectangle figure
Shoulders, waist and hips sit almost on one line. We create the illusion of curves where there are none. Monokinis with side cut-outs work brilliantly — they visually "draw" a waist.
Two-piece sets with belts, diagonal stripes and contrast panels work well too.
Swimsuit for an apple figure
Volume sits around the tummy and waist, while your legs are slim and your bust looks great.
Here it's all about comfort and proper support. Look at a tummy-control swimsuit that gently reshapes the silhouette without squeezing.
A deep V-neckline lengthens the figure and draws attention to the bust, while an open-cut bottom shows off the legs.
How to choose a swimsuit by bust size
The bust often sets strict rules for the top. What sits perfectly on a small bust may not work at all for a fuller one.
For a small bust
Here you can play with texture. Ruffles, fringe and dense textured fabrics all add visual volume.
If you want a more noticeable effect, read about what push-up swimwear is and who it's for. Bandeau tops and triangle cups also look great on a petite bust.
For a full bust
Reliable support comes first. Forget thin strings that dig painfully into the neck under the weight. Look for wide straps, hidden underwire and dense fabric under the bust.
Your comfort at the beach depends directly on good support — you should swim and move freely without adjusting the top every minute.
How to choose bottoms for your figure
Sometimes the top fits perfectly and the bottom ruins the picture. To avoid that, browse the women's swim bottoms section and pick them separately.
A high rise nicely hides a small tummy and lengthens the legs. Brazilian cuts make the glutes rounder and more lifted.
Classic briefs are the base option — maximum comfort, and they suit absolutely everyone.
How colour and print change how the figure reads
Black is slimming — an old but working rule. Still, don't limit your wardrobe to dark tones only.
Dark geometric side panels on a light background create a cinched-waist effect. A large bright print adds volume exactly where it sits — use that to balance the figure.
A small pattern or vertical stripe lengthens the silhouette, making you look taller and slimmer.
One-piece or two-piece
The eternal question of a one-piece or two-piece swimsuit for the holiday is easy to settle.
If an even tan is your main goal, choose two-piece swimsuits. They leave the most skin open and let you mix and match.
One-piece swimsuits are about elegance and activity. They're indispensable for beach volleyball, jumping off the pier or swimming a lot.
What to look at beyond the cut
Looks are only half the story. It pays to know what swimsuits are made of.
The elastane content and the fabric's resistance to chlorine or salt decide whether your piece lasts one short holiday or several seasons.
Don't skip the guide on how to care for a swimsuit so the colours stay as bright as on day one.
And to finish a stylish beach look, you'll want beach sets and weightless tunics.
How not to get the size wrong
Buying a size down hoping it will "hold everything in" is a bad idea. The fabric bites into the skin and creates folds where there were none.
Always take fresh measurements before buying. You'll find a step-by-step guide in swimsuit size: how to determine it.
If you're between two sizes, a tie-side or oversize swimsuit is the universal answer — you set the fit yourself.
Find your Nova Vega swimsuit
Our team designs beachwear with real women in mind, not plastic mannequins. We know how much the right fit, comfortable fabric and self-confidence matter.
You can read more about how we work on the about us page. Find your perfect cut, pick your favourite colour and head to the water feeling unstoppable.
FAQ
Which swimsuit is best for a pear shape?
Look for an eye-catching, bright top — ruffles, flounces, light shades. Keep the bottoms dark, in a basic cut, with no ties or extra detail on the hips.
How do I choose a swimsuit for a full bust?
Look for wide straps, underwire and a firm, wide band under the bust. Thin triangle straps won't give enough support.
Which swimsuit makes the waist look slimmer?
A monokini with symmetrical side cut-outs, a one-piece with a diagonal wrap, or a two-piece with high-waisted bottoms.
How do I choose a swimsuit for a small bust?
Push-up cups, dense padding, textured fabric, fringe or frills add the volume you want at the neckline.
Does a high-waisted swimsuit suit every figure?
It looks great on hourglass and pear shapes because it accents the waist. But it can visually shorten the torso, so petite women should use it with care.
Which swimsuit if I have a tummy?
One-pieces in dense fabric with a shaping effect, or two-pieces with high retro bottoms that cover the area.
One-piece or two-piece — which is better?
It depends on your plans. For an even tan, a two-piece. For active swimming, a water park or light shaping, a one-piece.
How do I measure my swimsuit size correctly?
Measure your bust at the fullest point, your underbust, your waist and the widest part of your hips. Then compare with the maker's size chart.
