Struggling to find swimwear that actually fits your shape, not just your size? If you have a pear shaped body, you’re not alone in feeling like most bikinis and one-pieces weren’t made with you in mind. From bottoms that dig in or draw attention to the wrong places, to tops that feel more like an afterthought than a statement, it’s easy to feel like your options are limited, or worse, unflattering. But the truth is, the problem isn’t your body. It’s the designs that haven’t caught up to it.
At ViX Paula Hermanny, we believe in swimwear that celebrates your shape, not hides it. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or walking along the shore, the right fit can make you feel confident, balanced, and truly beautiful.
This guide is here to help you find the best swimwear for pear shaped bodies, styles that work with your curves, not against them. Let’s get you into something that fits like it was made for you, because it was.
Understanding the Pear Body Shape
The pear body shape, also known as the triangle shape, is defined by hips that are wider than the shoulders, often paired with a smaller bust and a well-defined waist. Picture graceful curves, a narrow upper body, and a figure that feels naturally feminine.
Pear shaped bodies often feature:
A smaller or medium bust
Narrow shoulders
Fuller hips and thighs
A defined, slimmer waist
This shape is gorgeous, and incredibly common. The key to swimwear pear shaped women will love? Balancing the upper and lower body while accentuating the waist and curves in all the right places. With the right styles, colors, and fit, you can create a flattering silhouette that feels beautifully balanced and beach or pool-ready.
Best Swimwear Styles for Pear-Shaped Bodies
Understanding how to pick the best swimsuit for your body type, not all swimwear is the same, and when you have a pear shaped body, certain styles simply work better. You want to enhance the upper body, define the waist, and keep everything feeling confident and comfortable.
Here are the best swimsuits for pear shaped bodies by category.
Tops That Enhance Your Upper Body
Pear shaped women usually have narrower shoulders and a smaller bust, which means the right bikini or swimsuit top can do wonders to balance the proportions and draw attention upward.
Top styles you should try include:
Bralette Tops – A soft, structured favorite for pear shaped bodies, bralette tops add subtle shape and lift to the bust. Wide straps and luxe textures help balance wider hips while keeping your look polished and comfortable.
Scoop Neck Tops – Scoop necklines open up your chest and gently broaden the shoulders, perfect for balancing fuller hips. Choose styles with bold colors or soft texture to bring attention upward.
Halter Tops – Halters lift the bust and visually widen the shoulders, giving pear shaped figures a more balanced, sculpted look—effortlessly flattering and always in style.
Underwire Tops – Offering lift and support, underwire tops shape the bust beautifully and add structure to the upper body. They create a balanced silhouette while feeling sleek and secure.
Off-Shoulder Tops – Off-shoulder styles add volume and softness across the chest and shoulders, shifting focus upward and creating harmony with curvier hips.
Ruffled or Embellished Tops – Details like ruffles or embroidery bring dimension and visual interest to the upper body, enhancing your bust and adding a playful, feminine balance to your shape.
These styles don't just flatter your figure, they also add a playful, feminine touch that feels relaxed and chic. Just make sure that the fit is secure, the straps are adjustable, and the fabric offers a comfortable stretch.
Bottoms That Balance Proportions
With fuller hips and thighs, pear shaped bodies often benefit from bikini bottoms that slim, shape, or simplify the lower half of the figure without hiding it.
Bottoms that flatter your body shape include:
High Waisted Bikini Bottoms – A pear shape’s best friend. These bottoms define your waist and smooth the hips, offering a sculpted, vintage-inspired silhouette that feels both flattering and secure.
Full Bikini Bottoms – With their gentle coverage and clean lines, full bottoms balance out curvier hips without adding bulk. These are ideal for a sleek, confident fit that stays comfortable all day.
Cheeky Bottoms – Cheeky cuts lift and lengthen your legs while showing just enough skin. For pear shaped bodies, they create a flirty, balanced look, especially when paired with a bold top.
Dark-Colored Bottoms – Deep, matte tones on the bottom can subtly slim the hips and thighs while drawing the eye upward. Perfect for creating visual balance in any bikini set.
One-Piece Swimsuits and Their Benefits for Pear Shapes
One-piece swimwear are a secret style weapon for the pear shaped body. A thoughtfully designed one piece swimsuit can smoothen out your midsection, support the bust, and create the illusion of a more balanced figure, all in one flattering, easy-to-wear design.
Look for styles with:
V-necklines or plunge fronts to elongate the torso.
Color blocking or strategic paneling that defines the waist and enhances the upper body.
Adjustable straps to customize your fit and lift.
Bonus? A one-piece doubles beautifully as a top when paired with wide-leg linen pants or a flowy beach skirt, making them perfect for a resortwear outfit.
