Finding flattering tan-through swimwear for your body shape is less about hiding and more about balance — choosing cuts, prints and necklines that flatter your natural proportions while letting you top up your tan through the fabric. Our premium tan-through swimwear is woven from a special lightweight fabric that lets sunlight pass through the material, helping you tan more evenly and reducing harsh tan lines. This guide walks you through the most flattering styles for each figure, so you can shop with confidence.
First, a quick word on fit
The most flattering swimsuit is always the one that fits properly. Tan-through fabric has a gentle, comfortable stretch, but you'll get the best silhouette — and the most even tan — when the piece sits smoothly against your skin without digging in or gaping. If you're between sizes or unsure, our FAQ page covers sizing and fabric care in detail. When in doubt, size up for comfort around the bust and hips.
Hourglass: play up your waist
If your bust and hips are balanced with a defined waist, you'll want styles that highlight that natural curve. A one-shoulder cutout swimsuit is ideal — the asymmetric strap and side cutout draw the eye to your midsection and lengthen the torso. Bold prints like our black-and-gold baroque design add drama without overwhelming your shape. Matching bikini separates work beautifully too, since you can size the top and bottom independently to suit your proportions.
Pear shape: balance the top and bottom
If your hips are wider than your shoulders, the goal is to add a little visual weight up top to balance things out. A statement one-shoulder neckline or a bikini top in a bright, eye-catching print — think Pink Crocodile or Blue Aztec — pulls attention upward. Pair a patterned top with a simpler, higher-cut bottom to elongate the legs. Our full tan-through collection lets you mix and match tops and bottoms so you're never boxed into one look.
Apple shape: define and support
If you carry more through the middle, look for a one-piece with a cutout or a diagonal line that creates definition through the waist. The asymmetric one-shoulder swimsuit is a natural fit here: the single strap and cutout break up the silhouette and draw the eye along a flattering diagonal. Ruched detailing and darker base tones in a print can also add structure and support where you want it.
Athletic and straight figures: create curves
If your shoulders, waist and hips run in a fairly straight line, you can use cut and pattern to suggest more curve. Side cutouts, one-shoulder straps and bold prints all add shape and movement. A high-leg bikini bottom creates the illusion of a longer, curvier lower half, while a structured top adds definition up top. This is where statement swimwear really shines — the more visual interest, the more shape you create.
Petite frames: keep the eye moving
If you're on the shorter side, choose styles that lengthen rather than cut you in half. A one-piece in a single flowing print draws one long line down the body, while a high-cut leg elongates. Diagonal details, like a one-shoulder strap, keep the eye travelling upward. Avoid anything that visually divides you across the middle, and let a single bold print do the work.
Fuller bust: support first, then style
For a fuller bust, prioritise a top with real support and a wider strap — the single, substantial shoulder of a one-shoulder design offers more security than thin spaghetti straps. Once you've got the support sorted, a bold print keeps the look playful and confident. Matching separates let you go up a size on the top without swimming in the bottoms.
Staying safe in the sun
Whichever style you choose, remember that tan-through fabric offers only partial sun protection. It is not a substitute for sunscreen. Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen over your whole body — including the areas covered by your swimwear — and reapply regularly, especially after swimming or towelling off. Avoid the hottest part of the day, roughly 11am to 3pm, seek shade often, and stay hydrated. A slow, steady tan is not only safer for your skin but also looks more even and lasts longer.
Confidence is the best fit of all
Body-shape guides are a starting point, not a rulebook. The most flattering tan-through swimwear is the piece you feel wonderful in — so treat these tips as gentle suggestions and choose what makes you smile. Browse the full collection to find one-shoulder swimsuits and matching bikini separates in Pink Crocodile, Blue Aztec and black-and-gold baroque prints, all made from our signature tan-through fabric.
