5 Swimsuit Styles That Balance a Pear-Shaped Body

Pear-shaped bodies are beautifully common, and that means there are tons of swimsuit styles designed to highlight your sexy figure perfectly.

Strapless bikini tops, like our best-selling JMP The Label Vega Top, have always been a go-to for accentuating pear-shaped curves in the most flattering way.

But who says you have to stick with just one style? Swimwear shopping is all about having fun and feeling your absolute best. With that in mind, we've gathered some of our favorite swimsuit picks that flatter pear-shaped figures beautifully. Ready to find your new favorite? You're here!

Quick Look: Swimsuit Styles That Balance a Pear-Shaped Body

The goal is to balance proportions by drawing attention to the upper body while flattering the lower half. Here are the styles that help you achieve that: 

1. Attention-Grabbing Tops with Simple Bottoms: Draws the eye upward

2. High-Cut Leg Lines: Creates length and balance proportions

3. Strategic Color Blocking: Creates visual balance

4. Bandeau and Halter Tops: Broaden the shoulder line

5. Plunging and V-Neck One-Pieces: Balances the effect of vertical lines and deeper necklines

 

 

A pear-shaped body has a narrower upper body and wider hips, creating a natural curve. 

Here are some key characteristics. 

• Smaller bust

• Defined waist

• Fuller thighs

• Rounder hips.

Unlike apple or hourglass shapes, pears benefit from enhancing the upper body rather than defining the waist or minimizing the midsection.

Swimsuit Styles That Balance a Pear-Shaped Body: Full Review

At JMP The Label, we believe that a swimsuit should accentuate your shape, not hide it.

Here are some cool swimsuit styles that suit a pear-shaped body well.

1. Attention-Grabbing Tops with Simple Bottoms

You can go for swimsuit tops with features that make your upper body stand out. These include: 

• Ruffles and Frills: These add volume to the bust area, making your body appear more balanced.

• Embellishments: Our signature Cali Top features decorative details that keep the focus on your upper body.

• Interesting Necklines: We also offer the Vega Top, off-the-shoulder, with necklines that create visual interest.

Since pear-shaped figures tend to have wider hips, opt for bikini bottoms that provide coverage without adding extra bulk.

For example, our Rio Bikini Bottom is a high-waisted bottom that smooths out the hip area and creates a streamlined look.

PRO TIP: 

• Horizontal stripes on the top add width to the upper body, complementing the pear shape.

In addition, your choice of swimsuit should match the occasion you’re wearing it for. 

If you’re wearing a swimsuit for a casual beach day, a halter top with a solid high-waisted bottom creates a chic and effortless look.

But if it’s a pool party, a one-shoulder ruffled top with a sleek bottom will give you that trendy yet balanced style.

2. High-Cut Leg Lines

Higher-cut swimsuit bottoms can be incredibly flattering on a pear-shaped body because they elongate the legs and make the hips appear more proportional.

We offer high-cut leg lines in bikini bottoms for pear-shaped women in several styles, including the Superstar and RIO.

The higher leg opening in these sets makes the legs look longer and the hips narrower. A well-fitting high-cut swimsuit should stay in place without riding up too much. 

That’s why we made our high-cut bottoms in the RIO collection with a trendy V-shape, available in sizes ranging from small to 3XL. 

You also need to look for materials with stretch and support to keep everything smooth and comfortable. Our material is 85% recycled nylon and 15% sandex, so you know you’re getting quality. 

3. Strategic Color Blocking

Color blocking is an innovative technique that uses contrasting colors to create a well-balanced silhouette.

• Dark colors on the bottom help slim the hips.

• Bright, bold, or printed tops attract attention to the upper body.

• Diagonal or vertical color blocks guide the eye up and down, rather than side to side.

STYLING EXAMPLES: 

You can pair dark bikini bottoms with a patterned top. This classic combination is a go-to for pear-shaped figures because it naturally shifts the focus upward while keeping the lower body streamlined.

Alternatively, go for a set that is all diagonal stripes or paneling, which visually elongates and adds balance.

4. Bandeau and Halter Tops

Bandeau and halter tops are great choices for a pear-shaped body because they accentuate the upper body and create a more proportionate look.

Bandeau tops (strapless styles) create a horizontal line across the chest. We created our signature bandeau, the Vega Tops, to make your shoulders look broader and balance out wider hips.

On the other hand, halter tops draw attention to the shoulders and neck while offering support. We ensure that our halter dresses have adjustable straps that allow for a customized fit.

PRO TIP: 

• High-waisted bottoms complement the structured look of bandeau and halter tops. But moderate-coverage bikini bottoms balance the sleekness of a bandeau.

5. Plunging and V-Neck One-Pieces

Deep necklines can be a pear-shaped woman’s best friend because they elongate the torso and create balance.

The deep V-neck in our La Jolla one-piece creates a visual effect that makes the upper body appear longer, balancing the width of the hips.

Some other features of the one-piece swimsuit of your choice can be: 

• Wide straps or halter-style V-necks to lift the bust.

• Stretchy, fitted fabrics that hug the waist for a smooth silhouette.

If you want a modest look, choose a shallow V-neck with a keyhole or lace-up detail. If you're comfortable with a bold style, go for a deep V with mesh inserts for support. Just make sure to stick to solid, dark colors to create a sleek, slimming effect.

A one-piece with color-blocked or belted styles emphasizes the waist, while vertical stripes or designs enhance the elongation effect. 

 

 

Customizing Your Look with Coverups

For a pear-shaped body, opt for flowy, lightweight fabrics that drape over the hips without adding bulk. 

OUR RECOMMENDATION: 

• Our Signature Bermuda Mini halter dresses are a great choice because they highlight the shoulders and elongate the legs, creating a well-proportioned look. 

• Kimono-style coverups with open fronts keep the silhouette airy and flattering.

For a seamless beach-to-bar transition, it’s better to wear wrap skirts or sarongs that can be tied at the waist for an effortless yet chic vibe. 

You can read about quality options for apple-shaped bodies if you find yourself in that category

QUICK TIP:

• A sheer button-down shirt worn open over a swimsuit adds a stylish, relaxed feel. 

The Bottom Line

If you’re sure you have a pear-shaped body, and you need to get a swimsuit, it’s better to focus on off-shoulder, halter, and ruffled sexy bikini tops. They will add volume to the bust, while high-cut bottoms elongate the legs. 

Remember that colors are essential. Darker or solid-colored bottoms help slim the hips, while bold patterns or embellishments on the top of crochet swimsuits create balance.

At JMP The Model, we stock a variety of bathing suits for women with different body shapes and sizes. Check out our extensive range of bikini tops and bottoms and see if you can find something perfect for you!