BEACH days are coming: these are the best bikinis for apple shapes.
When it comes to shopping summer swimwear, the two-piece is iconic: it's been with us since at least the 1930s, starting off as somewhat of a scandalous garment (designer Louis Réard's risque 1946 iteration was the first navel-exposing design, cue shock and horror), before morphing into the go-to beach attire we know and love today.
If you love a particular bikini and want to wear it, then we'll start by saying: you should absolutely go for it, whatever your body shape.
However, if you're an apple shape (large bust, narrow hips, full midsection) and are looking for bikinis in particular that will play up your best features and enhance your body type – then this is the shopping list for you.
From black bikinis to bold colours, prints and trims, we've rounded up the best bikinis for apple shapes, whatever your budget.
Best bikinis for apple shapes at a glance:
1. CUPSHE Women's Bikini Set Twist Front Tie Side
- CUPSHE Women's Bikini Set Twist Front Tie Side, £29.99 from Amazon - buy here
This bikini is a great choice for balancing your proportions.
The mid-rise cut of the bikini briefs gives more tummy coverage than low-rise styles, while the side tie detail adds volume – ideal for narrow hips.
Top-wise; again there's more coverage, so it will suit larger busts, plus the wrap-over design is ultra-flattering.
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There are plenty of glowing reviews too: one happy shopper says it "fits like a dream" and adds: "I have 32ee cup size and this is the most comfortable bikini I have ever tried on...can't wait to wear it on the beach."
2. Blooming Jelly Women's High-Waisted Bikini Set Push-up Criss Cross
- Blooming Jelly Women's High Waisted Bikini Set Push-up Criss Cross, £23.99 from Amazon - buy here
With its plunging halter neckline, this bikini by women's fashion brand, Blooming Jelly, will play up your best assets.
The true magic, however, is in the design of the brief: it's cut high at the smallest part of the waist, with a criss-cross cutout which will give the illusion of curvier hips. Genius, right?
The push-up style bikini top features removable pads, and the front straps can even be worn crisscrossed to match the briefs.
Available in sizes S to XL (the equivalent of UK sizes 6 to 16), it's finished in black for a timeless style.
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3. Pour Moi Space Frill Hidden Wire Convertible Top and Frill Brief
- Space Frill Hidden Wire Convertible Top, £30 from Pour Moi - buy here
- Space Frill Brief, £18 from Pour Moi - buy here
This minty green frilly bikini in from Pour Moi is super-cute.
The non-padded bra has a hidden wire design for support, with convertible straps that allow you to also wear it as a cross-back style.
Meanwhile, the frill detail at the waist of the briefs helps to add definition to the hips.
4. Pacific Beach Underwired Rope Top and Frill Brief
- Pacific Beach Underwired Rope Top, £32 from Pour Moi - buy here
- Pacific Beach Frill Brief, £20 from Pour Moi - buy here
Another frill design from Pour Moi – this one is in from the Pacific Beach collection and we're loving the tropical fern vibe.
The rope front detailing is great for a larger bust as well as adding interest. Better still, both pieces can be mixed and matched with other designs - whether you prefer foldover briefs or a padded halterneck bra.
5. M&S Collection Printed Padded Square Neck Bikini Top and Tummy Control Ruched Bikini Bottoms
- Printed Padded Square Neck Bikini Top, £19.50 from M&S - buy here
- Tummy Control Printed Ruched Bikini Bottoms, £15 from M&S - buy here
Fun print: check. Flattering style for apple shapes: check. What's not to love about this M&S bikini?
The print feels wonderfully contemporary, the top offers great coverage and support, and the contrasting side panels of the briefs add definition to hips.
6. White Stuff Floral Plunge Bikini Top and Ruched High Waisted Bikini Bottoms
- White Stuff Floral Plunge Bikini Top, £30 from M&S - buy here
- White Stuff Printed Ruched High Waisted Bikini Bottoms, £25 from M&S - buy here
Featuring a vintage-inspired floral print with contrasting olive green detailing, this White Stuff bikini is perfect for a uniquely feminine look by the pool.
With a high-waisted bikini bottom and plunge neckline with lightly padded cups, the frill trim elegantly spreads out, helping to slim the shoulders.
7. Boden Rick Rack V-neck Bikini Top and High Waisted Bottoms
- Rick Rack V-neck Bikini Top, £45 from Boden - buy here
- Rick Rack High Waisted Bottoms, £40 from Boden - buy here
It's all about the rick rack with this bikini by Boden – aka the braided zigzag trim that sets off an otherwise classic black set.
Both the V-neck bikini top and high-waisted bikini bottoms are equipped with the brand's signature power-mesh lining for extra support.
