How to Choose a bikini for your apple body shape

There’s no such thing as a perfect body, but there are lots of ways to choose a perfectly flattering swimsuit for you. In this Roxy expert guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make the most of your Apple body shape. Not sure what body shape you have? You’ll want to check out our How To Choose A Bikini For Your Body Shape guide to find out.

What is an apple shaped body?

Apple-shaped women tend to be top-heavy: broader in the bust and waist, with narrow hips. And like real apples, there are many varieties of apple body types, but a classic round body shape usually has the following characteristics:

Wide chest and/or back
Medium to large bust
Wide waist with a tendency to put weight on the tummy
Narrow hips, small bottom and slim legs
Bust, waist and hips have similar measurements

How to choose a bikini for an apple shaped body?

The trick to choosing the right swimwear for any body shape is to balance out the proportions and draw attention to your strongest features. In the case of an Apple, you’re aiming to focus attention on your breasts and slim legs, while adding to the curve of your hips and waist.

Add emphasis to the curve of your hips with patterned bottoms and side-ties.
Mix & Match tops and bottoms to fine-tune to your personal dimensions.
Look for eye-catching tops to draw attention away from big tummies and wide waists
A tankini top paired with a high waisted bottom will tone and flatter a round belly.

Swimsuit Coverage Guide

Best bikini types for apple-shaped women

One-piece swimsuit

A fitted one-piece can really help add definition to a large waist and cover the belly. Look for designs with eye-catching shapes and details around the hips and neckline, with darker colours around the middle to minimise a larger waist. Sweetheart necklines both flatter and provide coverage for a large bust. Also, don’t be afraid to try out ruffles around your waist: even though they add volume, ruffles can be great for hiding unwanted bulges.

Shop one piece swimsuits

Bikini tops

Even though you probably have a large breast, it’s fine to go for bold, designs that draw the eye up to the bust and neckline. If you have wide shoulders, avoid strapless or spaghetti strap designs, otherwise… go wild on bikini top styles.

Shop bikini bottoms

Bikini bottoms

With your bikini bottom, you’re aiming to add curves to your narrow hips and shape to your wide waist. A retro high-waist bikini bottom is a great way to add definition while flattening a big belly. If you have a flat tummy, a skimpy, horizontal waistline bikini bottom with side ties will emphasise the curve of your hips and butt, and draw the eye down to your slim legs.

Shop bikini bottoms

Bikini types to avoid when you are apple body shaped

You want to emphasise your legs and feminine curves, not hide them, so avoid hip-slimming, leg shortening boy shorts, especially if you have a big tummy. The worst bathing suits for apple shapes are the ones that draw attention to your waist, like one-piece swimsuits with attention-seeking colours or patterns around the midriff.

If you’re an apple shape who’s planning on catching some waves in your new bikini, you’ll also need to be sure it’s a surf-friendly design – check out our How to choose a Surf Bikini guide for everything you need to know.

Whatever your shape, the most important thing for looking good in swimwear is feeling good about your body. Remember, the best swimsuit for apple shapes is the one you’ve already got – as long as you’re wearing it with confidence.

Shop ROXY bikinis