How to know your body type?
Knowing your body type helps you choose swimsuits that flatter your shape and make you feel confident. At Noire Swimwear we believe fashion should celebrate your body, so we created this simple guide to help you identify your shape and shop with confidence.
Important: body shape is determined by bone structure and genetics, not your weight or size
Quick body-shape test
No measuring tape? No worries — stand straight but relaxed in front of a full-length mirror and observe how your shoulders, waist and hips relate to each other. If it’s hard to see, take a full-body photo and study it, a picture often makes proportions easier to spot.
Ask yourself:
- What is the widest part of my body — bust/shoulders, waist, or hips?
- Where do I tend to gain weight first?
- Is my waist noticeably narrower than my bust and hips, or is it about the same width?
Use your answers to match the descriptions below.
Hourglass
Key traits
- Bust/shoulders and hips are roughly the same width.
- Waist is well-defined and noticeably narrower.
- Often described as curvy.
Swimsuit tips
- Highlight the defined waist with belted styles or high-cut bottoms.
- Supportive tops (underwire or structured cups) balance a fuller bust.
More tips, styling tricks, and a hand-picked selection for hourglass figures → How to pick a swimsuit for an hourglass body?
Rectangle (Straight)
Key traits
- Bust, waist and hips are about the same width.
- Waist is not very defined.
- Often has an athletic silhouette.
Swimsuit tips
- Create curves with ruffles, ruching, or padded/structured tops.
- Use contrasting prints or cut-outs to define the waist.
More tips, styling tricks, and a hand-picked selection for rectangle figures → How to pick a swimsuit for an rectangle body?
Pear / Triangle
Key traits
- Hips are wider than the bust.
- Waist is defined and narrower than the hips.
- Weight gain tends to show in hips and thighs
- Shoulders may be narrow.
Swimsuit tips
- Draw attention upward with bold, detailed tops (ruffles, prints, off-shoulder).
- Choose darker, simpler bottoms and higher-cut legs to elongate.
More tips, styling tricks, and a hand-picked selection for pear figures → How to pick a swimsuit for an pear body?
Inverted Triangle
Key traits
- Shoulders and bust are wider than the hips.
- Little waist definition; smaller hips and butt.
- Shoulders are prominent.
- Weight often accumulates in the upper body.
Swimsuit tips
- Balance the silhouette with fuller or patterned bottoms (ruffles, side ties).
- Opt for halter neck tops to soften the shoulder line.
More tips, styling tricks, and a hand-picked selection for inverted triangle figures → How to pick a swimsuit for an inverted triangle body?
Oval / Apple
Key traits
- Waist is equal to or wider than bust and hips.
- Waist lacks a defined inward curve.
- Weight tends to collect around the midsection
- Bust may be fuller.
Swimsuit tips
- Choose styles that offer tummy control like high-waist bottoms for coverage.
- V-necks and structured/supportive tops.
More tips, styling tricks, and a hand-picked selection for inverted triangle figures → How to pick a swimsuit for an oval body?
Still unsure?
If you want a more exact answer, measure the widest points of your bust, waist and hips and compare the numbers — this gives a precise view of your proportions. But for most people, the mirror test above is fast and reliable.
Your body is uniquely yours. These categories are just helpful guides — not rules. The best swimsuit is the one that makes you feel confident, and beautiful. Need help choosing? Browse our curated picks by body shape.