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The Most Flattering Swimsuits for Apple-Shaped Bodies, According to Fashion Experts

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Best Swimsuits for Apple Shaped Bodies: Boden, Andie, Calia Swimsuits Collage
Boden/Andie/Calia

Swimwear is definitely up there with bras and jeans as one of the most frustrating clothing items to shop for. By their very nature, bathing suits expose so much of our bodies, making it harder to disguise areas we’d rather not highlight. But that’s not to say it’s impossible to find flattering options. So in order to make it easier to find swimwear that flatters a fuller middle (or an “apple” body shape), specifically, I scoured the internet and spoke to a few experts to find the best styles out there.

And, no, this list isn't limited to just one-pieces. “High-waist bikini bottoms that can hold in the tummy and add support are a great and comfortable option,” says Cameron Armstrong, founder and CEO of Kitty & Vibe. Swimsuits also get bonus points for things like ruching and color-blocking, which you'll see below.

The Best Swimsuits for Apple-Shaped Bodies at a Glance

1

Andie The Nadi One-Piece

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2

Boden Porto V-neck Swimsuit

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3

Mara Hoffman Lira Top and Lydia Bottoms

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4

Swimsuits For All Tie-Back Tankini Set

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5

La Blanca Island Goddess One-Piece

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Meet the Experts

  • Lonstein Gruss, founder and creative director of Shoshanna.
  • Cameron Armstrong, founder and CEO of Kitty & Vibe.
  • Erin Collins-Rittling, director of Aerie styling.
  • Michelle Copelman, vice president of design at Andie.

 How I Chose The Best Swimsuits for Apple-Shaped Bodies

To pick the best swimsuits for apple-shaped bodies, I went straight to the experts at four PureWow-favorite swim brands—Shoshanna, Andie, Kitty & Vibe and Aerie—to get their advice on the best tips and tricks for finding bathing suits that you can feel confident in. Not only did they give me their top picks for apple figures, but I also used their advice to fill this list with highly reviewed options in a variety of styles, from stunning one-pieces to flirty bikinis.

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A sweetheart neckline and subtle ruching at the bust give a bit of flirt to this full-coverage one-piece. The seam under the bust creates a natural hourglass figure, while adjustable straps and a long torso option make getting the perfect fit easy, whether you're tall or petite. It also comes in two print options, which may also help distract from the belly region.

There are plenty of solid color combos to choose from, but I'm partial to this coastal tile print that nails the Amalficore trend of the summer. It might even make your community pool feel a bit more like Positano. A thick white band under the V-neck bust helps create a flattering silhouette, with the added bonus of sculpting lining to keep you feeling snatched and supported. "I am in love with this swimsuit!," raves one reviewer. "I put it on and instantly felt confident. Print is SO cute!! For reference, [I am] 5' 2", 158 pounds. Cut is a little low in the front, but felt very secure. Coverage in back is great and suit has a wonderful slimming effect."

This neon two-piece puts a fun, unexpected twist on the color-blocking trend. Plus, the high-waist bottom and thicker straps of the top should both offer lots of support, so you can feel free to enjoy an active pool day while showing some skin.

If you're looking for extra coverage when it comes to a two-piece, why not try an empire-waist tankini like this stunning number? The extra material of the top will flow beautifully over your figure, and I love that this style comes with built-in molded bra cups and an adjustable tie back for prime chest support. On a practical note, it’ll also make hitting the restroom infinitely easier.

This ruched one-piece has a cute keyhole detail at the neckline and a gorgeous open back with crisscrossed straps that you can adjust to provide more or less support as needed. It also has a tummy-shaping panel in the bodice to smooth you out without feeling constrictive. I own it in the guava shade and absolutely love it.

“Opt for slimming vertical stripes,” suggests Erin Collins-Rittling, director of Aerie styling. “Even better if they’re in a novel texture, like terry cloth.” While horizontal stripes typically aren’t that flattering, vertical lines will draw the eye in and up. This high-leg pick from Target totally fits the bill, and it comes in both black and blue striped colorways.

Combining bold vertical stripes with a bit of color-blocking at the bottom, this retro one-piece feels like it's straight out of the 1930s in the best way. The square neck and hidden underwire are great features for those with larger busts, while the solid black bottom helps camouflage the lower belly and provide plenty of bum coverage.

The ruched material of this flirty and feminine J.Crew swimsuit is hailed as being super flattering, while the ruffles up top can help balance your shape and draw the eye up to your shoulders and décolletage. "The suit is very flattering in the tummy area and provides the perfect coverage in the back," writes one fan of the style.

This suit has a lot going for it, starting with the removable belt that helps create an hourglass shape. The bustier silhouette gives a little more support and coverage, too, making this one-piece (and you, in turn) a true triple-threat. Psst: Use code SUMMER30 at checkout to score it for another 30 percent off.

Sometimes you just need a little shine. The ribbing on this strapless one-piece provides the subtle slimming effect of vertical lines along with a touch of sheen. You can cinch yourself even further with side and neckline ruching that can be pulled with adjustable ties. Here's what one 5-star reviewer has to say about this pick: "The fabric is great quality and holds you perfectly in all the right places. Stayed up even in the waves, supportive for the ladies."

This ruched one-piece is elevated with a ruffle overlay that does double duty of dressing the piece up and providing some extra coverage over the stomach area. This leopard print option is on the wild side, but there are several solid and floral options to sift through as well. "This is a must buy," writes one shopper. "I got the floral pattern but plan to order in other colors. [It's] comfortable, but sucks it in around the midsection. Good support on top...flattering around the butt. Super fun. Just buy!"