Fabrics, Patterns, and Colors That Flatter Pear Shapes
You’ve got the right figure, now it’s time to play with texture, tone, and detail. When chosen thoughtfully, fabrics, patterns, and colors can visually sculpt your figure and guide the eye exactly where you want it. Let’s explore how to style your swimsuit like a pro.
Using Bold Patterns and Bright Colors on Top
One of the easiest ways to balance a pear shaped body? Add volume and energy to your upper half. Bright colors and bold patterns can draw attention upward and create the illusion of broader shoulders and a fuller bust.
Great choices include:
Florals, tropical prints, or abstract patterns on bikini tops.
Vibrant colors like coral, turquoise, or sunshine yellow.
Shine or shimmer finishes that reflect light across your chest and shoulders.
Pair those playful tops with high waisted, solid bottoms to keep the look clean, curated, and perfectly pear-friendly.
Darker Shades and Minimalist Designs for Bottoms
To visually slim the hips and thighs, opt for dark, matte tones on your lower half. Consider navy, espresso, deep olive, or jet black. These colors ground your look and keep the focus where you want it, on your upper body and that gorgeous defined waist.
Choose minimalist designs with clean lines and a comfortable fit. No bulky hardware or oversized bows. Just sleek, sculpting cuts that let your curves shine.
How Color Blocking Can Create Balance
Color blocking, aka the art of combining bold solid hues in thoughtful placement, s a powerful trick for creating shape and balance. On a pear shaped body, color blocking can visually narrow the hips, define the waist, and enhance the bust all at once.
Look for swimwear with:
A light or bright color on top
A darker or neutral shade on the bottom
Vertical or diagonal seams that guide the eye and flatter your shape
Styling Tips for Pear-Shaped Bodies at the Beach or Pool
Finding the best swimwear is just the beginning—how you style it can elevate your entire look. For pear shaped women, thoughtful accessorizing and layering can help create balance, add polish, and make you feel your most confident self from sunrise to sunset.
Accessorizing to Draw Attention Upward
Accessories aren’t just cute, they’re powerful tools for shaping your figure. For pear shaped bodies, the goal is to guide the eye toward your upper body, adding proportion and creating a more balanced look.
Try adding:
A wide-brimmed sun hat to broaden your top line
Statement jewelry like earrings or layered necklaces to frame your face and shoulders
Sunglasses with bold frames to add structure up top
These small details pack a big visual punch and can completely change how your swimsuit fits into the full picture. It’s not just about what you wear, it’s how you wear it.
Choosing Cover-Ups That Complement Your Shape
Cover-ups aren’t meant to hide your body—they’re meant to enhance it. For pear shaped women, the best options are those that flow softly over the hips while keeping the waist defined and adding interest to the upper body.
Perfect cover-up choices:
Maxi beach swimsuit cover ups with deep V-necks or off-the-shoulder designs
Lightweight wrap beach dresses that highlight your waist
Vacation matching sets with breezy tops that draw the eye upward
Explore ViX’s Maxi Beach Cover Ups and Resortwear collections for effortlessly elegant styles you’ll reach for again and again.
Common Swimwear Mistakes to Avoid for Pear Shapes
While it’s important to know what works for your figure, it’s just as helpful to know what to avoid. Certain design elements can throw off your proportions or make you feel less than comfortable in your skin. Here are a few swimwear mistakes pear shaped women should sidestep:
Overly bold bottoms - Loud prints, ruffles, or large embellishments on the hips can exaggerate your lower half and create imbalance.
Strapless or unsupportive tops - These can flatten the bust and make the shoulders appear narrower, which may feel less flattering on a pear shaped frame.
Low-rise bikini bottoms - These tend to cut into the hips and draw attention to the widest part of your figure without offering support.
Instead, opt for structured, balanced designs that enhance your whole silhouette, from your shoulders to your curves to your beautifully defined waist.
Embrace Your Pear Shape with the Perfect Swimwear from ViX
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to beauty, and that’s the magic of the pear shaped body. With the right swimwear, you can accentuate what you love, soften what you don’t, and step into summer with a confidence that radiates from the inside out.
ViX Paula Hermanny swimwear is designed to move with you, flatter your figure, and reflect the craftsmanship of every hand-dyed fabric, hand-sewn detail, and artfully cut silhouette.
Whether you’re pairing a high waisted bikini with a printed wrap top, slipping into a slimming Piece Swimsuit, or layering on a beach dress that flutters in the breeze, you’re not just wearing a suit—you’re wearing a story.
So go ahead, shop our swimwear Collection, explore our signature beach dresses, or find your favorite vacation matching sets. Whatever you choose, let it be something that makes you feel beautiful, balanced, and absolutely you.