Bikini Pasform Guide
Different types of styles and designs will fit and flatter your figure differently; the key is to balance your proportions and use shapes, colours, prints and aesthetic details to direct the eyes. Use the tips below for suggestions on how to emphasise or minimise your features using different styles and prints.
- Try on a variety of different styles. Step outside of your comfort zone, as you may find something new!
- If you're choosing between two sizes, go for the smaller one. Bikini bands and bottoms will expand when wet.
- Ties and adjustable straps can be used to fit the bikini to your body. Tie slightly tighter than you think you need.
- Find a great fit. Confidence will come from a great fit and a silhouette that flatters your figure. Bra-sized bikinis can lift and shape the bust and give you the support and shape you want -- and separates! All bikinis at LACE are sold as separates so you can get the size you need in the style you want.
BUST: EMPHASISE
Choose styles with less coverage at the bust, such as plunging necklines, and look for padding or push-ups, bold prints and colours, embellishments and lacing, twisted fronts or ruffles can add the look of volume to the bust. Halterneck styles can bring the breasts inwards to give the appearance of fullness and cleavage.
BUST: MINIMISE
Select styles with underwires to lift your breasts and for styles with more neckline coverage for security. Look for styles without foam or padding and avoid bold prints or neckline details that will draw the eye towards the bust. Darker, solid colours will be the most minimising.
BUST: SUPPORT
Bra-sized bikinis and styles with underwires will give you the support that you need. Styles with wider and adjustable shoulder/neck straps will help lift and shape a large or heavy bust. Traditional shoulder straps and styles allowing you to criss-cross the straps will give the most support. Keep in mind padding is not just for small busts; it can offer support and shaping for any size.
WAIST: EMPHASISE
Showcase your waist with high-cut briefs and a low to classic rise at the waist. Embellished bottoms or styles with gathers, pleats or belt details at the waist will draw the eye inwards.
WAIST: LENGTHEN
To extend the waist, look for embellished and low-rise bikini bottoms, cutouts and sheer panels, diagonal or vertical stripes or seam details that focus the eyes upwards.
HIPS & BOTTOM: EMPHASISE
Styles that are low rise or have waist or hip embellishments, patterned bands, solid bottoms, reduced coverage bottoms like a tanga or Brazilian cut, bright colours and bold prints can bring more attention to your bottom.
HIPS & BOTTOM: EMPHASISE
Styles with tie sides, ruching, gathers or ruffles can also enhance the hips and bottom.
HIPS & BOTTOM: MINIMISE
Briefs and skirts with more coverage, and tops that draw attention away from the hips can minimise your bottom. Choose solid colours, and consider trying higher cut leg openings as they can slim the hips by making the legs look longer, rather than trying to cover up. Bikini tops with wider shoulder straps, shoulder detailing or bandeau style necklines can balance the figure, making your shoulders look more broad, minimising attention to your hips and bottom. Styles with soft waistbands, fold over tops and ruched sides will not cut in and can be more flattering on fuller hips.
LEGS: LENGTHEN
Create the illusion of longer legs with high-waist and high-leg bottoms. Choose styles with narrower and thinner sides, or strappy details, mesh sides or cutouts.
LEGS: LENGTHEN
Showing more skin lengthens the leg line.
LEGS: SHORTEN
Styles with full and wide coverage on the hip can create a shorter looking leg. Boyleg shorts and styles with skirted bottoms will reduce the amount of leg shown and can visually shorten the leg line. Also, try the tips above for lengthening your torso to balance proportions without creating a shorter looking leg.
TORSO: LENGTHEN
Prints and patterns with vertical seams or details will give a longer look. Try embellished or low rise bikini bottoms, and bikini styles with halter-neck straps.
TORSO: SHORTEN
To balance proportions, choose styles that make the legs look longer like high-cut leg and high-waisted bottoms.
SHOULDERS: EMPHASISE
Bandeau style necklines will showcase the neck and shoulders drawing the eye horizontally across the chest, while halterneck tops can elongate the neck.
SHOULDERS: MINIMISE
Look for deep-v necklines to draw the eye up and down, rather than across to minimise broad shoulders.
SHOULDERS: MINIMISE
Bottoms with bold prints and colours, with more coverage, will direct the eyes away from your upper body.