Using blocks of color or patterns to flatter your silhouette is a trick that can benefit literally every body type, and the style experts I spoke to suggest using diagonal lines specifically to minimize your tummy area. This one-shoulder Sidestroke suit from Summersalt offers a variety of color-blocking in different hues, and comes in a wide range of sizes, so if you're looking for a great plus-sized swimsuit, look no further. (Even better, this style comes in a long-torso cut as well!)

The middle band of this number creates the illusion a cinched waist, while the tie-neck halter top adds interest up top and supplies a stunning retro silhouette. No wonder PureWow's Senior Director of Special Projects and Royals Rachel Bowie sang this suit's praises in a review: "I put it on and instantly fell in love with how slimming it was, thanks to the body-sculpting lining and lightly padded bra cups that keep everything in place. (For reference, I’m a C-cup.) Yep, my stomach felt slimmer and my butt felt properly covered. And, as a bonus, the customizable tie neck lifted me up without creating a uniboob."

“The Mykonos suit in the ribbed fabric option provides compression, texture and belly support, but has a super flattering middle seam that cinches at the waist,” says expert Michelle Copelman, vice president of design at Andie. The low-cut neckline, meanwhile, makes the gals the center of attention. As a bonus, it also comes in a long torso length.

“A lot of Kitty & Vibe customers love the High Hip bottoms because they offer a [crossover accent] right in front of the belly, which can add some distraction detail,” says Armstrong. As you may already know, not all high-waist bikinis are flattering on apple silhouettes, but those with some additional detailing—like a crossover at the waist—add interest and help disguise any lumps or bumps you’d rather not have on display. Pair these bottoms with the triangle top in the same colorful print to get the perfect set.

The ruching on the body of this whimsically printed tankini adds some slimming detailing and coverage, and also allows you to mix and match the bottoms if you desire. As one reviewer shares, "it hides all the lumps and bumps around the stomach area." The plunge neckline makes it feel a little more sultry, but should keep you feeling supported with padded cups and longer ties at the neck, which ensure a secure fit.

OK, so this isn’t a true tie-waist design, however, the side twisted waistband, combined with the ruching up top, has all the same waist-cinching powers as an actual knot. It's a two-piece that's sure to be just as comfortable as a one-piece, and look fabulous on thicker midsections.

Combine all the flattering effects of color-blocking and ribbing with a well-positioned side cutout and adjustable belt, and you’ve got yourself a total must-have suit. It comes in various shades and shoppers rave about the thick and supportive poly/spandex material. However, many buyers note that it does run a little small, so you might want to size up.

A ruched bodice + wrap front + a vertical stripe print = your new favorite suit. I love that it provides ample coverage in the rear too, making it a family-friendly suit you can run around in on vacation without worry. Plus, there's options for us long-torso gals, too.

All the sex appeal of a Baywatch one-piece, just with a bit more support and coverage. If you have a fuller waist and tummy, you'll appreciate the power mesh panel built into the bodice, which will work in conjunction with the ruching to create a supremely sleek silhoutte.

Why do I love this pick? Oh, let me count the reasons. For one thing, the plunge halter neckline creates a super chic look that will stay in style for years to come. The scarf neck tie makes it easy to adjust, while the shirring at the bust keeps the eyes up and away from the tummy area. A win all around, in my book.

Color-blocking meets cool waves in these high-waisted bottoms, providing extra coverage over the waist. Paired with the matching square top, it's a recipe for a sweet swirl. You can also get the same style in solid shades that are meant to be mixed and matched.

What's the Best Overall Swimsuit for an Apple Body Type?

Lonstein Gruss, founder and creative director of Shoshanna, says, “Find a suit where the waistline begins just below the bust. This will give you more of an hourglass figure and distract from your midsection.” Based on this advice, I'd say the best overall swimsuit for an apple body type would be the La Blanca Island Goddess one-piece swimsuit, my personal fave, which combines that hourglass look with some ruching to cover up the midsection.

What to Look for in a Swimsuit, If You Have an Apple Body Type

There are several types of swimsuits that work well for an apple body type, according to the experts I spoke to. Here are a few styles and features that they recommend:

  • Empire-waist bathing suits that will draw the eye up and in to fake more of a waist.
  • Vertical stripes that will help elongate the figure for a more slimming effect.
  • Using artfully placed seams, color blocking or even Bond girl-style belts to help create the illusion of a more hourglass silhouette.
  • A tie at the waist or to the side, which can add interest and help disguise any lumps or bumps you’d rather not have on display.
  • For those who carry their weight in their middle, diagonal lines that cut across your midsection are most successful at minimizing the look of your tummy.
  • Ruching is really a gal’s best friend when it comes to camouflaging bumps. Any suit with shirring, ribbed materials, terry cloth or other interesting textures will work!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's an Apple Body Type?

As the name suggests, an apple body type is typically rounder in the midsection like an apple. Some common characteristics include a large bust, narrow hips and a full midsection, with shoulders and bust being larger than the hip.

What's the Best Swimsuit for a Thicker Waist?

Those with a thicker waist might feel more comfortable with one-pieces that cover up and slim the waist area, as well as high-waisted bikinis that rest above the hip. Any of the bathing suits recommended for apple body types above would work as well.


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Editor

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Courtney Campbell

Freelance Writer

Courtney covers all things shopping and lifestyle at PureWow. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Elon University and has spent more than five years of her career writing and editing shopping content. She has also tested everything from kombucha kits to standing desks for product reviews. With a passion for service journalism, she loves covering food, lifestyle and home content. You can follow her on Instagram or see more of her experience on LinkedIn.

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