8. Levanzo Halter Tankini Top and Classic Fold Bikini Bottoms
- Levanzo Halter Tankini Top, £48 from Boden - buy here
- Classic Fold Bikini Bottoms, £38 from Boden - buy here
A tankini is a great alternative to a bikini if you'd prefer a bit more coverage in the tummy area – while still giving you all the convenience of a two-piece.
Boden's Levanzo top is available in six colourways and prints and features a halterneck design with lightly padded cups and flattering ruching across the midsection.
9. New Look Brown Leopard Print Moulded Triangle Bikini Top and High Waist Belted Bikini Bottoms
- Brown Leopard Print Moulded Triangle Bikini Top, £15.99 from New Look - buy here
- Brown Leopard Print High Waist Belted Bikini Bottoms, £15.99 from New Look - buy here
We're wild for this leopard print bikini from New Look: everything from the belted high waisted briefs (hello, cinched-in silhouette) to the ring detailing on the straps of the triangle top is a total statement.
Featuring moulded triangle cups, it contains recycled polyester – so it's eco-friendly, too.
10. New Look Curves Black Marble Notch Scoop Neck Bikini Top and Belted High Waist Bikini Bottoms
- Curves Black Marble Notch Scoop Neck Bikini Top, £17.99 from New Look - buy here
- Curves Black Marble Belted High Waist Bikini Bottoms, £15.99 from New Look - buy here
If you're an apple looking for the perfect plus-size bikini, this amazing marble design is for you.
The thick straps of the top offer good coverage and support, with a cheeky notch cutout to keep it playful.
Meanwhile, the belted, high-waisted design of the briefs will give you that snatched silhouette.
11. Beach Hut Bandeau Bikini
- Beach Hut Bandeau Bikini Top, £38 from Freya - buy here
- Beach Hut Rio Scarf Tie Bikini Brief, £22 from Freya - buy here
Freya is a go-to for swimwear for the fuller bust – this bandeau bikini is available up to a G cup.
The striped design is perfect for a fun nautical feel on the beach, while the side ties on the briefs help to add volume.
12. Check In Moulded Bikini Top and Italini Bikini Brief
- Check In Moulded Bikini Top, now £29.40 (was £42) from Freya - buy here
- Check In Italini Bikini Brief, now £18.20 (was £26) from Freya - buy here
Available in three colourways of gingham, we're loving this cute mix-and-match set by Freya.
The low plunging neckline highlights the bust, with seam-free moulded cups for a smooth silhouette, while the frill trim on the bottoms will balance out your figure and create more shapely hips.
13. John Lewis Paradise Sling Halterneck Bikini Top and Foldown Bikini Bottoms
- Paradise Sling Halterneck Bikini Top, £28 from John Lewis - buy here
- Paradise Floral Foldown Bikini Bottoms, £18 from John Lewis - buy here
If you're all about beachwear you can wear in multiple ways, you'll love this tropical bikini from John Lewis' Paradise swimwear range.
The sling straps on the top mean you can wear it as a halterneck, or "wrapped flat around your sides and tied at the back" – so much easier than faffing around with detachable straps.
And of course, the briefs are fold down, so you can wear them high on the waist or lower on the hips.
14. We Are We Wear Sibelle Tie Side High Waist Brazilian Bikini Bottoms
- We Are We Wear Sibelle Tie Side High Waist Brazilian Bikini Bottoms, £28 from John Lewis - buy here
If you've got a bikini top you love but are looking for some flattering briefs for your apple shape, this high-waisted pair by We Are We Wear is a must.
Far from feeling 'frumpy', the high-waisted style features a Brazilian back for a cheeky booty-accentuating moment. It's also made from from recycled yarns: extra points for being eco.
15. Boux Avenue Java Texture Crop Bikini Set
- Boux Avenue Java Texture Crop Bikini Set, £16.00 - £25.00 from Boux Avenue - buy here
Boux Avenue's one-shoulder bikini is pure drama: shop it if you want to make a statement.
The briefs sit high on the hips and feature a self-tie oversized sash which accentuates your waistline – while giving extra coverage.
What is an apple shape?
If you're an apple shape, you'll typically have narrow hips, a large bust and a fuller midsection.
What bikini is best for an apple shape?
If you're looking to balance your proportions, bikini bottoms with frill trims or tie sides will add volume to your hips, while high-waisted styles will sit at the narrowest part of your tummy for definition.
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Top-wise, plunging necklines and supportive cup-specific tops will make the most of your assets, while thicker straps work best with broad shoulders.
Can an apple shape wear a bikini?
Of course! Bikinis can be worn by everyone – we're firm believers that there are 'no rules'. However, if you're looking for a bikini that will flatter your apple shape and make you feel amazing, then this guide is for you.
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