Putting on a swimsuit that flatters your body can go a long way in helping you feel your best when you hit the beach or the pool. That’s why it’s important to invest in the right swimsuit. A good one should leave you feeling supported, secure, and confident, especially if you’re nervous about showing off some skin. But with so many types of swimsuits on the market, you’ll need a springboard to kick off your search. We suggest diving off here, with our guide on the best types of swimsuits in Malaysia for every body type.
The Best Types Of Swimsuits In Malaysia, According To Body Shape
Whether you’re pear- or diamond-shaped, or everything else in between, here are the types of swimsuits in Malaysia that complement your body shape.
1. Pear, Inverted Triangle, Or Apple Shape: One-Piece Swimsuit
If you fall under the curvy camp, that is, the apple, pear, or inverted triangle body shapes, the classic one-piece is the type of swimsuit that works best for you. For pear-shaped figures, as in ladies whose hips are wider than the upper body, you’ll benefit from ruffles or detailing at the top half of the swimsuit to balance out proportions. Whereas for inverted triangle or apple-shaped girls who are wider on the upper body with little waist definition, a high-leg, ruched swimsuit can accentuate your legs and bring about the illusion of a more defined waist.
Our picks:
- Black and white deep V ruffle swimsuit
- White dramatic ruffle neckline swimsuit
- Pink ruched high-leg swimsuit
2. Rectangle Shape: High-Waisted Bikini
Got a mostly straight silhouette that lacks curves? Then you have what’s called an athletic build or rectangular body shape. The key to dressing up your body type for the beach is to establish the illusion of curves with two-piece swimsuits. More specifically, bikinis with high-waisted bottoms. These bottoms will hug your lower half and emphasise the narrowest part of your waistline. And if you go for a full-coverage bottom, it’ll create a fuller rear while still covering up your assets.
Our picks:
- Fixed triangle high-waist bikini
- Shoulder tie baby blue high-waist bikini
- Twist-front contrast high-waist bikini
3. Spoon Shape: Strapless One-Piece Swimsuit
Much like a pear-shaped figure, spoon-shaped ladies have curvy hips, a larger bum, and a slimmer upper body, but with the addition of a rounder torso. Your best features, however, are your slender arms, and the best type of swimsuit in Malaysia to show them off is the strapless one-piece number. It draws attention to your arms and decolletage area, and away from the bottom half of your body.
Our picks:
- Twist-front ruched swimsuit with removable straps
- Corset-style strapless swimsuit
- Removable strap contrast swimsuit
4. Petite: One-Shoulder Swimsuit
The one-shoulder swimsuit will do wonders for petite-framed Malaysian ladies, a rather common body type in this part of the world. Since you tend to have shorter torsos, the exposed shoulder will go some ways towards elongating your frame, while still enhancing your best assets. The rule here is less coverage and more skin, so you could even double down with cut-out designs in your swimsuit.
Our picks:
- One-shoulder swimsuit with cut-outs
- White shoulder tie swimsuit
- Yellow one-shoulder waist tie swimsuit
5. Diamond Shape: Tankini
The tankini—a portmanteau of tank top and bikini—is a type of swimsuit that’s popular in Malaysia because it’s a more modest take on the bikini. But did you know that it’s also best suited for diamond body types? In other words, women with broader hips than shoulders, a narrow chest, and a fuller midriff. The halter neck serves to highlight a diamond figure’s slender arms and bust, while the empire waist hides any semblance of love handles. Pair it with swim shorts or low-rise bottoms to flaunt your next best asset, the legs.
Our picks:
6. Hourglass Shape: Halter Or Underwire Bikini
Lucky for ladies with hourglass silhouettes, you’re the easiest to shop for in the swimwear department in Malaysia. With a proportionately curvaceous body and a clearly defined waist, you’ll look good in most types of bikinis or one-piece swimsuits. However, halter necklines or underwired cups will bode especially well for women who are top-heavy, as they provide sufficient support and coverage for larger busts.
Our picks:
- Twist front halter bikini
- Lace-up halter neck bikini
- Brown ribbed underwire bikini
- Underwire one-piece swimsuit
7. Small Bust: Bandeau Or Triangle Bikini
A smaller chest requires less support. And if you think of it in a glass-half-full kind of way, that makes you the perfect candidate to don skimpier types of swimsuits like the bandeau or string bikini. You’ll be sufficiently covered and supported, but look out for tops with bows, patterns, and detailing that can help create the visual illusion of a larger chest—if that’s what you want.
Our picks:
- Three-piece ring bandeau bikini set
- Ruffled bandeau high-waist bikini
- Plain-coloured tube top bikini
8. All Body Shapes: Muslimah Or Modest Swimwear
Coverage and comfort are crucial for Muslim ladies, and most modest swimwear brands in Malaysia deliver on both. A set typically includes a knee-skimming long-sleeved top, a pair of ankle-grazing swim pants, and a quick-dry hijab, which will ensure you’re fully covered up regardless of body type.
Our picks:
- Mamakiddies three-piece Muslimah swimwear set
- Motive Force three-piece hijab swimsuit
- Ogival Muslimah swimwear
Related: 7 Baju Mandi Muslimah Sesuai Untuk Melakukan Aktiviti Air Tanpa Mendedahkan Aurat
Pair The Best Type Of Swimsuit With Proper Sun Protection
Now that you know which type of swimsuit in Malaysia looks best on you, go forth and shop! But as with most swimwear, a majority of your body will be exposed to the sun while you’re frolicking on the beach or lounging by the pool. So make sure to keep yourself protected from harmful UV rays and painful sunburns by slathering on some watersports-appropriate sunscreen. Don’t forget to pack your best beach outfits too, if you’re heading to a beachside retreat.
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Cover photo courtesy of Leeloo Thefirst and Ksu&Eli on Pexels.
