Warmer weather is almost here! As you fill your calendar with summer events, don’t forget your beachside wardrobe. At Anne Cole, we want you to look and feel fabulous in your swimwear as you host, play, and relax this season. 

In case you’re unfamiliar with common body shapes, take a quick peek at our article on how to choose a swimsuit for your body type to find the body shapee that describes you best. Common body types include a rectangle body shape, apple shape, pear body shape, hourglass shape, and athletic shape. 

Swimwear styles can look different on women with athletic body types in comparison to women with hourglass figures or curvy bodies. Swim shorts and mid-rise bikini bottoms sit differently on narrow hips versus wider hips, and halter tops can flatter certain figures more than others. 

We’re here to help you pick a complementary swimsuit for a balanced silhouette so you can look and feel stunning this summer. 

If you are a woman with a pear body shape, read on for tips to pick the perfect swimsuit.

What is the pear body type?

A pear-shaped body means you might have narrow shoulders or a smaller bust, a curvy lower body, and hips and thighs that are wider than your shoulders. To get specific, a pear body type is when your hip measurements are at least 5% wider than your shoulder measurements. 

Do I have a pear shaped body?

You can use a measuring tape to determine if you have a pear shaped body type by measuring the width of your hips and shoulders. Here are a few steps to take:

1. Measure Your Hips 

Stand in front of a mirror with your feet and heels together. Take the measuring tape and wrap it around the widest part of your hips, which is usually where your hip bones sit.

2. Measure Your Shoulders

Next, measure the width of your shoulders from the edge of one shoulder to the other, across the back.

Once you have your measurements, calculate how wide your shoulders are in comparison to your hips. If the difference is larger than 5%, you have a pear body shape. For example, if your shoulder measurements are 28 inches, and your hips measure at least 2 inches more than your shoulders, then it is likely you have a pear shaped body. Visit our swimsuit size guide to learn more about how to measure your body shape.

What swimwear looks best on a pear body shape?

The best swimwear for pear shapes will flatter your lower body curves, accentuate your waistline and torso, and draw attention to your upper body. 

Whether you prefer elaborate styles and bold patterns, a simple color-blocking swimsuit, or light colors, some general styles for women with pear shapes include:

• One-piece swimsuits that accentuate the waistline
• Tankinis
• Bikinis (including halter bikinis) paired with high-waist bikini bottoms
• Swim skirts
• Swim dresses

Accentuate your neckline

Your choice of necklines to flatter a pear shape body and narrower shoulders include:

• Halter Necklines
• Sweetheart Necklines

Choose tops with underwire or an extra band below the bust or vibrant colors and unique patterns to draw focus to your top. 

Flatter your waist

For your waist, focus on bathing suits with ruching and distinct panels for definition. 

• Aim for high waisted or high cut swimsuit bottoms. 

• Bathing suit bottoms with a tie will also be flattering and draw attention to your curves. 

• If you prefer a subtle pear shape, choose bottoms that cover the thighs more.

How to choose a bikini for a pear shaped body

Let your bathing suits show off your natural curves by wearing high-waisted bikini bottoms instead of hip hugging swim bottoms or boy shorts. 

Draw attention to your torso and bust by selecting halter neck bikini tops, bikinis with underwire support, vibrant patterns, or unique details like a twisted front. Various bikini textures, a keyhole cutout, or bold necklines add chic flair and draw the gaze to the upper body.

Avoid strapless bandeau tops and strapless swimsuits in general so your shoulder tops look their best, but if you do prefer bandeau bikinis, opt for something with unique details up top. 

Note that when choosing a swimsuit, if you are between sizes, we recommend going up a size for comfort. If you have a larger bust, sewn in cups are helpful for more support.

This bright and beautiful bikini has a v-neck cut and band under the bust, while the adjustable side tie on the high waist bottom will flatter your lower curves. This swimsuit will have you looking vibrant and classic, while providing more coverage if that is what you prefer.

This classic black bikini is perfect for the hostess of a poolside cocktail party. Go for a stylish and sophisticated look with the top’s twisted flair detail. The high waisted bottoms also sit above the belly button and have a flattering cut. You’ll feel chic and stunning in this simple and elegant swimsuit.

Tankinis for pear shaped bodies

Anne Cole is known for the invention of tankinis, so we have plenty of beautiful and stylish tankini options for you. 

This one is perfect for pear-shaped women, with a sweetheart neckline and wide straps to draw attention upward. It features ruching on the sides and the black bikini bottoms make for an elegant contrast to the bold print on top. The effect is a fun and flattering swimsuit, perfect for enjoying the sun at the beach.

One piece swimsuits for pear shaped bodies

Need a classic one piece for your summer cruise? We have lovely and flattering swimwear for you here at Anne Cole. 

This sleek one piece swimsuit features a v-neck cut and band underneath the bust. The high-leg cut shows off the hips while color blocking, with darker colors on the top and bottom and a lighter color on the middle band, adds definition to your natural shape. This unique style makes this a stunning option for women who want to bring class and confidence to the poolside. 

This playful swimsuit features a zippered front and cute flutter sleeves, all of which look beautiful on a pear shaped body. A high cut and side panels provide flattering definition so you can wear it with confidence. 

Shop More Anne Cole Swimwear

We hope this guide makes your swimsuit shopping experience easier and inspires you to treat yourself to a bathing suit that makes you feel like the star of the party. This season, we want you to feel as confident and beautiful wherever your summer plans take you. 

Browse our new collections to find your favorite style or discover more inspiration on our social media page so you feel ready to dazzle.

For more tips on choosing the best swimsuit for your body type, visit our blog and read our articles on shopping for swimsuits for a short torso, what bikini is best for your body type, what color swimsuit to wear, swimsuits for athletic body types, best swimsuits for moms, best swimsuits for curvy bodies, and more. Utilize our swimsuit size guide to help you find the best size for your swimsuit.